As this is written, former HP chairwoman Patricia Dunn and other current and former HP employees are testifying before the US House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations about the company's spying scandal.

Dunn best summarized HP's position when she stated that she was sorry for what has happened, but refused to take personal responsibility.

According to HP, this is a crime without any criminals.

28 Sep 2006

Dunn even went so far as to state that she was asked to step down as chairman because the scandal's coverage in the press was "a major distraction to the company." Not because she was on the top of the food chain that ordered an illegal investigation.

It's becoming ever more clear that we'll never hear what exactly happened and who knew what. On the eve of the hearings, HP's general counsel Ann Baskins resigned. She refused to testify, pleading the fifth amendment. That's all too convenient, because Baskins was responsible for the actual investigation.

Baskins receives a golden handshake of $3.6m through stock options in the company that she currently owns. The terms of her unvested options have been changed, promising a pay-off of another $1m on 22 November.

When asked how she felt about this golden parachute, Dunn only showed compassion for Baskin without displaying any desire to hold her accountable for her actions.

"Her career is ruined," Dunn noted. Because Baskin too has done nothing wrong. Everybody at HP is innocent.

Dunn attempts to prevent any more stupid mistakes.

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