https://pjmedia.com/richardfernandez/2008/12/16/smoke-and-mirrors/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usWed, 10 Jun 2026 03:42:24 -0400<![CDATA[A YouTube video showing Bernard Madoff describing, for a talk show, how the stock market works is a hoot. It&#8217;s portentous and enlightening in a retrospective way. Like watching the Titanic&#8217;s last moments. At one point, one of Madoff&#8217;s staffers is asked by the host, &#8220;just describe what the heck you do?&#8221; The cryptic answer follows and the host nods vigorously. But I wonder if he was ever the wiser?]]>Tue, 16 Dec 2008 23:35:29 -0500<![CDATA[Richard Fernandez]]>https://pjmedia.com/richard-fernandez/2008/12/16/smoke-and-mirrors-n186803