The IRS is reportedly trying to figure out if the Tribune / Sam Zell privatization deal using the ESOP plan actually was for the benefit of the employees, qualifying it as a tax-exempt deal. (I think this is the question being pursued in the employee suit against Tribune, isn’t it?)

Anyway, I’m sure Dennis Fitzsimons would say, “Yes, yes, $23 million times yes!”

Most of us former employees would have a different answer.