With Cisco announcing that they no longer need 12% of their staff this calendar year (5% in February, and another 7% in September), I am left wondering what is so terribly wrong with American Capitalism. Interestingly at about the same time someone recommended I read this book, so here we are -- seeking to understand the behavior of our corporate masters once more. This book starts with this quote: To understand a civilization, consider its heroes. Which is telling because its so true. I think it also works for organizations -- if you want to see the values of an organization, don't look at what they say, look at who they promote and idolize. That's really the author's point though, so I shouldn't take too much credit. It's clear from the start that the author doesn't like Jack Welch or his leadership of General Electric and that he thinks Welch's legacy is toxic. Honestly though, he makes a pretty convincing argument that leaves me not being a huge fan either and certainly GE didn't survive the experience of Welch and those he chose to replace him upon retirement. It is asserted that Welch had three main maneuvers in business: downsizing;…