Response

"Would you want someone taking the salary you earned back from you just because the market tanked somewhere down the road?"


It's not an apt comparison. At the executive level, these people are driving the decision making processes. The market tanking is a contributing factor, but its not the sole or even primary reason that some of these companies are failing.

If you've instituted or supported unethical or marginally ethical business practices, made decisions that directly contributed to avoidable investor loss, or committed some other type of gross negligence, then I think we need to consider how to deal with the gains you received while doing so.

Being a CEO or other high level executive is not the same as being an employee, and carries with it unique risks and benefits. Right now, I see these guys enjoying the benefits while avoiding any type of blowback from the risks.

I'm not suggesting that this be a blanket solution, or that it's even appropriate in AIG's case. But these steps, or something like them, should be put on the table. Right now, too many people are walking away scott free from a shitstorm they helped create.