Capitalism is fine, IF it can be protected from greed.

Greed is human nature. We aren't going to get rid of it. It's one of the Seven Deadly Sins, and can be found in every economic system.

However, it can be synonymous with capitalism. These guys didn't each need a fleet of personal jets, no one needed to borrow $400 million from a publically held company.

But if someone mentioned this was excessive, the comment was usually to the effect that if they are making that much money they are worth it, who is to say how much is too much, and the Boards are keeping a watch. Unrestrained greed was excused.

The next time someone is tempted to rant about how organized labor is screwing the workers one might look at the list of layoffs in the last year, the losses in these companies 401(k)s, and at who might have brought those about.

The Boards of Directors should be required to give back all expenses and compensation, and be liable for the losses. If they didn't know, they should have. That's the only way they will assume the responsibility.

It's enough to piss off a person. "Life's not fair" means a bit more when it's not fair to someone close.

Arf