[Buggman]

To be blunt, those salaries, as high as they seem to you and me, are just a drop in the bucket compared to the total monies being moved during that same year. They would be well worth it—if the banks were solid. Right now, it’s a bit harder to justify.

[steve86]

They would be well worth it—if the banks were solid

No non-founder CEO has ever contributed more than $200,000 of actual value -- anywhere, anytime, any industry. They would like you to believe otherwise.

[RSmithOpt]

Though what you say is the truth, however cooked books and honest margin from doing solid business is what their salaries and bonuses should have based on 2 qtrs down the road to allow for 'adjustments'.

Booked profits from Ponzi scheme derivatives based upon borrowed monies built upon AA+ rated sub-prime repackaged loans was ludicrous. Them again, the fat cats got fatter at the expense everyone else's ignorance and trust.

I reckon I am the dumb one.

I have never ever seen such a massive conspiracy ever implemented and pulled off in the history of mankind. Now the grandchildren get to live like Mexicans when they become adults if they don't starve to death first.