[need_a_screen_name]

Any merit to the argument that says the bonuses (and the pensions funded) were needed in order retain the execs? I mean, if they left now, where would American be able to find better people who know anything about the airline business outside the company?

[Ruth A.]

Personally, I believe there are always better or as good people out there who just don't have the name recognition. After all, these "crackerjack" execs have bungled everything--if we want to hold them accountable for the company. My opinion holds true for our congress who feel the need for pay raises to lure talent into the public sector.

[justlurking]

Any merit to the argument that says the bonuses (and the pensions funded) were needed in order retain the execs? I mean, if they left now, where would American be able to find better people who know anything about the airline business outside the company?

If there was any merit to it, it wouldn't have been handled this way. It was monumentally stupid to give out the bonuses, even if the timing wasn't suspect.

At this point, retaining those executives would probably be counter-productive, due to the poisoned atmosphere. I'll venture that the only way American will be able to avoid bankruptcy now is to immediately terminate every one of the executives in question and install a new management team.

If I were an American stockholder, I'd demand it. If the company has to file for bankruptcy, my stock would be practically worthless anyway, so there wouldn't be much to lose.

I thought the unions were idiotic for dragging their feet and bringing American to the edge. But if American does indeed go over that edge, the management will bear the largest amount of responsibility.