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I would argue that unless you've ever been the CEO of a corporation and have had to shoulder the responsibility for running such a "ship" while being held responsible for shareholder value, then it is neither proper nor even possible for you to effectively criticize the pay packages of CEO's. You must also recognize that most of their packages are loaded with stock options and other kickers tied to performance. That's a purely capitalist approach. Anyone can find examples of CEO's raking in large bucks while their companies spiral down the crapper, but those are the exception rather than the rule (and also indicative of incredibly stupid or weak Boards of Directors).

I agree. The work, time and sacrifices a CEO makes at any corporation are tremendous. They earn every cent, and put their careers on the line with every decision. Contrast this to Hollywood ... $20 Million+ for a movie?

I would argue that unless you've ever been the CEO of a corporation and have had to shoulder the responsibility for running such a "ship" while being held responsible for shareholder value, then it is neither proper nor even possible for you to effectively criticize the pay packages of CEO's

well lets look at some numbers/research. here is a link to a pdf of a study of canadian (socialists!!) ceo pay. notably:

"The typical CEO's compensation grew by 112% during 1997, whether his company's profits rose or fell. He [sic] then received an additional raise of 2% for every 10% increase in company profits. Again the relationship is positive but weak: changes in profits expalin only 5% of the changes in ceo compensation"

or we can look at productivity of US workers -- standard economic theory for what should raise their wages. some numbers say:

"If wages had kept pace with rising productivity since 1968, the average hourly wage would have been $24.56 in 2000, rather than $13.74. The minimum wage would be $13.80--not $5.15."

I suppose what would really add to the discussion, besides theories such as yours, are numbers comporable to that canadian study for US corporations. Just how well did CEO's do, relative not only to workers, but to stockholders and profits?

IMHO, the LAST "Person" paid is the "CEO" of a given Company!

FIRST, you pay the "Workers," THEN, you pay the "Consultants," & LAST, you pay Yourself!

ANYONE who violates this "Progression," is probably Defrauding someone!

Doc

"Anyone can find examples of CEO's raking in large bucks while their companies spiral down the crapper, but those are the exception rather than the rule (and also indicative of incredibly stupid or weak Boards of Directors)."

I believe just the opposite. In fact, how many average joes get golden parachutes when the company store really hits the skids. These people come in getting enormous salaries, bonuses, stock options, mortgage buy downs, free insurance, etc. etc., then if things go sour under their exalted "leadership," they just bail, after having laid off beaucoup numbers of worker bees who end up on the dole.