by Carolyn Tytler

Created on: March 22, 2009

Those AIG executives who have not been honorable enough to return 100% of their bonuses should definitely be forced to do so. They cannot claim they have earned the money through outstanding job performance; their company is in ruins.

I doubt they could plead that they are entitled to it on the basis of their good looks: I imagine they are all shifty-eyed and I wouldn't be surprised if some have begun to sprout horns.

Seriously, there are excellent reasons why these amoral individuals should be forced to return their unearned booty.

* For the good of the country and the democratic system. The world, which has had only dislike and disdain for the United States of America recently, is watching. We need to show them that democracy works. Dishonesty and incompetence are not rewarded. The righteous anger of ordinary citizens in the United States is heard and responded to. There is justice in America!

* For the good of the President. Barack Obama is barely three months into his term of office. He is faced with the monumental task of leading the country and ultimately the world out of a serious recession, possibly even a depression. To do this, he needs the support of Americans and the respect of other nations. If he is perceived to have allowed this thievery to succeed, he will forfeit the confidence of his people and esteem of the world community. Even Republicans cannot wish this to happen.

* For the American people. Most American workers earn their salary. They give an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. They are financing the bailouts. At present, many are losing their jobs, taking pay cuts, forfeiting their homes, and watching their pensions disappear. They should not be burdened with the additional angst and frustration of watching the incompetent AIG Fat Cats lap up the cream of unmerited bonuses.

* For American children. Young people of this and future generations will be responsible for repaying the huge debts incurred by the distribution of the trillions of dollars of bailout money. The greedy, undeserving recipients of the AIG bonuses are, in effect, stealing it from our children and grandchildren, and also their own. Are they so selfish and corrupt that they don't even care for their own descendants?

* For themselves. We may not know these executives' names yet, but with the eager and resourceful United States media, I'm betting it won't be long until we do. Then, they will not only have to face the scorn and disgust in the eyes of their families and neighbours, but the disagreeable reactions of the public in general. Some responses may, in fact, be quite hostile. When their identities become known, if they keep their bonuses, these executives may need to spend most of the money on personnel and items for personal protection.

The AIG executives must live in society, just like the rest of us. They will spend the rest of their lives surrounded by people. Like all of us, they will want to be liked, respected, and esteemed by family, neighbours, co-workers and the community at large. If they must be forced to return their bonuses, the media will see to it that we all know every last sordid detail of the struggle.

No matter how attractive they consider themselves to be, brains will trump beauty every time. If they were smart, they'll return every last penny immediately and hope the whole matter will just quietly disappear.

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