America called. It wants its freedom back.

"Fuck you pay me." -Timmy boy Geithner

As many of you already know, on April 2nd the house voted in favor of their “Pay for performance” bill which would allow Geithner to establish the criteria used for awarding, as well as amounts given, end of year bonuses to TARP recipients.  Their “logic” is that since the government is now a part owner of these banks, they should get a say in the matter.  However, since when do minority shareholders have much to do with it? In addition, the recent vilification of bankers is sickening.  Last year Lebron James made over $40MM. Playing basketball. Is it really all that outrageous for people pulling 100 hour weeks to be compensated for their efforts?  An analyst making $140k in total compensation is still only making about $15/hr.  This equates to roughly a $60k/year salary (assuming a normal 40 hour work week) for some of the brightest and most talented people in the workforce.  This is far from unreasonable.  Bills like this, combined with rumblings that the government are refusing to take TARP repayments, are cause for alarm.  Is the best way to fix the financial crisis really to drive the talent out of the sector with ridiculous restrictions? Oh, and Dominos: Fuck off. Your hatred of “hedge fund guys” is stupid and perpetuates America’s misunderstanding and scapegoating of financial professionals.  Not to mention that your “You’ve got 30 minutes” campaign is optimistic at best and an outright lie at worst.  Last night it took Derek 58 minutes to drive my pizza half a mile. Payback’s a bitch.