Also in New York Times Friday issue is an Op-Ed by Paul Krugman, who points out the excesses of big banks in the US. He refers to a Fortune Magazine article titled “What Were They Smoking?”

I am reminded of one of my local contemporaries who earned his nickname one night in a bar by lighting a cigar with a $100 bill. Needless to say, many of today’s business leaders are earning their nicknames as well.

But while my neighbor may only have denied himself a more reasonable use for his dollars, the elitist attitude of some in this country threatens to deny many things to many people, as paydays for poor performing CEOs continue, even as they disappear for average Americans.

At least one Presidential candidate has suggested a plan to keep runaway corporations from wreaking havoc on working women and men. But even as we hear of the collateral damage in the home market, where losses from subprime mortgage lending seem headed even higher to $400 billion, other areas where people will be impacted by skyrocketing mortgage payments are coming to light. Most recently, defaults on automobile loans seem a looming hazard that could not only leave the working class on foot, but also place job-stressed auto workers under an even larger overhang of declining employment.

Perhaps they’ll be able to hitch a ride with Citi’s Charles Prince, who was paid nearly $70 million over a five year period?

It seems that America’s workers, America’s jobs, and America’s future will be held hostage by America’s Wheeler Dealers, at least until we see if America’s Presidential elections choose a leader who’s definition of ‘Free’ includes the words ‘Fair’ and ‘Reform’.

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