That would have been an appropriate headline for a Washington Post article on the bank bailout. The article reported Senator Shelby's objections to including any provisions in the bailout that would restrict executive compensation. According to the article, Shelby said that he thinks that compensation should be set by corporate boards. Of course nothing proposed in the bailout would prevent corporate boards from setting whatever compensation levels they want. However, if the corporation wants to take advantage of the government's largess than it would be required to meet rules on executive compensation. This sort of restriction on those getting special privileges from the government is common. For example, churches that enjoy tax exempt status are restricted in their ability to lobby Congress and take part in other political activities. No one questions the right of any individual or group of individuals to lobby Congress. However, those that directly benefit from special tax treatment, do face restrictions. Similarly, corporations can pay their CEOs whatever they want. However, if they want a share of the government's bailout, they may face restrictions if the Democrats get their way.
--Dean Baker