The NYT is worried (in a news analysis) that if the government took over bankrupt banks that it wouldn't be able to attract good people at government salaries: "and how would the government attract the best talent if it demanded that they take minimal pay." I guess they didn't notice that the "best talent" is the reason that the banks are bankrupt and the economy is crumbling. At this point, the economy can't afford the best talent, even if they would work for free.
--Dean Baker