Sedona AZ (September 4, 2013) – In a letter to the SedonaEye.com editor, Joe Bialek of Cleveland, Ohio, writes a response to a Kansas City Star on line article “High CEO pay doesn’t mean high performance, report says” written by Diane Stafford:
Perhaps the re-revelation of this criminal activity is most apropos on this Labor Day Weekend. We all know what would have happened to these scalawags had this occurred in China. But, fortunately this is not China and perhaps there is still time to curb this abuse before it is too late and the growing revolutionary spirit in this country reaches critical mass.
The solution to this problem lies with the answers to a series of questions:
How is the compensation of a CEO calculated vis-à-vis the so-called value he/she brings to the corporation? Is it possible to calculate it based on the number of tasks performed? Or perhaps hours worked? Or is it just some enigmatic formula that takes into account knowledge, skills and abilities multiplied by political connections?
Can any corporation in the United States justify the pay gap between large-company CEOs and average American employees of 354 to 1? Can they do it without hiding behind the Socialism/Communism counter claim that revealing this is an attack on Capitalism? Would Adam Smith recognize this as just part and parcel to his book “The Wealth of Nations”?
Are the politicians paid off to the point where gridlock {at all levels of government} is the new norm of public service? How many people would be employed today if there were a more fair distribution of wealth?
Does anyone in their right mind {regardless of political persuasion} really believe the current system is fair? How many other people in management from the CEO on down to the front-line manager have acquired their position because of political connections and not because they really earned their promotion?
What does this say about the leadership and authority of Corporate America? Who is really taking this country in the wrong direction? When will the laws be changed to guarantee life sentences for these robber barons rather than receiving less time than for stealing a car?
Troubling questions? Disturbing answers? Will this country pursue reform or will it take violence to make the necessary changes? Let us hope reform occurs before revolution rues the day. Citizens of the United States, time is running out.
Joe Bialek Cleveland, OH“Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.” Bertrand Russell
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The APS CEO’s compensation went from a bloated $5.66 million in 2010 to a piggish $7.9 million in 2011, and last year was a thoroughly obscene $11.5 million – this during a recession while many struggle to pay APS rates! And while the APS CEO was making his multimillions, the ACC gave a rate increase to “poor” APS for not selling enough electricity — this after APS guilt tripped everyone about “conserving energy”.
Appreciate original — change when the same crooks keep getting elected? Every President couldn’t find better than Greenspan & now Sir Larry from Harvard whose record was dismally mediocre but who Obama owes big for nefarious record-keeping reasons not to be discussed or rehashed here.
People don’t care. Elected officials know it.
People get what elected officials want them to get. Democrats and Republicans and Independents suck the tits of the party — never think for themselves. Look at Hillary Clinton a fine example. This is the best woman in politics? This is the most deserving? Anthony Weiner is tied directly to her best friend – he’s the friend’s husband. You people accept mediocrity. You get scum. A reflection of you.
I’m visiting Parker & my brother Terry Marzoa saw this article. I worked tech support in Texas when I was a kid. Computers are financial help & hindrance & good outweighs bad. Our Constitution is a miracle paper///Supreme Court Judge Ginsberg agrees with me. I like what I read here & add my email (deleted by editor)