The Tenth AIG Guy

The news broke yesterday that nine out of the ten top AIG bonus earners had returned their payments. Never one to avoid the obvious question, I couldn’t help but wondering who you were, the tenth person.

Is it sexist and racist for me to assume you’re a white male? Maybe. I’m picturing about five chins from eating too much, and additional appetites for hookers and luxury box seats. All things I could see myself engaging in more than I’ve been able if I was focused only on, “wealth building.”

We’re told that there’s an American Dream for everyone, that the playing field is increasingly leveled, but we both know that’s not true. You and your secret handshake buddies from Yale/Harvard/wherever have many advantages. Some of you were born into wealth, some have family connections to it, or Ivy League diplomas and the networks they bring. Your much bigger advantage over many of us, though, is your utter lack of scruples.

You raped our financial system. There’s no better word for it. You grabbed what you could, set the building on fire, and got the fuck out before the cops showed up. Or at least that was the plan.

Honestly, I couldn’t care less whether you pay back the bonus money. It’s a drop in the bucket compared to the damage you’ve caused. I’m actually pulling for you to keep it, because eventually everyone will know who you are. A secret that big won’t stay hidden forever. Either way, I hope to see soon some of your crew playing bridge with Madoff and others who put their greed above any concern for the whole.

[Update: At least fifteen of the top twenty have now returned their bonuses.]