Thus the smartest ones will leave. Sooo... just like the government, we're left with the ones that are either incapable or incompetent.
I agree it's a punitive move, but I guess it's all relative...since "the best and the brightest" already succeeded in bankrupting their companies and tanking the global economy. Sadly, they will just move on and carry on business as usual. They'll all just continue to develop and utilize new means of transferring wealth from us to themselves, no matter where they work. At least the incompetent and slow might stick with what they know, like producing goods and services that have actual value, and are perhaps desired by customers...unlike derivatives, hedge funds, or other clever things, known and understood only by "the best and brightest".
Who knows, there may actually be some bright people who will step into those jobs, only for the satisfaction of the challenge and an opportunity to make a paltry $1-2 million a year base, and bonus based on successful performances.
The so called meltdown succeeded at shining a little light on the situation, but the fleecing continues at break-neck speed. Obama and friends (including Wall Street) are just throwing a bone to the masses.
I just wish I could figure out how to hedge my finances to protect my family from them. I'm thinking a paid for double-wide trailer, with a wood burning stove (in the boonies), a big garden, and a good squirrel rifle might be the best investment going. I don't think they can think small enough to steal or transfer those things from me to them.