The article, “Head honchos netted a median 27 percent increase in compensation in fiscal year 2010,” said top executives from the S&P 500 scored a median of 36.5 percent bump in realized compensation after two years of pay declines in 2008 and 2009.”

Among the top 10, three came from health care companies; of the top five, three landed single-year pension and deferred compensation boosts of $14 million. John Hammergren, CEO of McKesson Corp. led the list with nearly $145 million, including a base salary of $1.6 million.

I wonder how many jobs Hammergren created? How much money has he cost the average citizen struggling with health care costs? My friend earns a paltry $12 per hour; her health insurance is $120 per month, with a $3,500 deductible per year.

Yet these companies that offer inadequate, expensive plans and health care solutions can pay their CEOs millions!

The Keystone pipeline should stand on its own merit — fully debated, examined, not attached to any other legislation.

It has the promise of temporary jobs, temporary fuel and continued dependence on foreign oil. As much as I like Canada, I don’t think it’s one of our 50.

Why not take the money, invest in American green energy — clean electric, hydrogen, wind, solar, geo-thermal, etc.? No, we are too busy lining the pockets of CEOs like $145 million Hammergren and all those good old oil boys, who can’t be taxed because they create jobs.

Just where are those jobs that the rich have created? Chauffer, upstairs maid, downstairs maid, yard boy, pool boy, and caddie don’t count.

 

Daryl Ortiz-Mashke

Gardiner