Attach Strings To Everyone Taking Taxpayer Money, Not Just Corporations

President Obama has done something I heartily agree with.  He’s telling companies that if they take government handout money – er, bailout money (a.k.a. our tax dollars) — there are things they can’t spend it on.  For example, he’s set limits on executive pay, with a high end of $500,000, along with severe limits on perks.  He’s attached strings to the money.   

This, to me, is a basic principle of civilized life: “If you want something from me, I get to make the rules.”  I’ve heard this ever since I started getting an allowance from my father.  Its variation is stated simply, “beggars can’t be choosers.” 

If you want a paying job from me, you have to show up at work at the time I decide, and do what I require for the amount of time I choose.  In return for that, I will pay you a sum which I’ve decided is what the job is worth.  In addition, I have the right to set other rules, such as “employees have to wear shirts and can’t wear flip-flops.”  If you don’t like my rules, then don’t take my job or the money that goes with it.  No worries, I’ll get somebody else.   (more…)