CEOs come under increased scrutiny

CEOs are under the microscope like never before.

With the recent bailout of such industry giants as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and American Insurance Group, many are casting questioning glances toward the people in charge.

They're wondering if these are the right people to be leading these companies. I wonder too. Many of these executives are earning 400 times the amount of their rank-and-file employees - 400 times!

Now I appreciate talent as well as the next guy, but I seriously question whether ANY top executive deserves that kind of compensation. And I bet most people feel the same way.

Clearly, these companies need skilled people at the helm. But let's come back down to planet Earth and pay them a salary that's more in keeping with the overall operation.