Like everyone, I am infuriated over the giving of bonuses at AIG.

Regarding the bonus already given out to the rascals who created the mess: Since it would be difficult to get the money back (how do you recapture hundreds of chickens once they have escaped the henhouse?), and the executives’ expertise would be needed to trace back all the misdoings they created, they should be required to work off the bonuses at minimum wage. They must be required to work at it with the same fervor they applied to the financial gains they brought to the company.

Of course, in order to avoid future consequences, on both their part and the part of the public, they would have to sign an employment contract relinquishing their employment rights until all terms of the contract are fulfilled. A monthly evaluation of their performance, until the terms of their contract are fulfilled, would be required, and failing to operate at top performance would force a termination of employment.

Failing that, all their assets would be confiscated.

I have heard mentioned, by some, that AIG executives should continue working for $1 per year. Based on employment law, that would be illegal. Federal law states they must be paid no less than minimum wage.

Normand Demers, Lewiston