Never underestimate what Americans are willing to pay to be
entertained. The *top* athletes, actors, rock stars, authors, all
command incredible pay. Of the lot, I have the least problem with
athletes. It's hard to imagine a more competitive profession. Their
short careers are built on a lifetime of incredibly hard work. They
are the best of the best, and, after all, someone else is willing to
sign their checks.
Hell, I don't even have a problem with CEOs' pay. I just think it
would be nice if their pay was tied to performance, as an athlete's
pay is. Think of the $210 million Nardelli was paid to be fired.
CEO pay and bonus should never be more than a reasonable multiple of the
average worker's salary at the company or corporation. Reasonable is NOT
500 times.
It's a matter of supply and demand. Just like sports salaries. Just
like normal commerce.