This is just the latest in a long line of reasons for people to hate the banks. Sometimes I wonder whether they want to be perceived as evil.

I think it's important that we draw a distinction between the fat cats whose decision-making led us into this mess and the average front line staff. For many at the lower end of the payscale, the annual bonus is a vital part of a fairly modest salary. These people have done their jobs as directed and contributed to the survival of many organizations. Tarring them with the same brush as the arrogant half-wits who were happy to make risky bets with other people's money helps no one.