Automakers like GM and Chrysler are not allowed to fail because of all the poor workers that would lose their jobs (those auto workers who are making astronomical wages mandated by union contracts). At the same time, the country wants the heads of the finance industry’s leaders because of their bloated incomes and bonuses.

So, to make sure I have this straight:

• The auto makers get bailouts because the overpaid workers need government subsidies so they can continue manufacturing crummy, low-quality products that no one seems to want anymore.
• The financial sector gets bailouts with the proviso that they can’t use the money to subsidize their executives’ salaries.