Isn't North Dakota still underwater?
Anyway, read this thread, because Merril Lynch manages our 401k at work, which at best, never lost much more than contributed monthly. Very little, or no growth. Last summer, I was one of the lucky ones, only lost a little over $11,000... Last month, the sent a representative out to reassure us, and encourage to continue to contribute, and consider increasing our contributions. I've been more inclined to pulling out completely, paying the tax and penalties, and buying another piece of property.
I would think there should have been freeze on raises and bonuses, maybe a cap on salaries as well. These companies begging for bailout money got into trouble, because of mis-management. If the execs don't like the terms, retire or move on to ruin some other company, or run for public office... The big companies should be allowed to fall and shatter. Smaller companies are more likely to make sacrifices to keep the company going. I don't know anyone with a million dollar + salary, and can't imagine needing that much. Would it really hurt them to miss a paycheck or two, if it would save the company from going under? The government should have stayed out of it, trying to put out a fire, buy throwing cash on it doesn't make much sense. What are they hoping, offer up a big enough bribe, and the CEOs might do something to help the economy?