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    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    Big Banks, Big Bonuses and Big Government

    Even when Wall Street banks were losing money and receiving taxpayer bailouts, top traders were getting multi-million-dollar bonuses. Now some of the same institutions are at it again, guaranteeing big money even before any work is performed.

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    By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

    Even when Wall Street banks were losing money and receiving taxpayer bailouts, top traders were getting multi-million-dollar bonuses. Now some of the same institutions are at it again, guaranteeing big money even before any work is performed. The banks say that's what it takes to get the best people, but critics contend it creates risk-takers with nothing to lose except the nation's economic stability. Are the same people who helped to create the ongoing great recession now being rewarded? Is it time for the government to step in or should the free-market prevail? Would regulations stifle free competition or prevent another financial disaster?

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      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

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      Christian Bordal

      Managing Producer, Greater LA

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      Sonya Geis

      Senior Managing Editor

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      Robert Profusek

      Attorney, Jones Day

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      Stephen Lerner

      Director of the Private Equity Project, SEIU

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      Lucian Bebchuk

      Director of the Corporate Governance Program, Harvard Law School

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