April 11, 2011--Executive Pay

On Sunday the New York Times published its annual report on the compensation of the nation's highest paid CEOs.

With the exception of Oracle's Lawrence Ellison, who made "only" $70.1 million--which was 17% less than the year before--all others appeared to do quite well.

I invite you to look at the entire list (it is linked); but for those of you who do not have the stomach for that much masochism, below, in millions, are the top ten earners.

It deserves no comment. The outrageousness speaks for itself.

(1) Philippe Dauman (Viacom): $84.5 (2010) vs. $34.0 (2009) +149%

(2) Ray Irani (Occidental Petroleum): $76.1 (2010) vs, $31.4 (2009) +142%

(3) Lawrence Ellison Oracle): See above

(4) Michael White (DirectTV): $32.9 (2010); 2009 is not available. He was new to the company.

(5) John Lundgren (Stanley/Black & Decker): $32.6 (2010) vs. $9.2 (2009) +253%

(6) Brian Roberts (Comcast): $28.2 (2010) vs. $25.0 (2009) +13%

(7) Robert Iger (Disney): $28.0 (2010) vs. $21.6 (2009) +30%

(8) Alan Mulally (Ford): $26.5 (2010) vs. $17.9 (2009) +48%

(9) Samuel Palmisano (IBM): $25.2 (2010) vs. $21.2 (2009) +19%

(10) David Farr (Emerson Electric): $22.9 (2010) vs. $6.9 (2009) +233%

I guess that Obama socialism thing isn't working out very well.