America’s CEOs Have a Lot to Learn About Sacrifice

I am disappointed with the CEOs of America. Across our nation, at this time of great turmoil and hardship, companies that flourished throughout the last decade have decided to make preemptive job cuts in anticipation of a possible recession, a recession that is guaranteed if corporations continue down the current path.

Apparently, the spirit and prosperity of America are just a source of cash for these greedy corporate leaders. Somehow, they have pocketed huge performance bonuses this year; meanwhile they have created fear and economic uncertainty for patriotic middle-class Americans who want nothing more than a steady economy and a safe, secure country.

When taxpayers are being asked to bail out airlines that turn around and lay off those most in need, one can’t help wondering who we are bailing out.

This is not the time for the wealthy American elite to hoard capital.

This is a time for our business leaders to show courage and strength by assuming the risks of investing in an unsure future. While our bravest soldiers and firefighters are risking their lives, is it really too much to ask that those who benefit the most from our freedoms give a little bit back to help America stay the course? Instead of another speech to the nation, President Bush should talk to America’s corporate executives about the meaning of sacrifice.

Scott Anthony Fisher

Burbank