“Even for those making seven figures or more, cuts are ‘a blow,’ ” writes James B. Stewart of the New York Times. Here Stewart is quoting Michael Driscoll, a former trader who is trying to explain why Wall Streeters find reduced bonuses disturbing: “The effect is psychological. To a large extent, Wall Street keeps score by what you’re paid.” Of course, this is exactly what’s wrong with Wall Street. The game is just about making money, without regard for the social utility of how the money is made or seemingly anything else, except staying out of jail—and sometimes they are even a little careless about that.
