If the people of the United States of America are expected to bail out any companies, then I believe we should be allowed to specify some provisions that must be adheared to. My suggestions are as follows:

• To receive bailout money your CEO must get on national television and explain how they and the other executives have failed to create a profitible company.
• That same CEO must also provide a business plan that shows to the American people how they intend on bringing their company back to being a profitable business. That plan must be made available online.
• Anyone in the company making more than $200,000 a year must take an immediate pay cut of 50% or more.
• Anyone in the company making more than $1 million a year must agree to not be paid until the company becomes profitable.

It’s time to put up or shut up. If I and every other taxpayer is going to invest in your business you better prove to all of us that you have what it takes, that you believe in the company and are willing to stake your career on it. Small businesses do this all the time – it’s time for big businesses to do the same.