This week we have seen raw, nasty power. We have seen the very reason why we have a constitution for you. Yes, you. We have seen what it is that separates us from the likes of Russia and Vladimir Putin.

What we saw was our president attack individuals who had received bonuses from AIG. He rebuked them on national television. Then he ordered his treasury secretary to try to take the money back from the bonus babies. We saw senators and representatives attack those private citizens. The political leaders threatened to write laws to tax away the bonuses. They tarred the already tattered reputation of a huge company. That put the jobs of thousands under threat.

Meanwhile New York’s Attorney General demanded the names of the citizens who received the bonuses. As if they were criminals. Barney Frank demanded the same from the boss of AIG. If the company did not give up the names he would ask Congress to subpoena them. Again, as if these individuals were criminals.

The AIG boss said the company may give up the names. But he would want a guarantee they would be held confidential. Because the employees had already received threats of violence. Barney Frank was not much interested.

These bonuses were paid under contracts. Contracts are protected by law. Beyond that they were doubly protected. The President’s stimulus package specifically protected them.