The argument made against limiting the bonuses paid to big CEOs is that big, big money is needed to get big, big talent. The easy rejoinder, of course, is that most of these big talents have proven to be miserable failures. The bonuses have not brought talent and success; they've simply been a way for a few individuals to rob many others blind.

I hope the limits hold and that many of the usual suspects refuse to participate in the corporations receiving stimulus funding. This will force corporations to do what they clearly should have done long ago: Look for leaders who care about their corporation's success and not about their own portfolio. How? Find men and women who are looking to make their name, not their fortune. Most of the great successes in American business history have come from new players in the game, people who have brought new products, new ideas and new companies into the marketplace and kicked capitalist ass. Many of the most successful recent companies were started by young people who were not trying to get filthy rich; they were trying to live out a dream.

So instead of whining that CEO X, who failed to rescue five other corporations but will surely have success here, simply cannot be bought under the new rules, go find a young man or woman with actual talent and a record that demonstrates potential. Don't hope that a Larry Brown will fix something when you have the chance to hire the next Phil Jackson. In fact, looking at both technology and sports, it's amazing how often someone new on the scene brings explosive success. With one bonus, to boot: You get to pay them less.

Experience? It appears to be an excuse to line one's pocket. How about going for actual ability instead?