When it comes to executive pay - we all have the power to limit it if you wish. For example if you feel that Comcast is not a very well run organization and the CEO makes too much money then don't buy Comcast. If you think that the CEO of Dardin restaurants makes too much then don't eat at Olive Garden. If you do buy these products, or eat at these restaurants etc. then the organization itself (and board and shareholders) has the choice as to how much to pay its executives.

Now corporations that expect a government payout and still want to pay their executives like it did during the boom times... that's a different story. I think that if they share in the success during the good times that they need to feel the pain during the bad times. You get paid for results.