So an executive vice president of the American International Group’s financial products unit, who received a $742K “retention bonus” (after taxes, meaning it was more than $1M before taxes) has decided to take his ball and go home. He says that it’s not his fault that AIG went bust; he’s being treated badly; the politicians are using ugly tactics; blah, blah, blah. Now, in a publicity stunt (op-eds for the NYTIMES generate publicity), we learn of this guy’s entitlements…. Read the letter for yourself at Op-Ed Contributor – Dear A.I.G., I Quit! – NYTimes.com.

But, my favorite part, “So what am I to do? There’s no easy answer. I know that because of hard work I have benefited more than most during the economic boom and have saved enough that my family is unlikely to suffer devastating losses during the current bust. Some might argue that members of my profession have been overpaid, and I wouldn’t disagree.”

Yeah, right. You and your colleagues f$&ked up. Maybe its not your fault, per se, but you are responsible. Although you certainly benefited (in terms of salary, bonuses, and longevity) from your less than scrupulous colleagues. Did you tell them that they were making bad decisions; did you rail against their lack of ethics or business acumen in taking undue risk? You really are a role model for the American Dream (that you call forth)–avert your eyes if it suits your bottom line.

Had we (and I mean me and other American taxpayers, through our political leaders) not bailed you out last year, you would have lost your job and your bonuses. You would not have been able to quit with such faux righteous indignation. We saved your butt from the creative destruction of capitalism, which would have eaten you and your lunch.

Why save you? Not ’cause you earned it; not ’cause you’re a nice guy who went to MIT on financial aid; not ’cause you weren’t responsible for corporate mismanagement. Nope. We protected A.I.G. from the wolves in hopes that more ordinary Americans would not suffer, in hopes that the Depression would not be worse.

And, speaking of that bonus? Is that why you agreed to a $1 salary? I mean which is it? Did you agree to that $1 salary ’cause you cared about the company or ’cause you know $1million was waiting down the line in your bonus. I mean really, if the money wasn’t the point, why make it the point? Such disingenuousness reveals your true motives.

So, stop whining about your lost bonus. Lots of Americans are facing much worse, though no fault of their own; they don’t have the safety net that you do. How about a little meaningful compassion for them? How about some respect for them by not whining?

You’re one of the lucky, privileged folks. Stop acting entitled to that privilege; start earning your bonuses by performing (individually and collectively); take some responsibility; man up; I could go on.

But, really, you’re working for me now. So, I am glad you’ve quit. I don’t want whiners on my payroll. I want workers. There are lots of people able to do your job, less expensively and equally well. (It is a myth that your skills are all that specialized.)   Good riddance.