Some Economic Facts From Mother Jones.

Thought I would pass along these little gems first thing this morning, just a “pick-me-up” to start your day with.

In 2007, the top 5 firms paid out $39 billion on bonuses, even as their shareholders lost $74 billion. Those same firms have now received $60 billion in bailout funds.

In December, after just 3 months on the job, Merrill Lynch executive VP Peter Kraus quit with a $25 million parachute. A day earlier, Kraus’ wife paid $36.6 million for a Park Avenue apartment.

In the first 3 quarters of 2008, finance, insurance, and real estate companies spent $343 million on lobbying.

A week after it’s $4 billion bailout, Chrysler spent more than $200,000 for a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal that read “Thank You America”.

There were a ton more, but really – I only need a few to get my blood boiling. How about you?

You might also like:

1. What’s In The Economic Stimulus Package For You Other Than Cash?
2. This Is What CEO’s Should Be Doing In These Economic Times.
3. Illinois Governor Suspends All State Business With BofA.
4. Interactive Map of Bailout Recipients.
5. Wall Street Using Bailout To Stage A Revolution?

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