I want to seriously answer that question, just ’cause it’s a good example of what makes human beings tick. It’s really simple: it’s a matter of perception and identification.

First, people weren’t freaking out as much about the amount given to AIG which was passed on to Goldman Sachs, DB, SG, etc. because we hear about huge amounts of money being passed between institutions every single day. Besides which, billions aren’t “real” to people in the way that millions are – the numbers are just far too big, but “Who Wants To Be a Millionare” has made people understand that that number is an attainable figure for individuals, and it can be attained through cheap theatrics.

Second, people WERE freaking about the bonuses because the idea that somebody who might have been even indirectly responsible for the mess getting free millions of dollars from the government is something that, given the demonization of any kind of welfare usually gets, makes people insane. They can believe this has happened, and they can process easily and quickly the idea that somehow those people who were at the center of the problem have been deemed worth millions, and those suffering from it have not. Add to that a few state governors essentially standing on a principle that costs them nothing and it makes for instantly accessible populist outrage.

You’re welcome.