Since the House blue-dogs led by Melissa Bean gutted attempts to curb executive compensation, we have to rely on shareholders. Since asset deflation is forcing state and local governments to cut salaries, I see no reason to insulate the people at the top.

"When a Company Tries It, a ‘Say on Pay’ Works"

ISOLATED and imperial chief executives who shun contact with the great unwashed — shareholders who actually own the companies — are a distressingly resilient breed.

That’s why the current “say on pay” movement, which requires companies to put executive pay practices to a shareholder vote, is so timely.[...]