One principle that's central to the market bailout is this notion that risk and reward go together.  Why should this not also apply to the folks in government?  Do you think we'd get a little more risk aversion if the president, SecTreas, Fed Chief, and everybody in congress's future pay and pension was tied to the outcome?

http://gregransom.com/prestopundit/2008/09/a-modest-proposal-my-amendment.html

What's good for the goose is good for the gander, after all... :-)