Don't try and change the nature of a dog

In a funny story from earlier today the Prime Minister said he was “very angry” about the prospect of bankers taking bonuses and wants them to “consider waiving their right to them”.

It brings to mind Gordon Brown's often parodied Presbyterian heritage; the stern moralist wagging a finger over the bank executives saying “You could have this but do you really think you deserve it? What does your moral compass tell you?”

This unfortunately will not work because these are not normal human beings with any sense of moral responsibility. These people are shameless, greedy and seem to live their lives by the twin 1980s mantras of Margaret Thatcher (“There is no such thing as society” – therefore it doesn’t matter what happens to those losing jobs and homes as long as I get more money) and Gordon Gecko (“Greed, for lack of a better word, is good” – therefore it doesn’t matter if I take tax payers money to boost my already ridiculously high basic salary).

You might as well dangle a string of sausages in front of a dog. The dog doesn’t have to be hungry. It will still snatch it from your hand without a moment’s hesitation. It’s what they do.