A Bad Year, A Good Year -- all depends, doesn't it?

Two different stories -- light years apart.  This is America today.

LAID-OFF AMERICANS TAKING PAY CUTS, KISSING THEIR OLD LIVES GOODBYE:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/19/trading-down-long-term-unemployed_n_850220.html

On the other hand, IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR for: EXECUTIVE PAY SKYROCKETS 23 PERCENT--TOP 299 CEOS GET 3.4 BILLION   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/19/executive-pay-2010-ceo_n_850975.html