Quelle surprise:

Days from becoming the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history, Lehman Brothers steered millions to departing executives even while pleading for a federal rescue, Congress was told Monday.

As well, executives who feared for their bonuses in the company's last months were told not to worry, according to documents cited at a congressional hearing. One executive said he was embarrassed when employees suggested that Lehman executives forgo bonuses, and cracked: "I'm not sure what's in the water."

What's in the water, you say?

Blood?

NOTE So, not only do I own a humongous insurance company, I'm paying the infestment bankers very handsomely for royally screwing me? Generally, it works the other way, doesn't it?

UPDATE On the first time through the story, I missed this little goodie:

The rescue plan, now law, was so rushed that the usual congressional scrutiny is only coming now, after the fact.

Well, I'm sure that won't be a problem. After all, the people who drafted the law are known for their honesty and fair dealing.