I don't think most people like Ed are being rewarded; rather they haven't yet suffered what might be expected as a reasonable "punishment". I'm sure he and his family will eventually pay a substantial price for their foolishness (like losing their home and having their credit be a genuine mess for years).

The bankers and brokers who helped create this mess are probably suffering to some extent as well (except for the CEOs and partners at the TARP-funded firms). But I keep waiting for Cuomo and Holder to start bringing fraud and racketeering charges against the big players....

http://www.mortgagefraud.org/

Cheers,
Scott.