Neil Cavuto interviewed Rep. Gary Ackerman yesterday. Here’s part of the transcript:

ACKERMAN: The point of the matter is, is they cannot be allowed to get away with this. That is taxpayer money. The taxpayers are outraged. And we are going to get it back one way or the other. (CROSSTALK)
CAVUTO: OK.
But you also want to get the names of those who were getting these bonuses. This came up with Mr. Liddy today and — in an exchange with Barney Frank. I just want you to listen to this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. BARNEY FRANK (D-MA), FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: I do ask that you submit those names without restriction. And if you feel unable to do that, then I will ask the committee to subpoena them.
EDWARD LIDDY, CEO, AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP: I’m just really concerned about the safety of our people, so let — let me just read two things to you.”All the executives and their families should be executed with piano wire around their necks.” “My greatest hope: If the government can’t do this properly, we, the people, will take it in our own hands and see that justice is done. I’m looking for all the CEOs’ names, kids, where they live, et cetera.”
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CAVUTO: What do you think of that?
ACKERMAN: I think it’s disgusting sentiments that people express when they are very, very angry or drunk. And we can’t be intimidated by that.
But, certainly, the point of finding out who has taken this money – – listen, we own 80 percent of that company right now. From my — as far as I am concerned, they are almost public employees. Public employees, we have — we can have certain requirements on them.
If they return the money, then I don’t think anybody has to know who they are or what their names are.

Me: In other words, if you give us the money we won’t out you to people who want to kill you and your family with piano wire. Classy.

Also, what about this “very, very angry or drunk” thing? Do non-angry drunks threaten to kill people? Remind me not to go the Ackerman office Christmas party.