There goes civilisation...

The fact of the matter is, most people would love to have the amount of money some -- NOT ALL -- bankers do. Most people would love to have a good house, and send their kids to the best schools, have the latest electronic gadgets, drive nice cars, go to nice restaurants, etc.

Being a banker is not the only way to afford all the things you list.

If a well-paying job is available, and is perfectly legal, and well-respected by some, how can you fault somebody for taking it?

I think banker-bashing is unnecessary, but can't help my natural reaction, which is to not feel too sorry for people who have chosen a career with their eyes wide open.
My company makes financial software, and the downturn will affect us too. We have just had 30% redundancies in the UK, coupled with 100% growth in Asia. It is sad for those people.. families.. affected.
Mrsmith has made some very harsh comments in this thread, but there are nuggets of truth in there too.. :-)
Don't live in debt. Don't be blinkered by promises of a stable career, respectable profession, etc.. Don't be a cunt.