CEOs have long been criticized for earning what critics may consider to be 'excessive' compensation. In 2022, Stephen Schwarzman of private-equity firm, Blackstone, earned the title of "highest paid CEO" with an overall compensation package of $253 million. Are such amounts excessive? Is it necessary (or even moral) to pay CEOs such large amounts? In your response, it may also be helpful to consider that CEO compensation is mostly comprised of stock base compensation. In Schwarzman's case, "Virtually all his compensation is carried interest and incentive fees—which are only paid when we deliver for our customers," a Blackstone spokesman said. Also consider that footballer Cristiano Ronaldo made an estimated $126 million in 2022 and Taylor Swift grossed approximately $1.83 billion in 2023 from royalties, concert tickets, and merchandise sales. What are your thoughts on executive compensation?