Kmart can't afford a loan scandal. (Viewpoint).(the compensation of former CEO Chuck Conaway)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Just as Chuck Conaway was starting to feel comfortable at the helm of the nation's No. 2 discount store, he suddenly found himself on the short end of the company's executive leadership purge. But before you feel too sorry for poor ol' Chuck, don't overlook the recent revelation that Conaway landed firmly on his feet through the aid of one of the industry's most generous golden parachutes.

Positioned at first as an amiable split in which Conaway left more than $4.5 million in bonus money on the table, his departure was every bit the smooth transition Kmart headquarters had hoped it would be. That is, until you sift through the filings Kmart made in bankruptcy court last month that show what was really lining Conaway's …