Barack Obama's tax plan calls for higher levies on people who make more than $250,000 a year.
If he does, he's either brave or stupid because according to this Chicago Tribune story, his income eclipsed that before the campaign and will be significantly more so when he leaves office in four or eight years. The story tracks how modern ex-presidents have gone on to make post-office fortunes as celebrity authors and public speakers.
That got me to thinking: has the promise of big money after leaving office made it more likely for people to get into politics for financial motivations as opposed to public service? It used to be that going into politics was far less lucrative than the private sector. But if you can get elected to a high office, like senator, vice president of commander-in-chief, the money's sure to flow afterward. Just ask Al Gore.
2 comments:
the promise of fortune from books, speaking engagements, and so on, after political terms conclude is probably more the prospect of riches afr politcal term is probably more of a hope than a goal for most politicians e.g. George W. - his own wife even said america probably won't be I interested in his memoirs for another 20 years.LOL
Regarding Barack, I think the mere fact that his income clearly falls above the 250k speaks to his sincerity in character and integrity. I don't know how many people, myself included would be so willing to offer up new tax plans that so not play in my favour. But Barack is clearly thinking on the macro greater good level as opposed to the micro me me me level.
I know your blog was totally not about what I'm about to say but I HAVE to point it out as Butterfly did. Who wants to buy a memoir from our current president? Really?
Although the ONLY thing I might be interested in reading is what the hell was he thinking on 9/11. Cause he surely kept on reading that children's book.
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