It was disgusting when Reagan, Bush I and Clinton did it and it's no less revolting now. These people always have excuses, but it's just another way to cash in on their public service. You have to also wonder about the ties they had during their time in the White House and the "consulting" work that they do now. Instead of obsessing about corruption overseas Americans may want to look at home. $15 million for speaking?
In the week after Obama's May 5 ground zero event, the 43rd president made time for three separate speeches to hedge-fund executives, a Swiss bank sanctioned for keeping secret bank accounts, and a pro golf event underwritten by the accounting firm involved in the Tyco International financial scandal.
Bush's standard speaking fee is reportedly between $100,000 and $150,000.
David Sherzer, a spokesman for the former president, said that since Bush left office he has delivered nearly 140 paid talks, at home and abroad. Those speeches have earned Bush about $15 million, following in the golden path blazed by his predecessor, Bill Clinton.
