Cranking out books is one thing, but signing on for "consulting" work for businesses such as banks or countries who want US access is another story. It's part of the corruption mentality that is so pervasive in Washington politics and it needs to stop. This CNN story much too kind to the former presidents who have cashed in because we know that Bill Clinton, for example, did not amass his fortune by speaking alone. That's been part of it but there's much more. One can only guess how Bush generated $15 million since leaving office. CNN:
Right after Clinton left the White House in 2001, the Greater Washington Association of Executives paid him $125,000 for a speech, a very standard price for a former president. "I've never had any money until I got out of the White House," Clinton told CNN's Wolf Blitzer in 2010. "But I've done reasonably well since then." That's quite the understatement. Since 2001, he's earned $75.6 million giving speeches to corporations and organizations around the world, according to the latest financial disclosure required of his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The Center for Public Integrity estimates George W. Bush has made $15 million from speeches since leaving office.At least CNN does mention Reagan's cashing in with a few speeches in Japan, though they failed to talk about the mansion that his "friends" bought for him when he retired. Nice friends, huh? If only the problem was only limited to ex-presidents. How long until we see Tim Geithner making millions on Wall Street? Or what about retired generals? Or Congressional aides who leave? Or former SEC officials who jump to the other side? In Washington if you're not cashing in, you're a chump. Too bad things never work out well for the taxpayers with all of these deals.
