THIS TIME AROUND, SENATOR, THE SMIRK'S ON YOU

New York Post ^ | October 9, 2004 | ANDREA PEYSER

[SendShaqtoIraq]

Evidently Clinton signed in a 100% increase in presidential salary before he left office.

Presidential and Vice Presidential Salaries
Exclusive of Perquisites



Data from Congressional Quarterly's Guide to the Presidency


Year Established President Vice President Cabinet
1789 $25,000 $5,000
1873 $50,000 $10,000
1906 $50,000 $12,000
1909 $75,000 $12,000
1946 $75,000 $20,000
1949 $100,000
$50,000 non-taxable expense account $30,000
$10,000 non-taxable expense account
1951 $100,000
$50,000 non-taxable expense account $35,000
$10,000 non-taxable expense account
1953 $100,000
$50,000 taxable expense account $35,000
$10,000 taxable expense account
1964 $100,000
$50,000 taxable expense account $43,000
$10,000 taxable expense account
1969 $200,000
$50,000 taxable expense account $62,500
$10,000 taxable expense account
1979 $200,000
$50,000 non-taxable expense account $62,500
$10,000 taxable expense account
1994 $200,000
$50,000 non-taxable expense account $171,000
$10,000 taxable expense account
2001 $400,000 $175,400 $161,200
2003 $400,000 $198,600 $171,900


2003 data from CRS Report http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/98-53.pdf

[radiohead]

"He's going to tax everybody here. That's what liberals do."

And yet, when I complain about taxes, my associates just laugh and shake their heads, "Ole Radiohead doesn't like to pay taxes." smirk, smirk.

These people don't have enough money to put away for retirement, to let their wives (or themselves) stay home when they have children, or to do any one of a number of things they could do with their own money if they weren't taxed to their eyelids. But for some reason, I'm the nut case (the nutcase with a masters in tax law), who complains about the system and government programs. I'm the wrong one for not wanting socialized medicine or everyone getting a year's paid leave on the government dime if they have a kid.

I once had a co-worker tell me that taxes give her the high standard of living that she has as an American. I almost had a heart attack. Here was a young person, recently graduated from college, who had been educated to believe that taxes were responsible for her living the good life. I guess Kerry is talking to people like her.

[pnz1]

Is that his hand on her shoulder. There's a lot of difference in tone from his hand and face. Does he wear that much makeup or is it lighting?

[Quilla]

Yes, that appears to be Kerry's hand. Now that you mention it, the tone difference in incredible. The photo is credited to AP and I found it at CNN, so I assume it's untouched.

I've been wearing makeup for a couple of decades and have never seen any that shade. The orange tone, IMO, comes from a sunless tanning lotion.