Show me the politician of any party who has been active at the high levels of state elected office or at national level for 25 years who isn’t a millionaire. Obama’s net worth was $1.5 million when he was a US Senator from Illinois. Today it is approaching $10 million.
Lyndon Johnson arrived in Washington with nothing and retired a wealthy man with a large ranch. Richard Nixon’s circumstances were modest when he was Vice President (remember Pat’s cloth coat and Checkers the dog). As President he had vacation homes in Key Biscayne, FL and San Clemente, CA. Bill and Hillary had nothing when they moved to Arkansas yet they were millionaires by the time Bill became President and have made several fortunes since he left office. Somehow our Congressmen and women support homes in DC and the home district on salaries below Obama’s $250K “rich” and many amass fortunes of several million dollars through wise “investing”.
The reality is once you have political power, those who need access to that power will make sure you invest your money wisely. The entire system is corrupt. All of the politicians of both parties are part of the same system - Perry, Palin, Clinton, Obama, Biden etc. No matter how modest they start, or what they claim to be, they all seem to become very wealthy while “serving the people.” Don’t believe for a minute that whoever becomes President from the Republican field doesn’t owe a few favors.
I wasn’t aware Palin got rich in office. Is there any factual info to the contrary out there? Palin’s income tax filings are out there somewhere and they are a public record. Anybody seen them? Hard to believe her demrat and Alaska Pubbie enemies didn’t post them somewhere.
As far as I know her income sources have been working, gov. salary, public speaking and her book.
I despise our current crop of politicians. But I believe there must be a few honest ones out there. I just don’t know where. If there is no actual proof that Palin—or any politician—actually used their office to enrich themselves it is scurrilous to name them as having done so.
Two terms in the Senate, 12 years then sit out one term (6 years) to regain eligibility.
6 terms in the House, 12 years then sit out 3 terms (6 years) to regain eligibility.
Yes ideally you serve your terms then out for good. But I have no problem with rewarding a successful term with the possibility of being reelected. Also without the possibility of returning no active politician would vote for it. My theory is once out of the lime light for a few years many politicians would disappear. People would realize they actually can get along without Senator Foghorn or Congressman/woman Bring-Pork.
Come think of it unlike current US president did all other US President has home go back to Reagan did he had the Ranch