A democrat you can respect

SUBMAN1 · 02-16-09, 11:09 PM

Harry Truman, from Missouri , was a different kind of President. He probably made as many important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.

Historians have written the only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri . On top of that, his wife inherited the house from her Mother.

When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.

After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There were no Secret Service following them.

When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, 'You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale.'

Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, 'I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise.'

He never owned his own home and as president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.

Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale.

Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, 'My choices early in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference.'

UnderseaLcpl · 02-17-09, 01:47 AM

Also, please note that Truman was extremely distrusted by FDR, so much so that he was not informed of the Manhattan project until he became President, himself.

There are "good" liberals out there. Those who really do want to do what is best for us all. The problem is distinguishing between those who want what is best for us and those that "know" what is best for us.

A Very Super Market · 02-17-09, 01:50 AM

How much money does the president (And other politicians) get anyways? If someone really cares about things, they shouldn't be caring about their personal wealth.

SandyCaesar · 02-17-09, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnderseaLcpl

Also, please note that Truman was extremely distrusted by FDR, so much so that he was not informed of the Manhattan project until he became President, himself.

There are "good" liberals out there. Those who really do want to do what is best for us all. The problem is distinguishing between those who want what is best for us and those that "know" what is best for us.

Ditto Conservatives, ditto moderates, hell, ditto everything!

All politicians fall into one of two categories: they either deserve the public trust, or they don't, no matter which political stance they take. And as UnderseaLcpl said, the insolvable problem is to separate the honest ones from the bad ones. Politics involves power, and power can corrupt even the most honest of them all.

UnderseaLcpl · 02-17-09, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SandyCaesar

the insolvable problem is to separate the honest ones from the bad ones. Politics involves power, and power can corrupt even the most honest of them all.

You get the Undersealcpl gold star of approval for the day.

Next comes the real question; why give them power to abuse?

Platapus · 02-17-09, 09:30 PM

My favourite Truman story took place after he just moved in to the White House. His dog took a dump on one of the rugs. One of the Livered servants moved to clean it up.

Truman stopped him and picked up the dog poop. He was quoted as saying, "No man should clean up another man's dog ****." Truman was known for his earthy terms.

What a guy!

02-16-09, 11:09 PM	#1
SUBMAN1 Rear Admiral Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 11,866 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	A democrat you can respect Harry Truman, from Missouri , was a different kind of President. He probably made as many important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House. Historians have written the only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri . On top of that, his wife inherited the house from her Mother. When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year. After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There were no Secret Service following them. When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, 'You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale.' Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, 'I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise.' He never owned his own home and as president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food. Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale. Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, 'My choices early in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference.' __________________

02-17-09, 01:47 AM	#2
UnderseaLcpl Silent Hunter Join Date: May 2008 Location: Storming the beaches! Posts: 4,254 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Also, please note that Truman was extremely distrusted by FDR, so much so that he was not informed of the Manhattan project until he became President, himself. There are "good" liberals out there. Those who really do want to do what is best for us all. The problem is distinguishing between those who want what is best for us and those that "know" what is best for us. __________________ I stole this sig from Task Force

02-17-09, 01:50 AM	#3
A Very Super Market The Old Man Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Deep in the Wild Canadian suburbs. Posts: 1,468 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	How much money does the president (And other politicians) get anyways? If someone really cares about things, they shouldn't be caring about their personal wealth. __________________ The entire German garrison of Vanviken, right here in your thread!

02-17-09, 09:30 PM	#6
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,369 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	My favourite Truman story took place after he just moved in to the White House. His dog took a dump on one of the rugs. One of the Livered servants moved to clean it up. Truman stopped him and picked up the dog poop. He was quoted as saying, "No man should clean up another man's dog ***." Truman was known for his earthy terms. What a guy! __________________ abusus non tollit usum -* A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.