G. Washington’s damned expense account…
I have great respect for our country’s founding father, Thomas Jefferson, even though he left his estate in near poverty and impending bankruptcy. The man had no clue of frugality. Ole George however, did have a way with a dollar.
He pronounced upon his inauguration or thereabouts that he would serve without a salary and merely accept a paltry return upon his expenses… whereupon the delegates of the House and Senate rose in unison and proclaimed “Oh No sir… we will make sure you are compensated”… or something to that effect… I am paraphrasing. Under his breath, I am sure, he muttered something to the effect of “Oh Shit”. The General has become accustomed to the finer things in life in bulk quantities.
The book is a fun read. It is available on Amazon. “George Washington’s Expense Account“
I suppose it is human nature for people who amass a bit of power to feel “entitled”… Roman Consuls, as an example, were just somehow “expected” to trim off a bit of fat from the taxes collected for their personal expenses (Whoa Nelly!) and general purposes. None of this is new… indeed, just take notice of the miraculous ability of any present Washingtonian to turn a profit from, seemingly, thin air.
Not only is the book an interesting read… it is eye-opening, as they say.
But we gotta respect Ole George for turning down a kingship… that was very American of him.
None of this is said to taint the memory of Gen. Washington…far from it. It is merely my realization of the truth of the observation of Lord Acton that “Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely”. I suppose my point, if I have one, is that if we can find fault in the Founders then perhaps we should be very careful of the modern folks. Some of whom have left clear warnings… as Gen. Eisenhower said to watch out for the Military Industrial Complex… which we ignored.
Of all these new players in the upcoming new Administration, Elon Musk fascinates me the most … he seems to be, dare I say… incorruptible. Time will tell… and I am watching, optimistically.
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