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Tuesday, 16 November 2010

A good example to our Indian Politicians



A good example to our Indian Politicians
 Especially the likes of M/s Raja, Kalmadi, etc.

I read this interesting stuff about Harry Truman.

I was reminded about a couple of "antique" Chief Ministers who virtually died penniless.

Wonder what we need to do to bring back probity in public life.

I certainly don't advocate that our politicians should be living in poverty.

On the other hand, the kind of riches that they accumulate in a short span of a few years in politics is vulgar and obscene, prompting me to wonder if that's the reason why only adults are allowed to vote (similar to only adults being allowed to watch movies with an "A" certificate)!!!


Read on and enjoy:
WE may NEVER SEE THIS HAPPEN AGAIN

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

The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence, Missouri . His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.

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 was 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."

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 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!

I say dig him up and clone him!!
  
Regards,

N

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