Something I sent to all our Congressional and Senate Delegation
Dear Mark, Kay, and Richard
I would like for you to introduce a bill that prohibits Presidents, or Vice Presidents, from using taxpayer funded transportation (Air Force One to note) of any type to attend fund raisers for ANY party. I believe that this is ethically and morally bankrupt. Why taxpayers should be forced to pay for this especially when they are from another political party. They should be funded by the party organization (and not union dues) and not the taxpayer. We have only to look to our Founders (Thomas Jefferson) for some wisdom
"To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical." - 1777
This has been an abuse by both parties, and should NOT HAPPEN! Please do something about this atrocity.
Except they have to take the staff and security with them to continue to do their job as president. I wouldn't be opposed to them having to pay the price of a first class ticket at the tome the trip is announced for themselves and all individuals who aren't on the public payroll or are participating in the event.
You are right, the President is constantly working and is in constant need of protection, advisement etc. Air Force One has the amenities to allow for this. It's not so simple hootsbox. That said, I do think its ridiculous that our presidents spend their time doing this sort of thing and you're right, they all do it. I would wager that G.W Bush did less of it in his second term than Obama because he was somewhat tainted by then and was probably not sought after as much.
I applaud you taking the initiative to write this though and I'm glad you shared it here. You ought to share the reply (if any) that you receive.
Yeah, and guess what! I got a call from Congressman Meadows office and he intends to sponsor a bill, if there is not a similar one already, limiting the time they spend "fundraising" and the money that is spent on them and their entourage. Good for Mark!!!
That's pretty cool that you received a response and a declaration to take action. You will have to keep us posted as to what follows. -This could be an interesting insight in to the process.
Campaign finance rules already require sitting office holders to reimburse the government for transportation and security detail for political events. This applies to the president and congressional leaders, who also have access to government provided air planes.
As for the quote, it's a bit ridiculous, because while high-minded, we obviously cannot operate according to that statement in a pluralistic society. We all abhor certain government programs, but the social covenant says we don't get to pick and choose. We're all in it together, whether we like it or not.
Yeah, if you think the current President, and the ones before him, are paying all the costs, I have some ice stands in the Sahara that I'll sell you! I don't think there should be ANY fundraising paid for by the general taxpayer; let the party organizations pay for it. I don't think the DNC or RNC (or any other established party organization) is paying the whole cost. If you have proof of that, I'd like to see it (and would stand corrected). I also think we, the taxpayers PAY the President and his staff to WORK on issues, not fly around the country and fundraise! These days they seem to spend at least a third of their time "fundraising' instead of solving problems; even with technology, which I use extensively, it doesn't take the place of the situation room and meeting with Congress.