On December 22nd, the Washington Post published an article about how one politcial figure, Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele, has been said to have been collecting money by making appearences and giving speeches. Throughout his career, he's been on all corners of the country from coporate boards to colleges, giving paid speeches. In addition to charging for a speech, he also collects a yearly salary of more than 220K. In one interview from Richard Bond, former chairman of the party in the early 90's stated that during his time as chairman, he "didn't take a dime." In the light of this controversey, former chairman, Jim Gilman, has came to Mr. Steele's defense stating that "it's not uncommon for people to have outside employment as well as being paid as national chairman."
From time and time again, we have become more aware of political figures who are just as bad as any CEO in a company. Their means; make more money.
He is “improperly” using his time for giving speeches, which are suppose to be free, not paid. Although one may argue, that this is a means of getting extra income on the side. However, the guy makes more then enough to be satisfied. Addition to that, dont forget, he is the Republican National Committee chairman!
Now, Aristotle's theory on the Art of Acquisition is to acquire as much income as needed in order to acquire the Good life. To be focus on collecting as much money as possible isnt the way, but instead to acquire what is neccesary and needed to live wealthy. For Mr. Steele in this situation, to me, he is being greedy and inconderate. In the article, it says that Mr. Steele makes a little over 220K a year in salary. In additon to that, he charges $8,000 to give his speeches. The guy clearly makes enough money to live the GOOD LIFE. But no, instead, he rather focus on making more money to what he already has obtained.
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Nice!
ReplyDeleteI agree...there is such a thing as living and living well, but eventually there is a reasonable limit that can be given to exactly how much money it is that one needs to live well. I understand that these people do pretty demanding work, which I respect, but come on, that's a ton of money.
I agree that Steele already has enough money to be living well and in the spirit of St. Aquinas, use his money for charity. However, I don't think Steele is acting improperly by selling his time, but more so by selling his public image and skill as a orator. I would think it be improper, based on Aristotle's ideas, because a price cannot be placed on these entities that are closely related to virtue.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with ur blog. It carried the same principle as my blog but just with different types of circumstances. In stating how much money he makes per year, its definitely more than enough. And I also agree that he shouldn't be getting paid for making speeches. There are some things that I believe people should get paid for, like stated by Brian above me, to be paid for selling his public image is something that I don't think he should be paid for. Like you said, he has already ontained enough money to live MORE than a good life, but he'd rather concentrate on making more.
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