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George W. Bush charges vets group $100,000 for speech. Too much?
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In the past 40 years, former US presidents have been able to charge higher fees for various speaking engagements. But former President George W. Bush may have struck a nerve by charging a steep price for a 2012 speech to a wounded veterans group.
By Husna Haq, Correspondent JULY 9, 2015
Sky-high speaking fees have become an accepted, if begrudged, staple of the modern post-presidency. Bill Clinton commands upwards of $200,000 for some speeches, and reportedly pulled in a $500,000 donation to his foundation for one. Former actor Ronald Reagan turned his talent into a lucrative third career. Even Gerald Ford defended his right to charge hefty sums for hitting the "mashed potato circuit."
But what if a former president charges $100,000 to speak to a group of veterans wounded in wars he started while in office?
That's exactly what former President George W. Bush did in 2012 ? and now, he's coming under fire for it.
Bush charged the Texas-based charity Helping a Hero $100,000 for a 2012 speech at a charity fundraiser for veterans who lost limbs in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, ABC News first reported. The former president was also flown in a private jet, at a cost of $20,000 to the charity, which provides specially-adapted homes for handicapped veterans.
I know this is America George, land of free enterprise but you couldn't throw a freebie in for this. Ok take the plane ride ( still suspect ) but charging a Vets group you are personally connected with a $100G is incredibly bad form..
csmonitor icon Latest News
MORE EMAIL
In the past 40 years, former US presidents have been able to charge higher fees for various speaking engagements. But former President George W. Bush may have struck a nerve by charging a steep price for a 2012 speech to a wounded veterans group.
By Husna Haq, Correspondent JULY 9, 2015
Sky-high speaking fees have become an accepted, if begrudged, staple of the modern post-presidency. Bill Clinton commands upwards of $200,000 for some speeches, and reportedly pulled in a $500,000 donation to his foundation for one. Former actor Ronald Reagan turned his talent into a lucrative third career. Even Gerald Ford defended his right to charge hefty sums for hitting the "mashed potato circuit."
But what if a former president charges $100,000 to speak to a group of veterans wounded in wars he started while in office?
That's exactly what former President George W. Bush did in 2012 ? and now, he's coming under fire for it.
Bush charged the Texas-based charity Helping a Hero $100,000 for a 2012 speech at a charity fundraiser for veterans who lost limbs in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, ABC News first reported. The former president was also flown in a private jet, at a cost of $20,000 to the charity, which provides specially-adapted homes for handicapped veterans.
I know this is America George, land of free enterprise but you couldn't throw a freebie in for this. Ok take the plane ride ( still suspect ) but charging a Vets group you are personally connected with a $100G is incredibly bad form..
