Submitted by Popo the Bright, Feb 28, 2007 17:01

"No president before him has managed to cash in from his time in office with such shameless abandon."

While the measure of "shameless abandon" (your words) isn't actually quantifiable, the measure of capital gains certainly is.

By that measure Clinton has hardly come close to the levels "cashing in" on presidential power that the Bush dynasty has enjoyed. How should shame be measured? And where does the real threat to the Republic lie: In post-presidential petty opportunism or in the vast steering of public policy and channeling of our national treasure towards personal interests while in office?

To quote former Republican strategist Kevin Phillips: "Past administrations have transgressed, albeit not so egregiously, and other political families have had dynastic ambitions. But none have succeeded as thoroughly as the Bushes. Jefferson and Madison would be horrified."

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