Only problem is, his current work isn't really hard, isn't really earning, and isn't really work:
And Thompson probably "earned" those salaries, in the sense that he probably put in a full day and made decisions. And now? Well, he's the "president," but not the CEO, of a company called Logistics Health, Inc. which is a government contractor -- we can guess what that job involves. He's a senior partner at the law firm Akin, Gump, where he "focuses on developing solutions for clients in the health care industry, as well as for companies doing business in the public sector," and he's got at least two other "jobs" as well, at none of which do his bosses seem to care that he's out running for president instead of clocking in at 9:00. So in what sense is he now "earning" money when he didn't before?Tommy Thompson isn't working. He's collecting fat checks to leverage his government connections and turn it into taxpayer-funded contracts for his fellow executives so they can get rich off the system. Legal corruption may pay the bills, but it isn't a value-add to anybody except a narrow set of private interests. Tommy Thompson's maintaining a big lie -- it's good that he's getting called on his whole statement.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. I don't blame these former government officials from going after bigger bucks when they finish their civic duty. And by the way, most of the candidates for president are doing it on somebodys payroll, including 3 U.S. Senators at last count.
Steve Bonomo at 9:24PM on Apr 17th 2007
2. Oh well...a couple of weeks into his Presidential campaign and Tommy has already "opened his mouth and inserted foot." Those of us who know him aren't surprised. You can take the boy out of Elroy, but you can't take Elroy out of the boy.
JM at 11:06PM on Apr 17th 2007
3. As a Jew, I found no problem with Thompson's comments connecting Jews with "making money." Its true and we take pride in our business accumen. We also take pride in the work ethics and morality we instil in our children. Everyone jokes that Jewish kids are better at school than sports. Ok, Mark Spitz and Goldberg aside, thats probably true, but whats wrong with valuing a good education?
Personally, I detest the "PC" route the country is going because it makes people afraid to speak their minds. Granted, a lot of things shouldn't be said in general. If Eddie Murphy or Chris Rock said what Don Imus said, people would be rolling with laughter, but because a white person said it he's vilified. The fact is that if its wrong to say it, then its wrong for ANYONE to say it.
Imus was wrong to say it because it was demeaning on many levels, not just race. Thompson, who I wouldn't vote for anyway, didn't say anything so horrifying that he needs to issue a public apology.
It seems to me that Americans have become too thin-skinned for our own good. We cannot wait to point a finger at someone for a slight, real or imagined.
We need to lighten up in general. Perhaps, the networks should run Blazing Saddles nonstop for a week just to help us regain our sense of humor and remind people that while we are different, we are the same.
RGB at 7:02AM on Apr 18th 2007
4. For a different Jewish perspective, I am offended by Thompson's remarks. His remarks were ignorant and bought into a sterotype that has caused more harm than good throughout history. According to the National Jewish Population Study, a significant number of Jews live in poverty, especially elderly. I come from a very working class family -- my grandfather was a postal worker, father a police officer, mother a nurse. I have dedicated my career to social justice. There are plenty of us out there. So, when Tommy Thompson comments that making money is part of the Jewish religion and then Jews say they're proud of that fact, it only points out ignorance among both parties -- not a defiance of PC culture.
rma at 2:05PM on Apr 18th 2007
5. I'm glad you're proud of your heritage, RGB. But I don't think Thompson was trying to complement America's Jews. If he'd said "earning money," that would be one thing. His remark is just one in a long line of anti-Semetic thought, including and pre-dating THE MERCHANT OF VENICE.
Trixie Schizo at 8:53PM on Apr 19th 2007
6. u white people are sick people and sad if u do something wrong u think a slap on the hand is ok well
a time is changing
and upset black person
bb at 5:31AM on Apr 20th 2007