Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Ol' George Was pretty Slick...!

It could be that we could learn more from George Washington than we ever imagined!

I found some interesting information over at Listverse.com that pretty much surprised me! I think that Ol' george managed to put one over on the Congress, and for that you have to give him credit!



Fact: Washington cleverly tricked congress into paying him obscene amounts of money

First of all, this is what elementary schools teach about Washington: “Later, in 1775, at age 43, Washington was appointed military advisor for New York, defending it from British attack. A few weeks later he was appointed Commander-and-Chief of the entire American army. He did not ask for this position, and did not even ask to be paid for it. [...] The most important reason George was asked to be president was that he was very honest, and people both trusted and admired him. He was the most trusted, admired, and respected man in the whole country.”

Unfortunately what they miss entirely is the fact that he turned down a salary of what would have amounted to a little over 1,000 per month, but said: “Sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to have accepted this arduous employment, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of my expenses. Those I doubt not they will discharge, and that is all I desire.”

And then the shopping began:

- To cash paid for Sadlery, a Letter Case, Maps, Glasses, &c &c &c. for the use of my Command… $831.45
- To sundry Exp.’s paid by myself at different times and places… on the Retreat of the Army thro’ the Jerseys into Pennsylvania & while there… $3,776
- From September 1775 to March 1776, Washington spent over six thousand dollars on liquor

In eight years, by turning down a salary and taking an expense account, instead of being paid around $12,000, he was paid $449,261.51 in 1780 dollars (around $4,250,000.00 in today’s money).

Washington, being a clever man, tried the same ploy when he was elected President but he was turned down and given a set salary of $25,000 per year. You can view scans of Washington’s expense account at the Library of Congress.

Looks like George figured out a way to get what he wanted and still look like a hero at the same time! Yep...Ol' George was a pretty slick man!

Fresh coffee in the kitchen again this morning. It's turning off a little chilly again! I have oven fresh cinnamon rolls...!

13 comments:

The Griper said...

He slicked the government of Pennsylvania too while President in order to have his slaves there yet not have to free them.
Washington's slaves

Gorges Smythe said...

Many of our heroes have tarnished halos, but at least they did what was required and the country survived.

Anonymous said...

Not surprised to find out - someone in government had to start the $500 toilet seat habit . . . 8^)

Baby Sis said...

Bubba -

I'll give you a wooden nickel and some wooden teeth for one of those warm cinnamom rolls right now ~ uummm. I do miss Mama's baking! Or was this one yours? I'll take it , either way!

Big hugs -

Modern Day Redneck said...

Good stuff to ponder on.

linda m said...

Great info this morning. Gotta just love our elected officials. I'd give anything to be able to come over and have one of your cinnamon rolls.

JO said...

So the fleecing of American officials goes that far back. Oh well nothing to be done about it.
But ponder these things over coffee and cinnamon rolls. :)

HermitJim said...

Hey Griper...
You do have to give the man credit for being creative!

Thanks for coming by today!


Hey Gorges...
I don't imagine that many of us can say we were not a little "slick" ourselves from time to time!

Sure would be a dull world if that were the case!

Thanks for coming by today!


Hey Anon 7:25...
Yep! Like I said, ol'George was a real leader in more ways than one!

Thanks for dropping by this morning!


Hey Sis...
Since you can't be here, I'll just have to eat yours for ya! That's what a nice guy I am!

Thanks, Sis, for coming by today!


Hey Redneck...
Never hurts to have a few new things to ponder on!

Who knows? Some of this stuff might come in handy someday!


Hey Linda...
I'd like to say I would save you one, but I'd be telling a story! Just can't resist ''em right out of the oven and covered with butter!

I sure do appreciate you coming by today!

HermitJim said...

Hey JoJo...
I would imagine it's been that way since the beginning of time!

Thanks, sweetie, for coming by today!

TROUBLEnTX said...

Think he musta passed it on down, since we're still getting fleeced.

Anonymous said...

Yea, what a pos! He surely should have served and picked up his own expenses. I mean, what's service anyway. He should have picked up his own expenses AND paid additional taxes for the privilege of serving such grateful and loyal people.

Yea, those founders, scumbags they were! All of 'em. And those stupid, now old and wayyyyyyy out-dated documents they penned! Wow, what idiots! What in the world could they have been thinking? Traitors, pure and simple!

Nothing like the upstanding people of the highest character etc. that we have "representing" us today.

Just sayin'

Diamondback

Sella said...

you make blogging seem so much fun, that I have decided to try it..

I think I read your blog first above any blog and I enjoy your diversity in all areas of life..thanks so much! <3 Sella

michael ultra said...

This didn't surprise me. Go figger!