Obama can set excellent example for CEOs by forgoing his salary
John C. Bersia
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Op/Ed
Along the way, an overarching goal should be to respect and protect the environment. That kind of initiative would put people back to work and leave the nation in an enhanced position once the recovery comes. Regarding other matters, Obama should use the inauguration to signal that one of his major, first-year goals will be to revitalize U.S. global leadership. Much of that effort will be political: sending out the right signals, underscoring multilateral intentions, taking advantage of good will and getting dialogues going. But it also will require taking the initiative, in cooperation with other countries, to facilitate peacemaking, combat threats such as terrorism and climate change, and promote globally beneficial economic practices, particularly freer trade.
Although he cannot issue an Emancipation Proclamation for the world, he can declare the realistic objective of substantially ending slavery within a generation. Finally, Obama must reach across the political aisle early and often, and not simply in terms of a bipartisan selection process for his Cabinet and other key positions. He is, I believe, too smart to pursue much of the intensely liberal agenda that so many people fear, especially those who declined to vote for him. To succeed and make a difference sooner rather than later, he must govern from the middle.
Although he cannot issue an Emancipation Proclamation for the world, he can declare the realistic objective of substantially ending slavery within a generation. Finally, Obama must reach across the political aisle early and often, and not simply in terms of a bipartisan selection process for his Cabinet and other key positions. He is, I believe, too smart to pursue much of the intensely liberal agenda that so many people fear, especially those who declined to vote for him. To succeed and make a difference sooner rather than later, he must govern from the middle.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
LisaP
Lisa P
posted 11/20/08 @ 12:49 AM EST
Of course leader must set a good example to his subordinates so that his action would be followed. Apparently, it wasn't enough to cover the mortgage crisis up with a TARP. (Continued…)
Elena
posted 11/20/08 @ 9:54 AM EST
I don't feel that President-Elect Obama should waive his salary. No other president before him has done so and no other president before him has been called to do so. (Continued…)
Obama-Mama
posted 11/20/08 @ 8:11 PM EST
Did you ever suggest Bush not get paid, even though his family is worth hundreds of millions? Or Cheney?
Good lord. Both Obamas together haven't made as much in their entire lives as these CEO's make in one year. (Continued…)
Business Opportunities
posted 11/27/08 @ 3:55 AM EST
This may be a good idea to set an example. President John F Kennedy reduced his income to one dollar, $1, a year income as president.
Although in reality, the income of the president is not much. (Continued…)
mcphil47
Phil
posted 12/01/08 @ 3:50 PM EST
If a president forgoes his salary it really does send a powerful message to the nation that he cares. I think it would be wise for Obama to do this, but it is a decision that he gets to make. (Continued…)
Dennis
posted 3/10/09 @ 3:28 PM EST
If President Obama did refuse his salary it would be merely a token gesture among the cynics, afterall will be set for life with appearances and speeches, of which these payments will dwarf his presidential salary. (Continued…)
FionaWhite
Fiona
posted 3/10/09 @ 3:41 PM EST
I think much more drastic action is needed than just refusing to be paid for a year. Cut down on the creaking bloated government and provide for the people not the banks and maybe we can get out of this mess sooner rather than later. (Continued…)
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