Comments on: Can We Have A Frugal President?

By: Dick, aka "Dad"

Dick, aka "Dad" — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:33:10 +0000

Comment to Manny– You are very perceptive in saying that turning down the thermostat would not improve the situation. That was meant as a small example. You missed the point of my blog WHICH WAS, WHAT LEADERS DO AND SAY GOES A LONG WAY TO PROMOTE THAT CONCEPT WITH THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. However; if the person turning down the thermostat would follow through and veto pork-barrel bills that WOULD improve the situation. All of our recent presidents have been less than frugal though not necessarily smart or innovative.. Due to their wealth they have been out of touch with working Americans and think record deficits are a GOOD thing. The word on the street is that Bill Gates did invest his money and borrowed MONEY to start Microsoft. By the way, when you were a kid I was strange, now am more strange, and more frugal. Keep turning off the lights!

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:01:15 +0000

Hmmm I wonder if the country would let the president be frugal even if he were inclined to be? Seems everyone is vying for the government to spend lots of money, just on their particular interests.

By: Manny

Manny — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:50:14 +0000

I think it would be possible for a wealthy person to be a frugal president. While voting records, religious beliefs, family life, health records and tax records have not always been 100% for choosing a leader I don’t think that a president who turns down the White House thermostat is going to improve the situation. Some of the smartest most inovative leaders of our time have been less than frugal. What if Bill Gates took the money he used to start up MIcrosoft and put it in a savings account. I’d have to write you a letter instead of email I guess. If we voted in a frugal leader who wanted to save our tax dollars instead of using it to stimulate the economy or create jobs our economy would come crashing down. That’s not to say that we should buy stupid things but there should be a balance. Overlooking the important leadership qualitites of an individual for them being frugal is not the way to go. I don’t care if the president is frugal or not, I want him to protect my country, let me keep as much of my money as psossible and if that means paying 600.00 for a hammer than so be it. By the way when I was a kid I thought you were strange, as I got older cheap and now frugal. I now also run around the house turning lights off. I guess I’m getting old too.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:39:44 +0000

I don’t think being wealthy and being frugal are mutually exclusive. A lot of rich people got that way by being careful with their money.