Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.
The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri. His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.
When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year..
After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.
When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."
Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."
As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.
Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale. (sic. Illinois )
Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!
I say dig him up and clone him!!
Enjoy life now-it has an expiration date!
17 comments:
Sylvia;
God bless Harry, wish we had more like him. Have a great evening my friend!
A different kind of post for you - I like this also.
Wow! This is almost unbelievable story. It certanily is a contrast to today's Presidents. Using the office to become millinairs, or accepting awards they did not earn.
I was stuck by his selflessness. May I learn...
Thank you for sharing this.
that was really interesting. i had no idea.
limerick love
Wow. One day when I have more time I'd love to read more biographies -- we have so many inspiring people in our past and often we hardly know them.
Thanks for this post Sylvia!
They drove to Independence from somewhere besides Washington D.C. I know because my father and his fiancee -- soon to be my mother! -- went to Union Station to help see him off by train!
Good old HST! Thanks for the reminder of this rather unsung hero! We went to see their home in Missouri and learned some of this stuff there and at his Presidential Library. It is all well worth a visit. Their home WAS very plain-jane -- looked like my grandparents home or just anybody's ordinary house from that era. They spent their retirement years living like any other retired couple. (And both died there.) He loved to walk around town every day and the street signs have his walking profile.
The really impressive thing is how he stepped up to the bat and excelled at leadership when he wasn't really expecting to have to lead the country at all.
I agree we could use another HST.
You will be sick of my comments -- I deleted a repeat -- accidentally posted it twice. But wanted to add that I am so putting that book on my TBR list! TX
Interesting text, Sylvia.
Have a wonderful new week!
Amen to that!
Thanks for a wonderful post which contains some great food for thought.
Like him or not, whatever your party, you have to recognize the fact that Harry Truman had integrity. Not many like him any more, that's for sure!
He's a Missourian and so am I by heritage. What a great man! I'd like to think it's just because he's from Missourah, but I'm pretty sure there's more to it than that!
indeed!
What a difference between then and now. It was a simpler, more honest life then. Politicians the world over seem to be tarred with the same brush of self-interest and greed. Some of our MPs have three, four or even five jobs as well as their parliamentary work, all to rake in more money.
Cara Sylvia.......
How wonderful your dedication to a very extraordinary and important Person; which example goes far above wisdom and intelligence....!
I wish you a happy and sunny week!!!!!!!
ciao ciao elvira
Oh Sylvia, I enjoy this post tremendously! You won't find another one like Harry Truman in this day and age!
I always liked him, but now I like him even more. That's my kind of guy! What integrity!
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