‘Two Americas’ reflected in White House pay.
‘Two Americas’ reflected in White House pay.
The National Journal reports that Karl Rove and other senior Bush aides received a $2,800 cost-of-living wage hike in the past year to earn a top pay rate of $168,000. Meanwhile, the lower-income staffers have experienced a salary decline:
Those at the bottom of the White House staff pay scale — the young people answering phones and responding to the president’s mail, for example — are experiencing a pay cut for the same duties because of inflation as they remain stuck at a $30,000 pay floor, which has been the pay basement for at least the past three years.
The Economic Policy Institute writes, “Due to higher inflation and slightly slower wage growth, both the real (i.e., inflation-adjusted) hourly and weekly earnings of most workers have been falling for the past few months. … [H]ourly and weekly wages for the 80% of the workforce holding non-managerial jobs are trending down so far this year.”
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I wish I was a manager.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:12 pmWTF??? I just got deleted, but you’ll leave the Pat Tillman remarks up???
July 30th, 2007 at 12:15 pmOur trolls are stuck in the basement. In the basement at mom’s house and in the basement at the White House. Ironical, no?
July 30th, 2007 at 12:15 pmJust another rallying point for a revolution.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:17 pmMoutoussis, Mary A. Gift analyst $30,000.00
wtf?
“Yep, that’s a gift all right.” Ka-Ching!
Mary must be laughing all the way to the bank. I would be.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:18 pmSo this is why all the neocons are running from the building screaming?
July 30th, 2007 at 12:18 pmQuality corruption comes at a top dollar.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:19 pm“As people do better, they start voting like Republicans – unless they have too much education and vote Democratic, which proves there can be too much of a good thing.”
Karl Rove.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:23 pmPunish the competent, reward the incompetent.
That’s the Bush Republican way.
-GSD
July 30th, 2007 at 12:25 pmThere is ‘YouTube’…there is also YouSacrifice..
July 30th, 2007 at 12:25 pmDon’t worry about your salary – here are some quail wings…….
OT: Three American bullets (grouped tightly) in Pat Tillman’s forehead, his uniform and personal belongings (including his diary) burned in the field. It really is as simple as that.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:26 pmLOL Bush butt swindles his own bottom rung employees.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:32 pmHey you know if they worked hard, increased their skills, then they could move into better paying jobs, isn’t that the argument about paying someone more then minimum?
July 30th, 2007 at 12:36 pmAre we actually expecting anyone in the WH to care about these little people? Or that we’re pointing out their greed and hypocrisy?
Have we learned nothing over the last 7 years?
July 30th, 2007 at 12:39 pmSome of those bottom rungers could be TP posters > lol.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:41 pmThe trolls aren’t commenting on this one. They would like for Karl to pay them more.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:41 pmWhere is M12 to explain why it is important that management move forward despite the fact that they produce nothing but that those who do do not? I am sure he also has great thoughts as to why raising the minimum is totally uncalled for and will only hurt his nickels and dimes
July 30th, 2007 at 12:42 pmSo $30k isn’t enough to “the young people answering phones and responding to the president’s mail”? Exactly how much *should* they be getting?
July 30th, 2007 at 12:44 pmThese guys have to get as much money as possible to keep the lies and crimes going. The Mafia get alot of stolen money why not these crooks. So what that the taxpayer is being robbed and will have to pay higher taxes to cover the stolen money. America put Bush in for two terms with the help of fixed voting machines, denying minorities from voting and even getting Pat Tillman killed because of his out spoken comments about vote for Kerry. Americans don’t care as you notice it’s all ok, Bush can given Karl Rove 500,000 dollars and no one would blink an eye. Cheney has stolen billions with on problem. The Church pastors have gotten their new BMW’s and big houses while telling their followers vote Bush for God. Satan takes care of his team as you see. Only one problem you can’t take it with you when you go. You come in this world with nothing and you leave it with nothing. Looks like Heaven wont be crowded but hell sure will be.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:45 pmThe Church pastors have gotten their new BMW’s and big houses while telling their followers vote Bush for God. Satan takes care of his team as you see.
At least the atheist liberal millionaires can spend freely since they dont need to worry about hell.
You think Pelosi and Kerry are having a good-natured competition on who can own more houses?
July 30th, 2007 at 12:49 pmWhich guys? The “young people answering phones”? Or Karl Rove?
Could someone please explain to me how Pres Bush, VP Cheney, Rove, et.al. can be so stupid (as many on here have said) yet be smart enough to steal “billions with on problem.” (sic).
And you know he’s stolen billions… how?
July 30th, 2007 at 12:51 pmDid you mean Rev’s Sharpton and Jackson?
July 30th, 2007 at 12:52 pmYou think Pelosi and Kerry are having a good-natured competition on who can own more houses?
Comment by Piper — July 30, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
You want to know, go ask them.
Don’t forget to ask the Bush family while you’re at it, and Bill Frist, too!
July 30th, 2007 at 12:52 pmDale…
July 30th, 2007 at 12:52 pmAre you talking to yourself?
Just curious, as you post #20 makes absolutely no sense!!!
My comment was deleted!
I’ll try it again w/o the name that was readily available in the link provided by TP…sheesh.
One of these WH staffers was making 30,000 dollars as a GIFT ANALYST! Now, granted, certain items aren’t allowed to be accepted, and certain people aren’t allowed to give gifts. But 30 grand to sort through it all? I get a one hour block of instruction every year, and she gets 30 friggin’ grand?
July 30th, 2007 at 12:54 pmPiper: “At least the atheist liberal millionaires can spend freely since they dont need to worry about hell.
You think Pelosi and Kerry are having a good-natured competition on who can own more houses?”
Both Pelosi and Kerry are practicing Catholics.
Dale, one doesn’t have to be a genius to steal billions in taxpayer money for one’s friends in corporate America. One simply needs to be a sociopathic traitor to his country like Cheney is to accomplish this.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:56 pmDid you mean Rev’s Sharpton and Jackson?
Comment by Dale — July 30, 2007 @ 12:52 pm
Nah… they never tell their followers to vote for Bush. He was talking about Pat Roberstson and Ted Haggard. Pat Dobson, who won’t talk to haggard anymore. Hmmm… not very forgiving for a Christian, is he?
Hey, wasn’t pat Robertson doing business w/ that guy from Liberia – the blood diamonds dude? Wow, how Christian is that?
July 30th, 2007 at 12:56 pmWhy isn’t he in jail?
Why are we paying for him to politicize the whole government to benefit the GOP???
July 30th, 2007 at 12:58 pmDale: “The Church pastors have gotten their new BMW’s and big houses while telling their followers vote Bush for God.
Did you mean Rev’s Sharpton and Jackson?”
No Dale. Sharpton and Jackson haven’t asked anyone to vote Bush for god.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:58 pmBush supporters, does it ever give yo pause to consider that you always find yourself arguing against good paychecks for working class people and in favor of huge paychecks to people who are already rich? Just wondering.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:02 pm#23, what part didn’t you understand? The first part was responding to a statement posted earlier; the second asked a general question in response to another statement that was made.
#24, so how did he steal the money? And for who?
July 30th, 2007 at 1:02 pmYes, Jack, that was my point… a general statement was made with absolutely no proof to back it up.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:03 pmThe Bush Administration is so completely and utterly committed to economic injustice and will stop at nothing to further the gap between rich and poor. Its amazing how transparent they are about it… and nobody really seems to care.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:06 pmwhat do they need salaries for anyway; they’re all spawn of war profiteering repukes, so they’ve already got their trustfunds…
July 30th, 2007 at 1:09 pmDale: “a general statement was made with absolutely no proof to back it up.”
Dale, that conservative christian pastors told their flocks to vote for Bush because he was more christian than the other guy has been well documented. Conservative Catholic bishops even told their followers that they would not be allowed communion if they voted for Kerry. Why are you acting like this isn’t a well-known fact?
July 30th, 2007 at 1:13 pmDoes anyone here think that the trolls should be responsible for refuting our claims with proof, and that the burden of proof should not fall on the “regular” posters?
July 30th, 2007 at 1:17 pmInteresting. I assume that John Edwards and his shameless, attack dog wife will forfeit their pay if they are elected to the White House. Or better yet, maybe he can stop charging 55k to give speeches about poverty.
The left’s class warfare arguments wouldn’t be so offensive if it wasn’t rooted in such disgusting hypocrisy. The difference between me and the Edwards is I am willing to admit I like $$ and want the right to choose how to spend it.
America was based on economic freedom and “choice.” I don’t want an anti-choice President.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:17 pm#32 – I think it’s called freedom. These low class black churches sent them out in droves to vote for Kerry. But apparently, not enough.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:18 pm#27, I’ve never argued “against good paychecks for working class people and in favor of huge paychecks to people who are already rich”. I’m in favor of somebody getting a pay equal to what the effort they put forth.
So which are you upset about… the top assistants getting $168k or the “young people” getting $30k?
July 30th, 2007 at 1:20 pmGod Help Us: “I think it’s called freedom.”
In particular, it’s about churches getting involved in politics and elections. I agree that religious should have the right to engage in our politics…. but only if they start paying taxes like everyone else. Why should they be exempt from taxes because of separation if they’re not going to separate themselves from the process. Tax the churches! Tax the businesses owned by the churches!
July 30th, 2007 at 1:21 pmWhy? Afraid of actually backing up your ‘claims’ with verifiable facts?
July 30th, 2007 at 1:22 pm#36 – I am against the govt interfering with any of this. I am for freedom and choice. You are NOT. You want a welfare state dictated by the radical left and their hypocrite allies in the Democrat Party.
I am sick of the left trying to take my money.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:22 pm#37 – When Hillary and Obama stop going to churches to preach Dem talking points, we have a deal.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:23 pmOkay, so would you be equally in favor of silencing Rev’s Sharpton and Jackson?
July 30th, 2007 at 1:23 pmDale, my concern is with income disparity, not necessarily anything going on in this Whitehouse. I’m concerned that working class wages have been stagnant or dropping while corporate profits have been soaring. I’m concerned that the middle class has less spending power today than it did 30 years ago and people can’t make a decent living on one paycheck anymore.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:24 pmDale: “Okay, so would you be equally in favor of silencing Rev’s Sharpton and Jackson?”
Um, no Dale. I posted nothing about silencing anyone. What I said was that if religion was going to get involved with politics, religion needs to pay taxes. That goes for all religion in my book, left or right.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:27 pmDoes anyone know what a low class black church is?
July 30th, 2007 at 1:28 pm#42 – your concerns are hollow. Aside from energy, this economy is BOOMING. The less fortunate are better now than their were under your beloved Clinton, but the msm’s hatefulness for a Republican President will always look at the glass half full. They did it with Reagan, too.
AND if you are so concerned with income disparity, why you schill for a criminal like Edwards?
July 30th, 2007 at 1:28 pm#42, okay, so what’s your solution? Arbitrarily increase the pay scales for those who hold jobs such as answering phones and mail? Exactly what should those pay scales be?
July 30th, 2007 at 1:29 pmDoes anyone else here think it’s a waste of time to back up our ‘claims’ with verifiable facts for the benefit of some idiot trolls?
July 30th, 2007 at 1:31 pmGod Help Us: “I am sick of the left trying to take my money.”
The largest tax increase in history on working people in America was brought to you by Ronald Reagan in 1983.
This year, Dems are talking about recinding the top marginal rate cuts in the last round of Bush tax cuts. Unless you make over $400K a year, this won’t affect you a bit.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:31 pmNot at all… so who’s going to distinguish the trolls from the non-trolls? Will we take a test to determine who’s who? What’s to stop someone from posting under an assumed name?
What’s so objectional about having facts to back up your positions?
July 30th, 2007 at 1:33 pmSurely this is as it should be in a fascist regime.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:34 pmAny idiotic Conservatives arguing that this is the “free market” at work? Doubtful. This is the typical, Republican CRONYISM at work. Heck, Bush would still be trying to get into grad school if his father hadn’t started calling in his favors.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:34 pmReading some of the comments by the Bush appointed spin team is interesting. If the comments are paid by Bush then it shows how Bush got in office twice. With most of the information out about the crimes and misuse of taxpayers money it would be hard to believe that the educated people don’t understand they have been played. As for the Church just ask Ralph Reed he’ll explain how he helped the church get their share and he got his. As for the Black comments it only shows how racism is alive and well in the US by a few. Our troops in combat aren’t colors and they are putting their lives on the line for all Americans. As we watch the Bush Administration sink lower and lower while the Middle East is using this invasion to get weapons from the US as a pay off to keep their mouths closed. The Saudi’s are using the US like the US used the Middle East. Smart move by learning who is the weakest and acting like friends they stabbing the US in the back. We gave Saddam weapons and look what happen. Even Maliki is telling the US to get out, he had his meeting with Iran. Our troops are dying in larger numbers while some Americans defend the White House crimes. When 9/11 attack happen it was against all Americans there were no color lines. Americans tried to save Americans I hope some can remember that when trying to divide us.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:37 pmAs for the White House pay scales well as all are government employees their salaries are paid by the United State taxpayers through the US Treasury. Like only CEO, Bush is giving the people he chooses what he wants them to get. If the President feels Karl Rove should get 500,000 dollars a year for his work that’s the decision of the President who hired him. Money is no problem in American we’re the richest country in the world.
God Help Us: “Aside from energy, this economy is BOOMING. The less fortunate are better now than their were under your beloved Clinton, but the msm’s hatefulness for a Republican President will always look at the glass half full. They did it with Reagan, too.
AND if you are so concerned with income disparity, why you schill for a criminal like Edwards?”
I would like you to offer some proof to your assertion that the less fortunate are better off today than under Clinton. Poverty rates have been climbing for 6 years now after dropping every year for 8 years during Clinton. Most middle-class working pay has dropped or has been stagnant for the last 6 years. College costs and healthcare costs have risen at 4 to 5 times the rate of inflation. I’m not sure why you would even try to make your argument unless it’s just something you’re pulling out of your ass.
And, please. What crime has John Edwards committed? Is it the crime of being a self-made wealthy man and then continuing to care and argue in behalf of those less fortunate than he is? I call that a sign of good character. Are you so sick and perverted inside that you can’t even imagine a wealthy man caring about the poor?
July 30th, 2007 at 1:37 pmPlease excuse me for asking this again:
Does anyone else here think it’s a waste of time to back up our ‘claims’ with verifiable facts for the benefit of some idiot trolls?
Comment by Eggeggious — July 30, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
July 30th, 2007 at 1:38 pmDale: “What’s so objectional about having facts to back up your positions?”
Dale, you have a habit of changing an original posting’s words to craft a lame strawman argument. He didn’t say it was “objectionable.” He said it was possibly a “waste of time.” I understand his position. Often with trolls around here, you can present factual data and they simply ignore it and continue with their narrative.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:40 pmThe National Journal reports that Karl Rove and other senior Bush aides received a $2,800 cost-of-living wage hike
And how much is the Congress getting extra this year?
http://infowars.com/articles/us/congress_membes_give_themselves_pay_raise.htm
Looks to be about $4,400
July 30th, 2007 at 1:41 pmSo $30k isn’t enough to “the young people answering phones and responding to the president’s mail� Exactly how much *should* they be getting?
Comment by Dale — July 30, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
The cost of living in Washington DC is about 50 to 60% above the national average. So the phone answerer at the White House is able to support a lifestyle in Washington that about $20,000 would buy in middle America. Admittedly this is higher than minimum wage, but I doubt they’re living large.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:42 pmSo $30k isn’t enough to “the young people answering phones and responding to the president’s mail� Exactly how much *should* they be getting?
Comment by Dale — July 30, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
The cost of living in Washington DC is about 50 to 60% above the national average. So the phone answerer at the White House is able to support a lifestyle in Washington that about $20,000 would buy in middle America. Admittedly this is higher than minimum wage, but I doubt they’re living large.
Comment by missmolly
At a minimum, staff should be getting a true cost of living increase that would allow their salaries to be constant, which was the point of the article. Some White House staff (at the top of the scale) get significant increases while the frontline staff isn’t getting enough to keep up with inflation. It’s a simple matter of fairness.
July 30th, 2007 at 1:50 pma rising tide lifts all boats…
July 30th, 2007 at 1:59 pmlol
a rising tide lifts all boats…
lol
Comment by Master Shake
Unless you can’t even afford a raft. Then it’s just “Sorry, but you’ll have to swim! Do watch out for the sharks.”
July 30th, 2007 at 2:28 pmSo $30k isn’t enough to “the young people answering phones and responding to the president’s mail� Exactly how much *should* they be getting?
Comment by Dale — July 30, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
How much do you think it costs just to live in Washington? I would bet that answering the phones, diving into the mail bag, and logging and reporting all of the gifts and crap that come into the White House is a huge job…boring, soul-sucking thankless work at that.
July 30th, 2007 at 8:07 pmall that and endure presidential flatulence and hot air? ooohhh, it’s too much to bear.
July 30th, 2007 at 10:18 pm