Two Minds About Obama Speaking at Wall Street Firm
I understand the anger. The feeling of betrayal over Obama speaking for a large fee to Wall Street.
I do not like this cozy crap with Wall Street by the Democratic Party Members.
Democrats need to back away from the Wall Street/big Corporate elbow rubbing.
But, thinking about it, I also understand why President Obama is doing it.
After 8 years in the White House he needs to restart a private life and what that entails.
He has his house in Chicago he would like to eventually return to.
He has his new house in Washington DC for a few years and the assorted expenses that come with caring for and furnishing it.
Sasha in Private School, where she has gone for 8 years.
Malia in Harvard.
Kick starting his new ventures in outreach to young people and the expenses of starting a new venture.
Obama and Michelle have quite a few expenses, have been out of public life for a long time and probably need some big cash, especially right away.
If I was someone important and needed money, big money fairly quick, I probably would think about doing a couple speeches for some fat cats while also having a chance to maybe talk to them about their role in rebuilding the country and the need for them to give back.
And I am no fan of the Fat Cats.
But, thinking on both sides, I can see it. I am coming down on neither side.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Isn't that enough to pay off the bills? 
to..
Why Obama SHOULD Make That Speech - And Take The Paycheck For It Too
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Cantor Fitzgerald survived both losing the largest single number of employees (658) of any company with offices in the World Trade Center on 9/11 and they also survived the financial crisis because they were NOT engaging in the same reckless behavior as the other financial firms (like Lehman, AIG, et al).
Moreover, Cantor Fitzgerald has done a great deal of philanthropic work in honor of their lost employees. Along with keeping a promise to use 25% of ALL profits they earned for the next 5 years to provide money to each of the original 658 families, they also promised to cover the health insurance costs for those families for 10 years. On top of this, they have continued the legacy of those lost employees, by making charitable donations to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy and of a huge tornado, as well as other acts of kindness.
So Obama, now a PRIVATE CITIZEN, is giving a speech to a firm that survived a horrible tragedy that has impacted life in America in uncountable ways ever since, and who turned their pain into positive action by not only taking care of their own, but helping others as well. They have also recovered as a company, avoided the worst behaviors that led to the 2008 financial crisis (actually profiting in a year when so many larger investment firms folded — and hiring when thousands were being laid off), and continue to invest in smart ways (one current project involves connecting people with their own local “mom & pop” shops).
Basically, Obama is being paid to give a speech to the ONE company on Wall Street that no one should be criticizing. Oh, and by the way — he’s giving this speech at their annual healthcare conference… a subject that Obama cares deeply about — and will forever be associated with since his signature healthcare legislation has been dubbed “Obamacare”. It’s also an issue that Cantor Fitzgerald championed even while still reeling from the losses they suffered on 9/11, by promising to cover the health care of the families of their lost employees for 10 years!!
More..
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2017/4/28/1657222/-Why-Obama-SHOULD-Make-That-Speech-And-Take-The-Paycheck-For-It-Too
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