Blog 3950 – 08.16.2026 

Public Service

The founders of our government never intended for public service to be profitable. They intended for people to volunteer their services temporarily for the greater good. Jesus purportedly said to his disciples as they were quarreling over who among them would be preeminent, “The greatest among you will be a servant to all.” The highest office in our government is President of the United States. And the job description does not include king or dictator, but describes the role as a public servant answerable to the people. Even his title as Commander in Chief of the military does not give him the authority to declare war, only Congress can do that legitimately.

As I began this so I end it. Our founders never intended for our public servants to get rich in the people’s service. Presidents were required to disclose their income taxes and to put their business interests in a public trust, and strict rules of conflict of interest applied to all three branches of government. The Legislative branch (Congressmen, Senators), the Executive branch and the Judicial branch all were to avoid even the appearance of profiting off their offices of public trust.

Ole Harry said it best, “Show me a man that gets rich being a politician, and I’ll show you a crook.”

Your friend and fellow traveler 

David James White