What does publics service really mean?  Sometimes when i see public officials and politicians talking about PUBLIC SERVICE it rings hollow.  It's not always a bad thing, but i know that more often than not a senator, governor etc. is realizing their own career ambitions vs. really sacraficing for their constituents.  In reality, there are only a few people for whom assuming an office like the presidency would be a SACRAFICE. 

 

People also make a big deal about TAXES and a willingness to give someone's money away to the government as a public service.  don't get me wrong, paying the TAXES that you OWE is a big part of it, but in some cases there, might be a skill set that can offer more than just money.  Take Trump for instance.  The aggregate Trade deficit for the next decade could be estimated at roughly 5- 8 trilion dollars.  If Trump is able to mittigate that by say, 25% using his skill and experience then that would add 1.25 to 2 trillion dollars (an extra 1% a year of GDP growth) to the economy.  That is far more money than Trump will ever have personally. 

 

Buffet gets a lot of credit from people for advocating we raise his personal taxes by a few basis points, but how would that compare to him actually managing a social security investment option as well as he has managed Berkshire hathaway? 

 

For a lot of people advancing their political career is an end to itself that can be nobel or less than nobel based on the person.  I applaud those who take a step away from their own personal success and actually have something to offer to the community at large, and point out that in some cases lending a persons time and skills can be a lot more beneficial than just paying a million dollars more in taxes.

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