Should "First Spouse" be a paid government position? - Freeze-Frame Radio

Mad Mema · Bad Biker Granny

Should "First Spouse" be a paid government position?

WebGuy · Doesn't Do Windows

No. I don't think so.

I think they get pretty good room, board, security protection, health care, and accommodations while living at the White House. I think they are making out ok.

MzHartz · Permanent Vacation

I don't think so. Really, they're just a glorified housewife. And it's not like they really need that income.

confuzzed · Permanent State of Confusion

Nope.

Mad Mema · Bad Biker Granny

I'm with the "no" crowd, but I do find the question interesting. I can see the argument for it in that there are times when the First Spouse does act as an official diplomat / envoy when the Secretary of State is not able to travel. There also have been incidents where the First Spouse really did step in for the President (Eleanor Roosevelt and Nancy Regan come to mind) when it was not public knowledge that the President was unable to serve. I just think it is too dicey of a situation. The activities of the First Spouse are at the discretion of that person. They cannot be forced to go be a diplomat. They do get a lot of benefits just for being there.

MzHartz · Permanent Vacation

I respect and admire the ladies that stood in for or helped the president. But, those aren't necessarily the typical responsibilities for the "position." So I'd still say no.

JD The Jazz Doctor · Grand Poobah

aw hell no. let them get paid for doing stuff like writings childrens books, saying "just say no", public appearances at rich people tea parties. etc....

Dylan · Leader Of The Banned

I dont believe the First Lady should be a paid position. It is not an elected position. That is not to say they dont make contributions to their husband's career or do things for the good of the country. Their family and they are compensated in other ways. The high profile positions opens doors for so many ither opportuinities. As JD said, book deals, pensions etc.

It would set a terrible precedent for every other wife in America who wants theirs to be a paid position.

Truth be told, most husbands couldnt afford their wives, they wear alot of hats and do so much for their families.

Mad Mema · Bad Biker Granny

I just find it interesting that suddenly this is a topic of conversation in the media. Yes, Michelle Obama had a successful legal career that she put on hold to support her husband and children... but that was a choice that she and her husband made. Hillary Clinton had a career before Bill became President too. I don't recall anyone suggesting that she or any other First Lady should be paid. The conversation on the news seems to center around the idea that there may someday be a First Husband, and perhaps he should be paid... so maybe we should start paying the First Spouse now.

I think it would be horribly insulting to all of the previous First Ladies who actually did perform more than just the typical wifely and ceremonial duties to start making the First Spouse a paid position.

As for your comment, D... I'd LOVE to be able to bill for my years as a wife. Heck, given that I was the primary and many times SOLE breadwinner all that time, I'd just like to get paid back for the vehicles I bought and 50% of the house payments and bills.

MzHartz · Permanent Vacation

Mad Mema wrote:
The conversation on the news seems to center around the idea that there may someday be a First Husband, and perhaps he should be paid... so maybe we should start paying the First Spouse now.

How insulting.

ghostdancer · Ghost In The Machine

I'm in the "no" crowd too. They aren't elected to the position. The Constitution pretty much spells it out as to whom gets paid....the President, not the wife/husband, whichever the case may be.