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<p>Agree. But I’m not sure I get your point. That doesn’t mean that we can assume those in the public sector AREN’T motivated by money </p>
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<p>This is a poor example with regards to financial motivation. Arnold (Hollywood), Robert Rubin (ex-McKinsey and Goldman), Jon Corzine (ex-Goldman), Hank Paulson (ex-Goldman) – these are all guys that had hundreds of millions of dollars in the bank before they answered the call to public service (or a cynic would say – esp. in Corzine’s case – the ultimate ego boost). I mean Corzine effectively “bought” his way into politics – he spent over $60 million – the most expensive in Senate history – on his campaign to become NJ Senator. He outspent his GOP counterpart by a whopping $50 million dollars. This is a guy that had not served a single day in an elected position then became a Senator literally overnight. He is now Governor of New Jersey. You think that he’s a really lucky guy? Is he particularly good at speeches? Does he have natural born instincts as a savvy politician? Did he have groundbreaking ideas with regards to public policy? Perhaps he’s really charismatic? No. His bank account is particularly charismatic. This underscores the point about money and politics.</p>
<p>So let’s be real for a second. If you want to be a serious player in government – i.e. a Senator, Governor, etc. you have to be either rich or have some serious rich friends.</p>
<p>Let’s not over romanticize the public sector is all I am saying. It is just as susceptible to corruption and greed as any other. Just look at Spitzer for the latest example of hypocrisy from “those who serve the public”.</p>