Has this ever happened before????

The White House announced that after only about 1 year on the job Press Secretary Tony Snow s leaving. Following the recent defections from the White House ship, one is left to ponder if he is just the next rat jumping off a sinking ship. The fact he is following Karl Rove out the door less than a week later isn't even the interesting part.

Mr. Snow announced that his reason for leaving is financial and that his post does not pay enough. Its hard to believe that any member of the government so highly placed as the White House Press Secretary would ever use such an excuse. Its a sad commentary on our nation, but nearly all politicos are wealthy and in the current administration this is even more true.

The big question is, how much is Mr. Snow making that isn't "enough?" Tony Snow's government salary is $168,000 per year. Let that sink in...$168,000 is such a hardship on this man that he has to quit his job as Press Secretary to the most powerful man in the world. $168,000 is almost 4 times the National Average household income (as reported by the US Census in 2003) of $43,318. I feel for Mr. Snow, I can't imagine living off a salary of only $168,000 with all the perks and benefits that come with being the mouthpiece of the President. The notion is asinine. If the White House didn't want Tony Snow's departure to look like their administration is crumbling, couldn't they have come up with a better excuse or is Mr. Snow so far separated from the average American that he is burdened by an income (paid by their taxes no less) that is unapproachable for all but the wealthiest in this country.

And the White House insists they have the average American in mind when making policy decisions. They are clearly out of touch with reality.