To the Point
Ethics and Accountability at the Obama White House
Two of President Obama's top appointees withdrew yesterday because they failed to pay federal taxes. Is "changing the culture" of Washington easier said than done? Will the political distraction interfere with efforts at policy change? Also, tighter restrictions on executive compensation for companies getting federal bailouts, and an about-face on global warming from the new Secretary of Energy.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenTwo of President Obama's top appointees withdrew yesterday because they failed to pay federal taxes. Is "changing the culture" of Washington easier said than done? Will the political distraction interfere with efforts at policy change? Also, tighter restrictions on executive compensation for companies getting federal bailouts, and from the new Secretary of Energy, a dire warning on the end of agriculture in California.
Banner image: President Obama and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner announce new restrictions on executive compensation. White House photo: Pete Sauza
In this episode
3 storiesNew Rules on Executive Compensation
The financial crisis was front and center today with the announcement of plans to tighten restrictions on compensation for executives of banks and other companies getting federal bail-out money. President Obama dismissed such rewards in the midst of the current economic crisis as “bad taste” and “bad strategy” that he would not tolerate.
Read the story6 minObama and Public Accountability
With top-level appointees admitting they didn't pay federal taxes, President Obama told TV interviewers last night, “ I screwed up .” The promise of tough standards to “change the culture” of Washington has created expectations that are hard to meet.
Read the story34 minNew Energy Secretary Issues Dire Warning on Global Warming
The Bush Administration took heat for downplaying the dangers of climate change.
Read the story9 min
