Millard Fillmore: Grocer Subsistence

Posted by admin on Saturday, February 9, 2019

Millard Fillmore Money Quote saying before the ‘Former Presidents Act’ awarded retired presidents a cabinet level salary (currently $221,400 yearly) was complaining of the need to make a living after serving the highest office. Millard Fillmore said:
 

 

“It is a national disgrace that our Presidents, after having occupied the highest position in the country, should be cast adrift, and, perhaps, be compelled to keep a corner grocery for subsistence” — Millard Fillmore

 

 

In this quote, 13th U.S. President Millard Fillmore seems to be expressing dismay and disappointment over the lack of support former presidents received after leaving office. Some key points:

• Fillmore calls it a “national disgrace” that presidents, after serving in the country’s highest leadership role, would be left with no means of support or livelihood.
• He suggests ex-presidents may be “cast adrift” and forced into menial jobs like “keep[ing] a corner grocery” just to afford basic subsistence and survival.
• This implies Fillmore felt it was undignified and a failure of the nation not to provide better pensions or assistance for presidents once their term ended.

Overall, the quote conveys Fillmore’s view that it was shameful for the U.S. to not have systems in place to prevent former commanders-in-chief from potentially facing poverty and humiliation after dedicating years of service to the country in such an important position. He saw adequate post-presidency support as an issue of respect and responsibility.