With the release of the Clinton tax returns and the revelation of Bill's income from giving speeches, I find myself curious about the whole business of speaking fees. Bill Clinton made over 50 million dollars in the last seven years for giving speeches. I'm not sure what the going rate is for a speech by an ex-President, but this seems like an extraordinary amount. He certainly isn't the first and definitely won't be the last, but this whole issue of speaking fees for both active and retired politicians is something that should be looked at more closely. This seems like an easy way to pay a bribe or make a payoff. I don't begrudge these people the opportunity to make the money, but because of their status it is important that we know who is paying these fees. What a great way to slip someone some cash without breaking the law. If the politicians are doing nothing wrong, they should have nothing to hide. Maybe it is overly suspicious to suspect there is foul play, but it is the lack of trust the politicians have created that raise concern in the first place.