CNN

James, Phoenix, AZ ... "drinking the poison of resentment and hoping your adversary gets sick?"

Yeah ... I "resent" (presented the fact) that the hypocrite who wrote that Willie's use of exec privilege was a "dodge" on March 28, 1998 and then defended his boss's use of exec privilege now says that 168 grand a year is "not enough money" when he's getting more money per year AND has a better health plan than probably 90% of the population – a population where an ever increasing number are filing for personal bankruptcy, losing their homes, etc due to not having the health insurance they couldn't afford when a medical emergency arose. And I "resent" (presented the fact) that his boss is helping to make damn sure it STAYS that way!

Maybe now that Tony sees how quickly money can become tight with health problems for someone at his income level, maybe he can talk his boss into doing something about the others that are WAY less monetarily fortunate than him? Maybe it's TONY and DUBYA who will have more compassion and empathy now ... and maybe even ACT on it?

One can only hope that if anything positive comes out of his personal battle (which I hope he wins) that perhaps THAT might be it. And if he loses his fight, it wouldn't be a bad legacy to remember him for.

Oh ... and James?

Here's the part of my original post that makes you look like an idiot for posting your response: "While I don't hope he dies from the cancer he has, ..."

See, THAT would be where I stated I was hoping he WOULDN'T get sick. Or die.

Next time (since your reading comprehension is obviously so astoundingly bad that I doubt you could even spell IQ if I spotted you the "I" AND the "Q"), maybe I'll draw you a picture instead.

"Where is HIS conpassion for the people who have cancer who DON'T have his luxurious salary or his primo health plan? Tell you what, the more compassion his boss (who's he willingly chose to defend) has for THOSE people, the more I'll have for him."

Sounds like a good prescription, Rick, drinking the poison of resentment and hoping your adversary gets sick?

Empathy for Tony and his Cancer, U have mine. I actually did have some respect for Snow and when listening to him I didn't hear as much bias as some other commentators. However, when he took the job with the White House all bets were off for him to be objective from then on. When he started I even gave him the benefit of doubt and he did seem different then the previous puppet they had attempting to coverup with BS!! But alas, as Tony's tour dragged on he joined the puppet regime and sold out his integrity!!

John, Long Island – New York ... WOW is your reading comprehension remedial!

Apparently you can read dozens of posts and STILL not get the point.

"You guyz are attempting to drive Snow to the corner for being richer than the lots of u – and having issues w/ only receiving 168k or so per month. If u guyz worked as hard as him – u wouldn't be so different"

We're pointing out how rediculous it is for him to say he doesnt have enough money when 1) he gets WAY more money per year than most people, 2) he has one of the best medical plans in the country (if not the WORLD), and 3) he knew EXACTLY how much he would be getting before he signed up to represent a thoroughly incompetent administration who's policies most people despise – policies that include largely ignoring those people with inadequate or non-existant health care. And if he chose to represent those policies, I can safely assume that he must agree with them – otherwise there is no moral justification whatsoever for him to have accepted his current position where he defends them.

Where is HIS conpassion for the people who have cancer who DON'T have his luxurious salary or his primo health plan? Tell you what, the more compassion his boss (who's he willingly chose to defend) has for THOSE people, the more I'll have for him.

Fair enough?

While I don't hope he dies from the cancer he has, it's hard to imagine him being in a better economic or health insurance situation to deal with it. There's untold millions who have or have had cancer that wish they had the finances and coverage he has now.

Try fighting cancer on 5.75 an hour, without health insurance while your company's CEO makes more in a day than you make all year.

After all, that's not a sign of a problem, that's more proof that the "economy is booming" right?

First, let me say I have no regard for Bush or his administration. However, maybe, just maybe, Snow doesn't want to become a public spectacle as the chemo takes a toll on his appearance.

Are u guyz kidding me? Stop being so sarcastic and all about such issues!! Cuz that's why u guyz get the same thing back from the politicians in the first place... But in any case it's really pathetic how u guyz are attempting to drive Snow to the corner for being richer than the lots of u – and having issues w/ only receiving 168k or so per month. I mean ppl live on different standards... If u guyz worked as hard as him – u wouldn't be so different -_-. Do u guyz not realize the financial sacrifice he made to passionately follow a course of aiding a leader and an administration?? U guyz are obviously envying him for how rich he is; and just putting more blame on an innocent passionate man cuz u guy still can't take the fact that U left a man like Bush in power for like 7 years..

Won't miss that Guy. it is funny to listen to me try justify the lies of his bosses.

It is high time someone in authority like Mr.Tony Snow realised about the ravages of serious medical conditions be it a chronic ones like diabetes that leads to slow death or more sinister ones like cancers. With our current health care system, all legal americans' lives hang by a mere fragile thread. We are all only one major medical condition away from a total family disaster and being on the streets, thanks to the mighty greed of the system and the system administrators.This CANNOT last and no society can endure this extent of economic disparity . This the true definition of true American nightmare. Something has got to be done and done quickly before more mainstream middle- class americans join ranks of homeless. Mind you this is coming from a member of the medical profession.
There may be more to Mr.Snow's story than we know.I wish him luck.

Yes, the man has been through a lot (health wise), but, c'mon! $168k is not enough?? I understand he must have medical expenses up the wazoo, but how many millions of Americans have cancer and make much, much less than Snow.

I wish him the best but...THAT'S a hard one to explain.

Quite an interesting batch of comments here!

I must admit, when I first saw the announcement on the CNN banner, I thought, Oh this cancer has taken it's toll. He must not be able to handle the hours anymore. Poor guy.

When I heard the real reason, I thought, You MUST be kidding! It was kind of hard to get my head around.

Whatever his reasons, they're HIS reasons. Not ours to judge. I sure hope all the passion that's reflected in the comments listed here shows up at the voting booth next election!

To Ray in Rochester

This is a forum to add comments about Tony Snow's departure, not to attack a political candidate (John Edwards). Anyone that posts negative comments about Mr. Snow's health (whether Dem or Rep) doesn't need to be here. This is not about candidates. It is about a very physically ill man and I do have much empathy for him and feel his departure is really about his health and yes, it does cost lots of money when you have a terminal illness.

Yes Glen , the left hate everyone, but they have a self-loathing too, and they hate themselves the most.

Sadly, one can see how bad he looks since he's been diagnosed with cancer. I don't believe he's leaving because of money; I think the cancer treatment is taking a toll on him. I'm a liberal, but I wish him the best.

Really I think the negative comments here are more indicative of just what a lousy job Bush/Rove/Cheney have done and how their special brand of incompetence has sickened and divided all of America.

I agree with those who have said, don't wish bad things upon another. Things have a way of evening out.

I don't believe he leaves WH for more money, it is some fishy. Regardless what is the reason, his ability couldn't handle to cover Bush's mess.
I think he is the worst Press Secretary for our Country. Don't worry Bush will find another incapable guy for Snow.

UNREAL! You talk this way – in PUBLIC – about a man who is probably on his death bed. You people have no sympathy. I hope God curses you and your family and when you have a fatal illness may you hear people wish you dead and have them say terrible things to the world about you – that your grieving family can see. DROP your POLITICAL views – this is a HUMANBEING, a MAN with a family, who is facing a very scary future and many of you are probably God fearing people – EVIL – that's what I see on these message boards – PURE EVIL.

Get a GRIP – drop the DEM. VS. REPUB. WAR – how about acting like good AMERICANS. Does the LEFT hate the RIGHT so much that they are HAPPY when someone is dying?

I wish Tony Snow no ill will, and most of those posting here – with some obvious exceptions – would not wish cancer on their worst enemy. That said...

Tony Snow opened himself up to a great deal of (well-deserved) criticism by stating that his reason/timing for leaving his position was when "the money runs out..." Not only does he make substantially more than the majority of Americans, he also, as a White House staffer (like members of Congress), has access to the best health care and benefits package in this country. It is the height of hypocrisy to oppose a minimum wage that would actually put a family of four above the poverty level, to oppose increasing health insurance coverage for millions of uninsured children, to attack proponents of those programs, and then complain about the inadequacy of a salary that outstrips that of three-fourths of wage earners.

He's going to have a tough time spinning this one in a positive manner without falling back on the ever-popular technique of blaming the "liberal" media.

I may oppose that which Tony Snow represents (Bush and his policies), but I will keep him and his young family in my thoughts and prayers.

You know when the postmortem begins everybody is trying to run from a job not well done. Having experts on to talk about how this accident shouldn't have happen is the groundwork for the various suits that are sure to come forth. Those miners could be alive down there and nobody has the guts to suggest this rescue operation has gone sideways. You say, "It's over." Then we must suppose it is. You don't say, "Look, we are the 4th estate and you quit trying too early."

Find some more experts to make you feel better. You will forget you came up short reporting what the story really is: That everybody started to run for cover when the job got too tough.

Best of Luck!!!

Look, I hold no ill will towards Tony Snow, and wish him well as he battles cancer.

But.....the fact that he doesn't consider it just a bit callous to plead poverty at $168K a year and reference his elevated medical bills when most Americans don't make anywhere near that much money and tens of millions don't have any health insurance at all just illuminates how out of touch this ENTIRE administration is with the American people.

I do empathize with Tony Snow. His prognosis is shaky at best. I do not philosophically endorse his Boss's policies at all, but he is doing his job as the mouthpiece for him.
When he accepted the position of Press Sec'y, surely he was fuly aware of salary. In no way can they pay him as well as the Fox News Network. I'm sure his health benefits are far superior than our average insured citizen.
I wish him the best....he is doing what he feels is best for him and his family's future.

GEE, HE ONLY MAKES $160.000 MORE THAN I DO, POOR FELLOW.

People with Cancer quickly develop a new view on life and the rest of their life. He should at least said the usual "I want to spend more time with my family" instead of "I need more money!"

I don’t like the policies of the Bush administration. I do think that Tony Snow is very good at his job. His decision to seek higher-paying employment is entirely his business and none of mine. I wish him nothing but success in coping with his illness.

But I can’t help but make the comparison to my own situation. I make around $30k in my two part-time jobs. I have no health insurance. I have kidney stones which I can’t afford to have removed. Even if I get insurance, the HMOs will say I have a “pre-existing condition. I’m in constant pain, as are many of the other 40 million uninsured Americans, many of whom are in far worse shape than I am.

We need universal coverage in this country. Playing to people’s fear by labeling it “socialism” or “big government” ignores the fact that it works quite well it in other capitalist industrialized nations. We need to stop posturing and take care of our people.

I hope for the best for Tony Snow and all other Americans fighting disease.

168K is not much when you have to provide for your wife and children when you are no longer living. But maybe you Libs can't project out beyond living for yourself. You Libs need to get a heart.

Finally someone leaving the Bush administration for a reason other than "I want to spend more time with my family".

To everyone who speaks of Tony Snow and his cancer in such a negative way, may God have mercy on your souls. It is a shame that there's such hatred towards a man who's only job is to update the American people on the presidents beliefs and daily routines.

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers, that the hate in your heart is eased by the power of God.

If medical costs are really outweighing that large of a salary, then he'd better jump on the universal healthcare bandwagon right now.

Considering that most people with cancer have to deal with it on a fraction of that money.

God bless him, though; I hope he doesn't die or suffer.

My wife and I really like Tony Snow.
He is a great guy.
We pray for him with his health concerns,most of all.
Tell him to
Be Well,Live Long and Be Strong.
Send Him our Best.

E Martin

If that's the arguement ...why would anyone that makes a couple of million a year take such a huge paycut in the first place. I don't buy that. Also, if we are arguing about medical bills causing huge financial difficulties with a guy making that kind of money, then our system is obviously broken. That is the smallest percentage of the population making that kind of money with benefits that support them. The typical American can in no way survive cancer given our present health care fiasco. And yet, the Bush government and many Republicans do not support government run health care, it would take too much away from the wealthy upper class group that is reflective of this news article in the first place. Seems like we are running to catch our tails here.

All this talk about Morons and living in the real world...sounds like to me people who do not actually live in the real world of minimum wage, no insurance, having your child sent to a war, and you tax dollars rebuilding Iraq while our country crumbles! We call that world the Republican Effect on the United States of America...It happens every time these crooks get in there...

Hey, Morons... Snow took a pay cut from a couple of million/year to take the job. He wasnt living high on the hog while Press Sec'y. Once you make that much, you obviously would have to subsidize yourself to take a 90% drop in income. Further, $168k in the sticks may be good money, but in Washington, its aint even middle class. Good grief... enter the real world, will ya...

I'll take your job and the money that comes with it. And you live on what we make between the two of us which is 28,000. Does that sound good to you.

Most on here show a total lack of class. Kick a guy while he's down because he has a different view than you. Someone even posted something about his "pro-elititst policies", NEWS_FLASH, the press secretary doesn't make policy.

If you saw somebody injured, would you check their voter registration card before offering help?

Pathetic.

Chip

Put Snow right up there with Kay Bailey Huntinson of TX ( need I add the R?). Saying today she needed to consider leaving public service as she needed more money. Wow I' like to make 175K Be married to a multimillionaire and have life time pension and insurance benefits. Somehow I think I could "scrape by". Just like the R presidential canidates proposing 15K tax credits so the poor can go buy health insurance in the open market. OK you R morons people that are poor can't make use of a 15K TAX credit. They don't pay anything like that much tax so what good would the credit do? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Me a tv star. Me turn clock back. Please, retire and move to Florida...we don't need leaders like you any longer.

Guys,

Hold on though. I'm not a Tony Snow fan, but frankly 168k isn't a lot of money in the grand scheme of things. Especially if you're talking about his job description.

This guy has to "stay on script" at all times even if he doesn't believe a word that comes out of his own mouth.

168k to deal with all of the nonsense this administration has generated? I wish him the best in his next career. And again, I'm not even a Tony Snow or Bush administration fan.

I wish you the best Tony! Good luck.

I was born and raised in TN., and, I must say, I am ashamed of Fred Thompson! He doesn't have a clue how to run this country, or anything else! He is an actor, plain and simple. You don't need a PH.D. to act; you "pretend" to be someone else. Fred has mastered that, but, it takes much more to run a country! Fred, step aside! Find another television show to "pretend" in, our country needs someone who is serious and REAL now...not YOU! PLEASE! Go away! It scares me that many people will vote for you, simply because they like your character on television! Yes, that is what most voting Americans have come to, and it's scary. You would work to overturn Roe V Wade????? What the hell are you thinking!???? OMG! I will do everything in my power to spread the word of what an idiot you are! Please, go back to acting!

Sorry he is sick but doesn't he recieve full medical from the job? Maybe no one will discriminate against him since he is ill.

As far as the rest of them leaving before Labor Day.... don't count on it........ they like the check perks and benefits.

Anyone else think it's funny they all squeal on each other ?????? LOL

Perhaps he should be paid $5 for each lie to subsidize his income.

it is evident that the people on theis board are not in the health care business. Lucky for us!! You all make me sick. First I do my duty to serve in the army and hear stupid poltician both republicans and dems say they know whats best and now we have idiots on this board putting down a man for dying with more money then them. To make matters worse we have foriegners weighting in on it as well. What next illegals having their say about him dieing too. Luckly for my patients they get compassionate caring nurses like myself and others on their last days instead of you people. You all should be ashamed. Is this how you want your children to react.

I think the cancer may have spread to his brain?

Good Boy Tony..Don't go down in history as having supported aided or abbeded the worst american traitors in history... Bush & Cheney co-sponsored,endorsed 911 as pre meditated misguided win-win justification for Cheneys Lifelong crusade for a completely autonomous executive branch with no checks and balances for the "public good" fueld by fear, merged with unfinished Bush family "Sadam" issues along with mutual monetary perks for post war oil and infrastructure reconstruction trickle-down benefits. What?? They wouldn't?!
Oh really? Yes Really.. They forgot just one thing. An exit strategy from an eternal islamic retaliation reflex.
There is none. May God help us all.

Meanwhile, all the rest of us would love to try to live on "only" $168,000 a year. Personally, I think he' can't take the non-stop obviouslying he's required to do anymore. He hasn't even been trying as hard to sell it lately and it shows.

I think the problem a lot of people have is that this guy will complain that he doesn't make enough money to pay his medical bills while telling everyone that our health care system is just peachy and national health care is unnecessary.

If his boss wasn't so busy pandering to the big health insurance companies, he might have an easier time dealing with his cancer from a financial perspective at least.

Tony Snow has a health insurance plan that 45 million uninsured Americans can only dream about. He gets paid by taxpayers to stand up there to dodge and spin BS everyday so sorry, I'm not too sympathetic that 168K isn't working out well enough to stay on as the face of Propaganda for Bush's sinking ship.

He went from being a shill paid for by News Corp. to a shill being paid for by my tax dollars.

Good riddance to a man who's job has been to lie to the American people about a pathetic failure of an Administration.

Every last one of you are a bunch of morons. Ever dealt with cancer, it is not cheap! Regardless of his salary, if he makes $168K a year, and has $200K in medical bills… I'm sure his bills pile up faster than his paychecks. Give the man a break, he is most likely dying!!!

Posted By John St. Louis, MO : August 17, 2007 4:30 pm

You're right, medical bills are not cheap in the United States. It's too bad his party and his president oppose healthcare reform that would help not only him pay his medical bills, but also the majority of the American public who don't make $168,000.00 a year.

The rats are jumping ship faster than anyone can count.The "GOOD SHIP GEORGE W." has been taking water for so long it's amazing they didn't leave a long time ago.
Only three more to go,Rice,Cheney and Captain Queeg himself.It sure would have been better to set THOSE three adrift in the quicksand of Iraq a very long time ago.
Unemployment has jumped two whole percentage points on these defections from the Bush administration alone!
It's a shame that Tony Snow will have to get by on unemployment benefits.Maybe they could find themselves a nice FEMA trailer!

Maybe we'll get luck and Dick Cheney will be the next to jump ship.

I can't believe the posts I'm reading!

The man has cancer(first colon and then liver). Give the guy a break.

Put aside your partisan politics for a moment and have some sympathy for him.

The real American public is not heartless! It does appear Mr. Snow is very ill and may very well be preparing for the inevitable! But tell the truth! Does anyone in the Bhush White House ever tell the truth? The truth will sit better with the American people than excuses about family time and finances! Mr. Snow, if you cannot get well then God bless you and help you to reach everlasting peace and tell the truth!

It's sad John, I agree.

However, the people desire to speak, so let them.

People have cancer no matter their income. Most of the posters are just saying 168K is not exactly the national mean average. I know people that have cancer who work for 5.75 an hr.

John,

He does not seem to give our families, troops, and jobs a break with his pro-elitist policies! Cancer is horrible, but try facing it with no insurance, no job, and your son/daughter in Iraq....It sounds a little different doesn't it...

Well said John...

Obviously many of these lefty posters would rather John Edwards was elected...you know...the guy who made $465,000 salary with Fortress Investments and has $17 mil invested with the same company. Fortress...they're the outfit that owns two subprime/[redatory lenders that are foreclosing on Katrina victims houses. Wasn't it that clown Edwards who called such companies to task...oops...I guess he forgot who was paying him.

By the way, anyone wanna guess which company's employess have donated the most to Edwards??? Let me help you out...F-O-R-T-R-E-S-S. This guy is a total clown.

God Bless Tony Snow. Our prayers are with you as you battle cancer.

Best wishes to Mr. Snow. His Boss must be disappointed to have only the wifty Dana Perino to handle what will be 15 months of tough questions.

When the money runs out? You took a paycut? Good grief. I'm laughing. Before I read the article, I figured you were losing sleep because of the daily barrage of lies you have to tell in order to defend the "W" gang. Should have known.

To John in St Louis.

Amen Brother everyone is concentrating on how much he makes and not the ordeal that he has been going through.

Many of the comments posted are derogatory. We don't have the facts. Who knows what he really means. Who understands his financial commitments? $168.000 a year before taxes is not a fortune by any means. To be cruel to one who is recovering from cancer does not speak well of people. I wonder if he was working for a democratic president if many of the comments would be so unsavory.

Seriously everyone, he's made his own decision, why can't we just let him be without questioning his motives. Have your way with Karl Rove if you want, at least it might be said that he had influence on the administration's policies. Tony Snow was the press secretary, not an adviser, for heaven's sake. (For the record, he was also critical of the Bush administration while at his Fox job).

"Lying causes cancer"??? How heartless/ignorant can one get?

>>What hole in his wallet could possible cause him to burn through over 10K cash every month after taxes?

Obviously you've never had cancer. It's in his liver. He's DYING. Give the man a freakin' break!

Other than the fact the guy was associated with Fox News (an immediate negative in my book) and that he worked for George W. Bush (second strike), I do feel badly for him for his health problems. Doesn't he have insurance benefits as a White House employee though??
Still, cancer is ugly and I wouldn't really wish it on anyone.

I guess you need to stand by your own statement. Anyway, you live in a nice country which is full of dreams. So no worries for you!

The cancer must be worse than was believed. He hasn't been looking well. The Chimo treatments have probably had a lot to do with that. I wish him the best.

Boy, he looks awful these days - but as many American know, cancer will do that to you.

Unlike Mr. Snow, who makes six figures to lie to the American public, many Americans who must face cancer do so without legitimate health insurance benefits to aid them in the high costs of treatment.

I'm sure life is rough for Tony Snow (cancer aside).

Anybody working for Bush should be updating the resume and looking hard now. At least half the employers in the U.S. have probably already ruled you out because of your poor judgement in working for W in the fist place, so finding a new job may take longer than you thought.

Jeff, FL: His cancer isn't cured. He's said so himself. So, no big coverup there, sorry.

As for the money comment – you have got to be kidding me? Can our soldiers leave the Army & come home from Iraq when their ~$15,000/yr salary runs out?

Sheesh.

The Fox Noise Channel must have better benefits.

Every last one of you are a bunch of morons. Ever dealt with cancer, it is not cheap! Regardless of his salary, if he makes $168K a year, and has $200K in medical bills... I'm sure his bills pile up faster than his paychecks. Give the man a break, he is most likely dying!!!

Hey Patrick,

That was rough, man.
Gotta get you on the peace train!

I wonder if Mr. Snow realizes just how bad that sounded. The VAST majority of households in America survive on much less than that. This man would defend the republican ideal of not increasing the minimum wage. Wouldn't it be fun to see how it gets by on $5.75 per hour?

They all lie when they leave, Rove is gone because he totally screwed up the 2006 for the Repugs and nobody will touch him with a ten foot pole.

Snow does not look good and I have thought that since he came back I bet his cancer is not cured and he is just trying to hang on as long as he can before it becomes to obvious that he is sick... He's just a hack anyway how many press secretarys has bush put through the wood chipper? 5 ? 6 ?

Hmmm...

1. Proof that lying causes cancer?

2. FOX pays better to be a propaganda minister?

3. Spending too much time with the Washington DC madam?

Inquirying minds want to know.

This is an interesting comment. I am not sure if it is referring to how tough it is to live off of *only* $168K a year these days, or Snow is referring to his medical costs, but either way, the complaints seem odd coming from a Bush Republican, given their stances on minimum wage, the economy, and health care.

Well, good to see he didn't go the Latrell Sprewell route and say "I've got a family to feed"...though at $168,000/year (I assume), how ridiculous does it sound to say "when my money runs out, then I've got to go"? Is the administration's health care plan a reflection of health insurance in America? The benefits at the White House must be horrible if $168,000/yr is putting Snow in the poor house.

"...when the money runs out...I've got to go" ???

What hole in his wallet could possible cause him to burn through over 10K cash every month after taxes?

Whew....ya it's really a burden to try to survive on only 168K a year for working a couple days a week.

Why did he sign-up for the job in the first place if 168K wasn't enough $?

Now don't tell me he is going to write a book about how dysfunctional his jobs was.

"when my money runs out" – sorta like his boss's attitude with American soldiers.