Brazilian politicians have recently "discovered" the "benefits" of paid speeches too. A famous ex-president used to charge north of $200k USD saying that's what

Brazilian politicians have recently "discovered" the "benefits" of paid speeches too. A famous ex-president used to charge north of $200k USD saying that's what international speakers like Clinton charge, so he ought to be allowed to do the same. Evidence is mounting this was a venue for converting bribes into legal money, or to buy influence from the Brazilian state machine. Funny anecdote: he was once paid such amount to speak to a audience of workers from a beer factory. After arriving, he basically drank a pint of beer in front of everyone, said some funny jokes and disappeared into the offices to discuss "business". That was a speech and he damn well charges what he wants for that, that was the explanation. It amazes me that these people, having reached their peak in social influence and often in their bank accounts, can pretend to justify speeches as a revenue source. If they are so concerned with making the world a better place, they could charge just their expenses and maybe a modest fee to pay their bills. Hell, I'm sure most famous decent people would do it for free if it's really a good cause. Completely agree, it feels bad, it smells bad... If you have any ethics, you know it's bad and you don't engage in such shenanigans.