The curious case of the abominable shower
An anecdote about President Lyndon B. Johnson demanding an elaborate, high-pressure White House shower sparks broader criticism of how public money is spent and the culture of “use it or lose it” budgeting in governments and large organizations. Commenters compare political privileges and excesses across countries, debate whether such stories indicate systemic abuse or are exaggerated curiosities, and note that similar incentives drive waste in the private sector. The thread also touches on Johnson’s complex legacy—progressive on civil rights yet catastrophic on Vietnam—and how personal eccentricities intersect with power and accountability.
Reactions to the Shower Story & Taxpayer Angle
- Some read the article as Kafka-esque and absurd, but also depressing as an example of “your tax dollars at work.”
- Others criticize the punchline as lazy outrage that doesn’t offer solutions, though suggested fixes (don’t bully staff, don’t treat security budgets as personal perks) are seen as obvious.
- A few argue that presidents are effectively trapped in the White House, so custom amenities are normal and not “third world” excess, especially when improvements persist for successors.
Comparisons Across Countries and Leaders
- Commenters from Europe and elsewhere say this behavior would be viewed as scandalous, likening it to abuses of privilege by ministers or presidents in Italy and Brazil.
- Some contrast heavy US presidential security and perks with more low-key leaders (e.g., biking to work) and ask how often those leaders face assassination attempts or policy shocks.
Budgeting, “Use It or Lose It,” and Waste
- A major subthread shifts to systemic budget behavior: in militaries, governments, and large corporations, unspent funds often mean next year’s budget gets cut.
- This creates strong incentives to burn remaining funds on marginal or pointless purchases, especially at year-end (“December fever”).
- Examples include unnecessary training, fuel or ammunition use, surprise projects, overpriced courses, and “year-end spend” in agencies and universities.
- Commenters debate whether trimming unused budgets is rational, discuss principal–agent problems, and note that both taxpayers and customers ultimately pay.
Views on LBJ’s Character and Legacy
- LBJ is portrayed as a mix of effective domestic reformer (civil rights, Medicare/Medicaid) and disastrous foreign policy leader (Vietnam).
- Some emphasize his personal bullying, crude habits, and alleged dirty political tricks (including a reported stolen election).
- There’s disagreement over how much credit he deserves for civil rights versus pressure from activists, and whether he was personally racist yet politically committed to reform.
Authenticity of the Shower Anecdote
- Several suspect exaggeration or fabrication: the five-year timeline seems incompatible with his term length and with White House engineering capacity.
- Others note it’s sourced from specific books and articles but question their sensationalist tone.
- Technical feasibility (replicating his home system, plumbing limits, security constraints) is debated, with some framing this as a classic “unrealistic client” vs. implementer conflict.
Related Anecdotes & Cultural References
- Multiple crude LBJ bathroom and shower stories are shared, reinforcing his reputation for shockingly informal, domineering behavior.
- Commenters reference biographies and novels, and jokingly compare the shower to a Rube Goldberg–style fictional invention.