"If everybody took an attitude of shared sacrifice, we could solve our deficit and debt problem next week."--- Barack Obama, August 2011
The Obama Family's 17- day $4 Million tax payer paid Hawaii Christmas vacation ended in December and reports now show that Michelle Obama and daughters are heading out again, to the ski slopes in Aspen.
Michelle's spokesperson says that "Personal expenses are being paid for by the Obamas," but there is a question of what part of the tab is being picked up by tax payers. The plane? The security? The hotel accommodations for the full entourage? The food for same said entourage? The pre-visit scouting done by the Secret Service? The seven loaned out Pitkin County deputies that are being utilized for security?
Exactly what is being picked up by the Obamas and what is being billed to tax payers? Inquiring minds want to know.......
Via White House Dossier:
Just last August, she sojourned on Martha’s Vineyard, and the month before she travelled to southern Africa for a trip that mixed official business with tourist outings like an African safari. In July 2010, she took an exorbitant excursion to the southern coast of Spain, flying out with friends and family on a large jet that often serves as Air Force 2 and then staying at a ritzy hotel.
Some might remember that South Africa trip because the Obama daughters were listed on the manifest as "senior staff" members.
- The passenger manifests confirm the presence of Obama’s daughter’s, Malia and Sasha on the trip. The two girls are listed as “Senior Staff.” The manifests also list Mrs. Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, and niece and nephew, Leslie and Avery Robinson, as well Mrs. Obama’s makeup and hairstylist (Carl Ray and Johnny Wright).
The professed purpose of Michelle Obama’s trip to South Africa and Botswana was to encourage young people living in the two growing democracies to become involved in national affairs; and during her scheduled stops in Pretoria and Cape Town, South Africa, and in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, the First Lady used the opportunity to speak on education, health, and wellness issues.
The trip also included such tourist events as visits to historical landmarks and museums, plus a nonworking chance to send time with Nelson Mandela, a meeting that Mrs. Obama described as “surreal.” The trip ended with a private family safari at a South African game reserve before the group returned to Washington on June 27.
American Thinker reminds readers about the double standard that seems to be prevalent in the media when reporting on Michelle Obama compared to how they reported on Nancy Reagan.
Nancy Reagan was pilloried in the press for buying new White House china during a recession - even though all the money for the dishware was donated. Mrs. Obama can jet out to Aspen with the only word in the press coming from a bare bones report in the local paper.
Apparently, criticism of the president's wife is off limits - except when it's a Republican president in the White House.
Shared sacrifice... hmmmmmmmmmm
[Update] The Obama Three Year Vacation List ( 16 of them)
.
