(06-05-09) "Obama Family Trip to Paris Raises Some Eyebrows" (The Boston Globe)

[Wyoming Dem]

Our money and I resent EVERY STINKING DIME, especially to drag his hag of a wife and kids to Paris. If they want to go, they should pay the total cost for secret service and everything else. When thousands and thousands are losing their jobs and homes and retirement, this is in extremely bad taste, as was the "date night" that cost taxpayers 30,000.

After whisking his wife to Manhattan for dinner and a Broadway show last weekend, President Obama is treating his family to a Paris vacation - paid for, in part, by taxpayers.

The White House confirmed yesterday that first lady Michelle Obama, their two daughters, and his mother-in-law will fly today to the City of Lights to join the president, who has scheduled meetings with French officials and will appear at a ceremony tomorrow in Normandy marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day.

Last year on the campaign trail, the Obamas prided themselves on staying close to the people. Much was made of Michelle Obama's down-to-earth J.Crew wardrobe, candidate Obama's off-the-rack suits, and the family's search for a "shelter dog" to satisfy the wishes of 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha for a puppy.

Now, the French press is buzzing about whether the first family will dine at a posh restaurant atop the Eiffel Tower, what fashions the first lady will wear, and whether she'll outshine Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, her glamorous French counterpart.

But the trip has raised eyebrows among government watchdog groups, particularly since it comes so soon after the Obama's pricey "date night" jaunt to New York - the president called it fulfilling a campaign promise - and in the midst of what Obama himself has called the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

One public interest group notes that the White House still hasn't disclosed expenses from the Manhattan trip - estimated to be about $30,000 - and argues that the public should get a full accounting of a "flashy" European vacation.

Leslie Paige, a spokeswoman for Citizens Against Government Waste, said that because Obama has such a demanding job, few would begrudge him some presidential perks - as long as he doesn't completely indulge himself on the taxpayer's dime. The problem, she said, is that Obama has not made his expenses public, and thus is failing to keep his pledge to run an open, transparent government.

"I doubt we'll see the true cost of the trip to Paris," Paige said. Not keeping his promise "has been a disappointment, to say the least," she added.

A White House spokeswoman said Michelle Obama will accompany her husband to the Normandy tribute, but otherwise the family's schedule while in Paris will be private. Under government rules, the spokeswoman said, Obama will personally pay for any non-official expenses he and his family incur on the trip, but their expense report will not be released. The president plans to return to Washington on Sunday, but his family plans to stay longer in Paris.

The spokeswoman said that for security reasons, the family will cross the Atlantic in a government jet. The Obamas will reimburse the government at commercial fares, but she would not say at what rate.

While it's important to keep the trip in perspective because "there are a lot of big-ticket items like healthcare that will be a lot more important in the long run," Paige said, Obama might have thought twice about taking such a high-profile family vacation.

"He's under a microscope," perhaps more than any president in modern history, Paige said, and modesty will go a long way.

"Maybe he could be more austere," she added, "with a little less flash, and a little more transparency."

The Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/06/05/obama_family_vacation_to_paris_raises_some_eyebrow s/)

[Spang]

How come no one gave a <CENSORED> when Bush left the White House? Also, was his wife a hag, too?

[Wyoming Dem]

How come no one gave a <CENSORED> when Bush left the White House? Also, was his wife a hag, too?
His wife was a moron and I did care when he left...I always hoped he was leaving for good...I deeply resent any money spent on anything that is not official business and sending his kids and old lady to Paris is not official business and for me personally, his wife is a hag and a half and the worst first lady we have ever had. She lacks even the smallest amount of tact and it is obvious whenever you hear her speak, she thinks this country owes her. Both of them are an international joke (I have friends living around the world and believe me when I tell you, the Obama cocktail jokes are brutal as are the jokes about the stupid Americans who were suckered in.) I was treated to several "Obama" jokes in a pub in Ireland and they were scathing. Paris, even worse. Voters in this country have no idea how badly they are looked upon and being talked about thanks to Obama...I am MORTIFIED to have this asshat as the President of this country and the days cannot possibly go by fast enough to suit me and many others.

And irregardless of how I feel about him and his wife...the bottom line is that they have NO RIGHT to spend taxpayers money in such a frivolous way. Not when we have triple digit budget deficits, double digit unemployment and double digit foreclosures and bankruptcy filings. Obama supporter or not...everyone should be outraged at this wasteful spending of our money. If she and her damn kids want to go then pony up for the expense.

[Spang]

Obama supporter or not...everyone should be outraged at this wasteful spending of our money.

If he or his hag of a wife and bratty-ass kids leave the White House or don't, I pay taxes either way, so what difference does it make?

[Wyoming Dem]

If he or his hag of a wife and bratty-ass kids leave the White House or don't, I pay taxes either way, so what difference does it make?
Because we are all paying way too much in taxes and every damn penny that is spent frivolously is more money that has to be made up in the tax base. Heard the talk about the proposed Obama "National Sales Tax"? That's next on the agenda to pay for wasteful, scandalous spending and NO DATE IN THE WORLD is worth 30,000. $30,000 would pay someone's mortgage for a year, run a homeless shelter for at least 6 months. It is the absolute appearance of impropriety and a carelessness about how his behavior appears to average Americans...he does not give a damn. When someone is working a minimum wage job and barely feeding their family, how does it look to have Obama, "The Man Of The Sheeple" wining and dining his wife at a cost of 30,000? I think it speaks VOLUMES about who this guy really is...If they want to go on a date...pay up. Want to go to Paris...pay up. I would have absolutely no problem as long as I, my family, my friends are not being used as chumps and footing the bill for his wife's extravagant tastes.

[Jobu86]

$30,000 eh... so that's 1/100 of 1 penny out of my pocket. That bastard!

[Suzan]

I'm also bothered that they're doing this. Not enough to call them names, but I am bothered. This isn't the time to be going on lavish dates and vacations. It's just not cool when so many people are struggling and suffering and losing their shirts.

We're all being told we have to cut back and sacrifice. Hell, we are sacrificing. Everyone I know has been impacted--and not in good ways. My publisher is closing down the imprint I write for and I have no idea what's going to come of that. It's tough out there and getting worse. So, is Obama going to be a role model or not? Is the First Family going to lead by example? Or is this just another example of words sounding nice and meaning nothing?

The only saving grace is that he's in France on business, but that's not enough. If he wants to spend time with his family, let him fly home and be with them.

[Wyoming Dem]

$30,000 eh... so that's 1/100 of 1 penny out of my pocket. That bastard!
Your pocket, my pocket, my families pocket...I have no problem as long as they pay for their social life themselves. And 1/100th of a penny is the very first little bitty step towards 900 Trillion Dollar Deficits. It all started somewhere...I really am amazed that everyone is not outraged by this behavior...But, I guess, so many have been willing to overlook the behavior of the banks, car dealers, companies like AIG that Obama pissing away MY MONEY and your money maybe does not seem like that big of a deal. And that National Sales Tax thingy...every top economist states that it is stifling to consummer spending. Live in a state like California where they are paying 10% sales tax in some counties, add on the National Sales Tax and you are being taken for a hefty chunk of change on every purchase. So I don't want to hear another word of bullsh!t about how "The America People Are Going To Have To Make Sacrifices" from a GUY and his self-entitled wife who think spending 30,000 of taxpayer money for dinner and a show is just hunky dory.

[Spang]

NO DATE IN THE WORLD is worth 30,000. $30,000 would pay someone's mortgage for a year, run a homeless shelter for at least 6 months.

I'd love for our tax dollars to go towards some productive <CENSORED> like the stuff you mentioned, and I don't know where people want their taxes to go, but no one seems to want their taxes to go towards anything helpful. No one wants their taxes to help the less fortunate, 'cause that's evil socialism. I don't know. I just don't get it.

[Jobu86]

Your pocket, my pocket, my families pocket...I have no problem as long as they pay for their social life themselves. And 1/100th of a penny is the very first little bitty step towards 900 Trillion Dollar Deficits. It all started somewhere...I really am amazed that everyone is not outraged by this behavior...But, I guess, so many have been willing to overlook the behavior of the banks, car dealers, companies like AIG that Obama pissing away MY MONEY and your money maybe does not seem like that big of a deal. And that National Sales Tax thingy...every top economist states that it is stifling to consummer spending. Live in a state like California where they are paying 10% sales tax in some counties, add on the National Sales Tax and you are being taken for a hefty chunk of change on every purchase. So I don't want to hear another word of bullsh!t about how "The America People Are Going To Have To Make Sacrifices" from a GUY and his self-entitled wife who think spending 30,000 of taxpayer money for dinner and a show is just hunky dory.

I take it you were just as outraged about Palin using taxpayer money for her family too right?

[Suzan]

I'm okay with my taxes helping the less fortunate. Absolutely, I am, but I would like to see a system where the less fortunate are encouraged to be more fortunate, if that's possible, rather than encouraged to continue being subsidized by the government.

I'm not okay with my taxes going for lavish travel that most of us couldn't afford if our liives depended on it. Especially now. This is just not the time. Spang, you should admit that. C'mon now.

[Suzan]

I take it you were just as outraged about Palin using taxpayer money for her family too right?
Of course, but I thought the RNC paid for that. Was it actually taxpayer money?

[TheTaoOfBill]

This article says the trip was paid for IN PART by the federal government. That kinda strikes me as an odd statement to make. Because if Obama goes to the store it's paid for in part by the tax payer because they have to pay for the secret service and they have to pay for special government transportation and all that jazz.

The president has his own salary you know...plus he makes millions on book royalties every year. So who's to say he didn't pay for what he can? This article doesn't give much information.

And Michelle is not a hag.

[Jobu86]

Of course, but I thought the RNC paid for that. Was it actually taxpayer money?

Actually talking about her time as governor well before the election.

The Governor charged the state $2,741.26 to take Bristol and Piper to Philadelphia for a meeting of the National Governor‟s Association, listing the official purpose as “NGA Governor‟s Youth Programs and family activities.” A spokeswoman for the sponsor said that was basically childcare. The girls had their own room for five nights at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel for $215.46 a night, expense records show. In all, the State paid for 64 one-way and 12 round-trip commercial flights for Palin‟s daughters Bristol, 17, Willow, 14, and 7-year-old Piper. In some cases, Palin also charged the state for the girls' hotel rooms.

Since 2006 Bristol, Piper and Willow, Palin’s daughters, accrued $32,629 in travel expenses while Palin’s husband Todd raked up $22,174 - all billed to the state for a total of $54,803.00.


Full ethics complaint: http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/081028_board_complaint.pdf

Personally, I didn't think it was that big of a deal, but if people that were very pro-Palin wanna make a big deal out of this thing with Obama, it seems a bit hypocritical.

[VotingHillary]

I agree the timing of this vacation isn't too smart given our current economy, but every First Family has taken their children with them to some foreign country during their time in the White House. This article is rather vague as far as what this is actually costing the taxpayers with the words "in part."

But I do have to say something about the "hag" comment regarding The First Lady. If I had a nickel for every time I heard Hillary referred to by that term, be it the public or the media, I wouldn't have to worry about this recession because I would have enough to retire to Tahiti. It really bothers me to read that from another woman, especially a Hillary supporter. I guess the lessons of the last election are already forgotten. But here is the bottom line, if it is OK to refer to the First Lady by that term, then you just made it OK for Hillary to be referred to in the same manner.

It is not OK for Michelle, it is not OK for Hillary...it is not OK for any woman...PERIOD.

[Suzan]

Personally, I didn't think it was that big of a deal, but if people that were very pro-Palin wanna make a big deal out of this thing with Obama, it seems a bit hypocritical.

Yes, it would be hypocritical if I were okay with Palin or any other politician wasting taxpayer dollars. I'm not, especially at a time like this. If she did this, shame on her. And Obama should know better too.

[Spang]

Here's a picture of the hag and her kids at the Eiffel Tower:

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1704/slide_1704_23179_large.jpg

[Suzan]

Here's a picture of the hag and her kids at the Eiffel Tower:

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1704/slide_1704_23179_large.jpg
Let's see if we can figure out who designed her clothes. I want to know exactly how much this trip is costing me. :cool:

[Spang]

Let's see if we can figure out who designed her clothes. I want to know exactly how much this trip is costing me. :cool:

How much did it cost to get Right Said Fred to pull security?

[VotingHillary]

How much did it cost to get Right Said Fred to pull security?

They're too sexy for the Secret Service...too sexy for the First Family....they're TOO SEXY! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[hobbitt]

Since 2006 Bristol, Piper and Willow, Palin’s daughters, accrued $32,629 in travel expenses while Palin’s husband Todd raked up $22,174 - all billed to the state for a total of $54,803.00.


Wow. That must add up to something like two per cent of a year's worth of private-jet travel by prior Governor Murkowski.

And .01125 of what the Obama trip (along with 320 journalists) to visit ailing grandma for 45 minutes cost.

Its all in the details.

[Jobu86]

Wow. That must add up to something like two per cent of a year's worth of private-jet travel by prior Governor Murkowski.

And .01125 of what the Obama trip (along with 320 journalists) to visit ailing grandma for 45 minutes cost.

Its all in the details.

Just more of "It's ok when someone I like does it, but terrible when someone I hate does it"

[sojourner]

Just more of "It's ok when someone I like does it, but terrible when someone I hate does it"

Palin is paying for the trips that were found to be of questionable state interest.

[Classical Liberal]

Palin's trips were fine. Governors have to travel here and there to do this and that. What gets questionable is if Palin was say travelling to Paris for vacations on the state dime.

And Obama's trips are fine too, it's when you get excessive that people raise eyebrows. Herbert Hoover was lambasted horribly for throwing lavish dinner parties during the Depression.

And we all know George W. Bush would have been declared Satan for doing this stuff Obama is doing if he was in office right now (the vacations and parties I mean).

[hobbitt]

Just more of "It's ok when someone I like does it, but terrible when someone I hate does it"

Yes, it is Ok for Obama to use campaign funds to the tune of 4.8 million dollars for a private (though rather well-attended) trip. Wherein no campaigning was done, no fund-raising, not even a meeting with the local Mayor who so desperately wanted to see Candidate Obama. It is OK for President Obama to call for sacrifice and forbearance in these difficult times, and then go spend a trillion or two, including the NY Date, the flights to announce fuel-savings, the flights to take nifty pictures of tourist sites, and the weekly Dress Up Cocktail parties. But it is not OK to put your "facts" about Palin in context.

Your rather dismissive tone hides the obvious: Obama can do no wrong in your eyes. And godforbid someone raises a valid comparison.


I guess I must be one a them uneducated racists.

[Tybee]

I wonder if there is ANYTHING that Obama can do wrong in some of your eyes. How many days has Obama actually spent IN the Whitehouse doing what's supposed to be his job? Oh wait, he's appointed CZARS to do that as he jets around the globe reading from the telepromptor that someone else wrote.
They act like the morons who win the lottery and spend every dime the first month. If they were white, you guys would be calling em white trash.


And, FYI, Palin is paying for her family's expenses. And, bringing up ANYONE else does NOT excuse Obama.

[Kaylin]

I like the Obamas as a family, but have to agree the Paris vacation is excessive given the times. The Broadway show date didn't bother me at all, but taken together it's like a one-two *in your face* punch when so many people won't be able to afford vacations this year. Poor judgment.

[Wyoming Dem]

I agree the timing of this vacation isn't too smart given our current economy, but every First Family has taken their children with them to some foreign country during their time in the White House. This article is rather vague as far as what this is actually costing the taxpayers with the words "in part."

But I do have to say something about the "hag" comment regarding The First Lady. If I had a nickel for every time I heard Hillary referred to by that term, be it the public or the media, I wouldn't have to worry about this recession because I would have enough to retire to Tahiti. It really bothers me to read that from another woman, especially a Hillary supporter. I guess the lessons of the last election are already forgotten. But here is the bottom line, if it is OK to refer to the First Lady by that term, then you just made it OK for Hillary to be referred to in the same manner.

It is not OK for Michelle, it is not OK for Hillary...it is not OK for any woman...PERIOD.
And your right..hag was not nice but what I really think of her is even worse. I will refrain in the future from using "Hag" and simply call her "that woman". And I still do think she is the worst first lady we have ever had. As much as I loath Obama, I despise his wife about three times that much. And I still think that if he is going to drag his wife and kids to Paris, he should pay for their part because they are not there on official business. And I felt exactly the same about every other President. No matter who the President is/was, as taxpayers, we should be absolutely outraged at this cavalier attitude when it comes to OUR MONEY.

[Wyoming Dem]

I'd love for our tax dollars to go towards some productive <CENSORED> like the stuff you mentioned, and I don't know where people want their taxes to go, but no one seems to want their taxes to go towards anything helpful. No one wants their taxes to help the less fortunate, 'cause that's evil socialism. I don't know. I just don't get it.
Spang, I am all for using that money for social programs that work...PELL grants, job training, child care for low income families, etc. I just don't want a lump sum of money handed to someone every month for doing absolutely nothing to earn it. And until this country is prepared to fund rehab for the alcoholics and drug addicts on the streets, the mentally ill and the homeless in general, I have no problem with money going to homeless shelters. It is thanks to Ronald Regan that many of those living on the streets are the mentally ill with no where to go as he cut federal funding of phsychiatric care for the indigent. And I cannot remember the exact percentage but I think something like 41% of the homeless are veterans.

[Tybee]

I like the Obamas as a family, but have to agree the Paris vacation is excessive given the times. The Broadway show date didn't bother me at all, but taken together it's like a one-two *in your face* punch when so many people won't be able to afford vacations this year. Poor judgment.


The 'date' took 2 planes, then 2 helicopters, one for the Obamas, the other for 'aides' and of course the press. Can you say photo op? I can't see where $30,000.00 would cover just those. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. The Obamas should learn that.

[Gender Neutrality]

Obama did not travel the world much as an adult prior to his Summer '08 campaign trip to Germany. As I recall he traveled to -- was it Pakistan? -- I don't recall, but some country in the Middle East -- and once had a stop-over somewhere in Europe. Geo W. Bush had only been to Mexico prior to taking over at The White House. It must be odd to see Paris for the first time as President - and not be able to stroll the streets, languish in the June sun at the Luxembourg Gardens, sit in the cafe trying your French et le fromage :cool:

$30,000 sounds cheap to get those two into Manhattan and out again. I'd guess closer to $100,000. Ever see one of those cavalcades on a Manhattan avenue? And imagine the airport? New Yorkers pay for some of it too--aren't those 100 cops on overtime? Good for the economy ;)