Obama refuses to tell taxpayers how much his date cost them

[CMike11]

Obama refuses to let taxpayers how much his jet dates at taxpayers' expense costs them.

I can't even imagine the cost, the plane, secret service, police, emergency workers needed on standy.

Yes, Obama won't reveal how much.

So much for transparency.

The taxpayers have a right to know.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/30/obamas-head-new-york-city-date-night/
Obamas' Date Night in New York City Draws Criticism
Even before the Obamas left Washington, the there-and-back trip drew criticism from Republicans who questioned the president's decision to travel to New York for a night of entertainment during a recession and while automakers struggle to survive.

AP

Saturday, May 30, 2009

The president and first lady Michelle Obama watched daughter Malia's soccer game for an hour Saturday morning in the Palisades neighborhood, a short drive from the White House.

For the evening, the first couple jetted to New York City for date night.

They dined a little more than two hours at Blue Hill, a West Village restaurant, then headed to the Belasco Theater to make it in time for "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."

The play by August Wilson is about black America in the early 1900s, with residents of a boardinghouse recalling their migration from the sharecropping farms of the South to the industrialized North.

The White House refused to say how much the trip was costing taxpayers.

Even before the Obamas left Washington, the there-and-back trip drew criticism from Republicans. They questioned the president's decision to travel to New York for a night of entertainment during a recession and while automakers struggle to survive.

It was just a few months ago that auto executives were roundly criticized when they traveled to Washington for congressional hearings in pricey private planes.

The Republican National Committee issued a news release that chastised Obama for saying he understands American's troubles, but then hopping up to New York for "a night on the town."

Noting that General Motors is expected to file for Chapter 11 protection on Monday, the news release said: "Putting on a show: Obamas wing into the city for an evening out while another iconic American company prepares for bankruptcy."

In a statement read to the press, Obama said, "I am taking my wife to New York City because I promised her during the campaign that I would take her to a Broadway show after it was all finished."

If the Obamas wanted to catch a show closer to the White House, they had some choices in Washington: Tom Stoppard's "Arcadia" at the Folger Elizabethan Theatre; Valerie Harper in "Looped" at the Lincoln Theatre; "Rent," at the Warner Theatre; Noel Coward's "Design for Living" at the Shakespeare Theatre Company; or Stoppard's "Rock 'n' Roll" at the Studio Theatre.

Reporters weren't allowed to see the soccer game. The Obamas took a smaller plane than the jumbo jet he usually uses. White House staff and reporters flew in two similar aircraft.

"Hi, guys," Obama said to reporters and visitors gathered at the White House as he and Michelle left for their night out. Both were decked out: She wore her hair up, heels and a sleeveless black ruffled dress that fell below the knee while he went tieless in a dark suit and white shirt.

Daughter Sasha draped herself over the railing of the White House's top balcony, waving and calling out to her parents as they boarded Marine One for the quick flight to the plane at Andrews Air Force Base that would carrying the couple to New York.

A White House spokesman, Josh Earnest, said the smaller planes were used because fewer aides traveled with the presidents and the planes were more efficient than the big jet.

In an interview before his inauguration, Barack Obama said he and his wife liked having date nights, usually on Fridays. Since the moving to Washington, the Obamas have managed to fit in at least a couple nights out in the nation's capital.

Earlier in May, the two dined for nearly two hours at a Georgetown restaurant before taking an 8-minute stroll around the White House grounds. They've watched an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance at the Kennedy Center and celebrated Mrs. Obama's birthday with friends at Equinox, a white-tablecloth restaurant near the White House.

While on a trip to New York last week, Michelle Obama was reminded about the couple's first date.

"You know, after 20-some-odd years of knowing a guy, you forget that your first date was at a museum," she said. "But it was, and it was obviously wonderful. It worked."

[goeagles]

Obama refuses to let taxpayers how much his jet dates at taxpayers' expense costs them.

I can't even imagine the cost, the plane, secret service, police, emergency workers needed on standy.

Yes, Obama won't reveal how much.

So much for transparency.

The taxpayers have a right to know.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/30/obamas-head-new-york-city-date-night/
Obamas' Date Night in New York City Draws Criticism
Even before the Obamas left Washington, the there-and-back trip drew criticism from Republicans who questioned the president's decision to travel to New York for a night of entertainment during a recession and while automakers struggle to survive.

AP

Saturday, May 30, 2009

The president and first lady Michelle Obama watched daughter Malia's soccer game for an hour Saturday morning in the Palisades neighborhood, a short drive from the White House.

For the evening, the first couple jetted to New York City for date night.

They dined a little more than two hours at Blue Hill, a West Village restaurant, then headed to the Belasco Theater to make it in time for "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."

The play by August Wilson is about black America in the early 1900s, with residents of a boardinghouse recalling their migration from the sharecropping farms of the South to the industrialized North.

The White House refused to say how much the trip was costing taxpayers.

Even before the Obamas left Washington, the there-and-back trip drew criticism from Republicans. They questioned the president's decision to travel to New York for a night of entertainment during a recession and while automakers struggle to survive.

It was just a few months ago that auto executives were roundly criticized when they traveled to Washington for congressional hearings in pricey private planes.

The Republican National Committee issued a news release that chastised Obama for saying he understands American's troubles, but then hopping up to New York for "a night on the town."

Noting that General Motors is expected to file for Chapter 11 protection on Monday, the news release said: "Putting on a show: Obamas wing into the city for an evening out while another iconic American company prepares for bankruptcy."

In a statement read to the press, Obama said, "I am taking my wife to New York City because I promised her during the campaign that I would take her to a Broadway show after it was all finished."

If the Obamas wanted to catch a show closer to the White House, they had some choices in Washington: Tom Stoppard's "Arcadia" at the Folger Elizabethan Theatre; Valerie Harper in "Looped" at the Lincoln Theatre; "Rent," at the Warner Theatre; Noel Coward's "Design for Living" at the Shakespeare Theatre Company; or Stoppard's "Rock 'n' Roll" at the Studio Theatre.

Reporters weren't allowed to see the soccer game. The Obamas took a smaller plane than the jumbo jet he usually uses. White House staff and reporters flew in two similar aircraft.

"Hi, guys," Obama said to reporters and visitors gathered at the White House as he and Michelle left for their night out. Both were decked out: She wore her hair up, heels and a sleeveless black ruffled dress that fell below the knee while he went tieless in a dark suit and white shirt.

Daughter Sasha draped herself over the railing of the White House's top balcony, waving and calling out to her parents as they boarded Marine One for the quick flight to the plane at Andrews Air Force Base that would carrying the couple to New York.

A White House spokesman, Josh Earnest, said the smaller planes were used because fewer aides traveled with the presidents and the planes were more efficient than the big jet.

In an interview before his inauguration, Barack Obama said he and his wife liked having date nights, usually on Fridays. Since the moving to Washington, the Obamas have managed to fit in at least a couple nights out in the nation's capital.

Earlier in May, the two dined for nearly two hours at a Georgetown restaurant before taking an 8-minute stroll around the White House grounds. They've watched an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance at the Kennedy Center and celebrated Mrs. Obama's birthday with friends at Equinox, a white-tablecloth restaurant near the White House.

While on a trip to New York last week, Michelle Obama was reminded about the couple's first date.

"You know, after 20-some-odd years of knowing a guy, you forget that your first date was at a museum," she said. "But it was, and it was obviously wonderful. It worked."
Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.

[SFC(R)L]

Did they swoop in and buzz 5th Ave first?

[Cold_War_Warrior]

Didn’t Obama say that we all need to make sacrifices?

I guess he only meant that for the peasants.

[PSBandit]

Do as he says... not as he does.

[kat]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.


Let me preface this by stating that the POTUS and family should not be captives in the WH and that they are deserving of such entertainment.

The price of the tickets and dineer, etc.... are none of our business, but the TAXPAYER TAB IS.

Now, define is. :rolleyes:

[Cold_War_Warrior]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.

And, Bush was criticized for far less…

[Sknyluv]

I'm outraged.

[goeagles]

Let me preface this by stating that the POTUS and family should not be captives in the WH and that they are deserving of such entertainment.

The price of the tickets and dineer, etc.... are none of our business, but the TAXPAYER TAB IS.

Now, define is. :rolleyes:
Baloney.
The President does not have to account to hostile partisans on a message board for every expense he incurs.
If you think otherwise, calll your senators and representative.
I'm sure they have a polite form letter to send to those who make such demands.

[Residential Bob]

Let me preface this by stating that the POTUS and family should not be captives in the WH and that they are deserving of such entertainment.

The price of the tickets and dineer, etc.... are none of our business, but the TAXPAYER TAB IS.

Now, define is. :rolleyes:Quite true. The teleprompter has a salary. Why couldn't he have spent his own money?

[Sknyluv]

And, Bush was criticized for far less…

Does that justify criticizing Obama for this?

[ModerateVoice]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.

Actually, when its on the tax payer's dime, it is our business.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

Does that justify criticizing Obama for this?

“You ain’t seen nothin’ yet”!

[goeagles]

Actually, when its on the tax payer's dime, it is our business.
Demand an investigation.
Try not to be offended by the laughter.
After all, you are heroically looking out for the taxpayers.

[Justus]

Does that justify criticizing Obama for this?


He promised transparency, I want transparency...

[Sneaky SF Dude]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.

How so? Who do you think payed for this?

[SFC(R)L]

If he reimburses the cost of the flight, then it's his business.

[Sneaky SF Dude]

Baloney.
The President does not have to account to hostile partisans on a message board for every expense he incurs.
If you think otherwise, calll your senators and representative.
I'm sure they have a polite form letter to send to those who make such demands.

Yes he by God does have to account to We, The People.

[Sknyluv]

Does anyone here actually, truly care how much the flight to NY cost?

[Sneaky SF Dude]

If he reimburses the cost of the flight, then it's his business.

No, it isn't. I am not in the habit of giving out interest free loans to socialists so they can fly on dates.

[Sneaky SF Dude]

Does anyone here actually, truly care how much the flight to NY cost?

No, I don't want him doing it with tax payer money if it only cost $1.

[kat]

Baloney.
The President does not have to account to hostile partisans on a message board for every expense he incurs.
If you think otherwise, calll your senators and representative.
I'm sure they have a polite form letter to send to those who make such demands.

Is this what the definition of is is? :))

The POTUS accounts to EVERY American taxpayer in case you didn't know that yet.

Where does the buck stop again? :))

[muhadeeb99]

He promised transparency, I want transparency...
And what happened to accountability? Clearly a case of split personality. What You See Is Not What You Get. Sorry libs.

[goeagles]

Does anyone here actually, truly care how much the flight to NY cost?

The desperate search for something, anything, that will stick.

[Mojotiger]

Does anyone here actually, truly care how much the flight to NY cost?

Nope, but when asked, he should answer.

[JudasGoat]

it's obvious that some of you have no criticism of Obama no matter what he does. But for rational Americans, anyone running on a platform highly critical of certain actions by others that then engages in the same actions himself is being a hypocrite and deserves to be called on it.

[Sknyluv]

Nope, but when asked, he should answer.

Fair enough.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

Does anyone here actually, truly care how much the flight to NY cost?

Where’s the social justice…where’s the economic justice…

How is it not hypocritical for the Obama’s to live a lavish lifestyle parting it up like they’re “new money” and tell the little people to make sacrifices at the same time.

This is yet another example from the both of them saying one thing and doing another.

How is this leading by example?

[SFC(R)L]

No, it isn't. I am not in the habit of giving out interest free loans to socialists so they can fly on dates.

Well, let's be reasonable, shall we?

Certainly, no one can dispute the cost of official travel for the president.

However, personal travel should be reimbursed at cost to the government should the travel exceed whatever budgetary or discretionary spending the president may have.

It certainly isn't a loan, and I am sure you were being sardonic.

More to the point, in these times, this seemed ill-timed and displays, shall we say, a certain lack of judgment.

[VirusX999]

Imagine what life would be like, if the government would tell us exactly where money was going.

PIPE DREAM.

Wake up.

[E7ALR]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.Good for him, extravagence with other peoples money, while calling for them to sacrifice.

[Sneaky SF Dude]

Well, let's be reasonable, shall we?

Certainly, no one can dispute the cost of official travel for the president.

However, personal travel should be reimbursed at cost to the government should the travel exceed whatever budgetary or discretionary spending the president may have.

It certainly isn't a loan, and I am sure you were being sardonic.

More to the point, in these times, this seemed ill-timed and displays, shall we say, a certain lack of judgment.
It certainly is a loan, that's what a reimbursement is. And best case it is a 4 year loan.

There should be no personal travel at government expense. They won't even fly a private home to see his family on leave and this guy gets to take his wife to NYC for the night? Get out of here.

[nature shot]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.

The fact that it is public taxpayer money spent makes it our business. If he wants to wine and dine his wife good for him but do it with his own money( real cheap date I guess). Maybe the next time I take my wife to dinner I can send the bill to Obama:wall:

[E7ALR]

Well, let's be reasonable, shall we?

Certainly, no one can dispute the cost of official travel for the president.

However, personal travel should be reimbursed at cost to the government should the travel exceed whatever budgetary or discretionary spending the president may have.

It certainly isn't a loan, and I am sure you were being sardonic.

More to the point, in these times, this seemed ill-timed and displays, shall we say, a certain lack of judgment.This is clearly one of those discretionary things. The President could have waited for one of the addresses at a UN event, which will happen during his administration, to take his wife to a New York show while already up there.

Plus they took 3 planes, so I hope he is paying for all three planes for this discretionary night out of town.

[muhadeeb99]

If he reimburses the cost of the flight, then it's his business.
If it's his business, then can he deduct it on his IRS form unless it is connected to business. Is there an entertaiment tax? It surely entertained me. This jaunt was not tied to his work, now was there.



Per IRS:
Cable TV, Movies and Theatre tickets
Internal Revenue Code section 274 places strict limits on deductions for items which are "generally considered to constitute amusement, entertainment, or recreation." Such items are thus deductible only where there is a clear tie to particular work.
Appearance and Image
Taxpayers in the entertainment industry sometimes may incur expenses to maintain an image. These expenses are frequently related to the individual's appearance in the form of clothing, make-up, and physical fitness. Other expenses in this area include bodyguards and limousines. These are generally found to be personal expenses as the inherently personal nature of the expense and the personal benefit far outweigh any potential business benefit.
No deduction is allowed for wardrobe, general make-up, or hair styles for auditions, job interviews, or "to maintain an image".

[goeagles]

The fact that it is public taxpayer money spent makes it our business. If he wants to wine and dine his wife good for him but do it with his own money( real cheap date I guess). Maybe the next time I take my wife to dinner I can send the bill to Obama:wall:

Give it a shot.

[JudasGoat]

Good for him, extravagence with other peoples money, while calling for them to sacrifice.

yeah and that's what I call a big load of crap!

[ModerateVoice]

Demand an investigation.
Try not to be offended by the laughter.
After all, you are heroically looking out for the taxpayers.

You can feel free to criticize me on the day that your posts stop marching in lock-step with everything the "glorious" Obama does, until then I will ask you to keep your ad hominem attacks to yourself.

[Sknyluv]

Where’s the social justice…where’s the economic justice…

How is it not hypocritical for the Obama’s to live a lavish lifestyle parting it up like they’re “new money” and tell the little people to make sacrifices at the same time.

This is yet another example from the both of them saying one thing and doing another.

How is this leading by example?

He told the American people not to go out and enjoy themselves?

[Sneaky SF Dude]

Demand an investigation.
Try not to be offended by the laughter.
After all, you are heroically looking out for the taxpayers.

According to the 4th estate/5th column, that's what they do. Shame they are asleep at the wheel since last Nov.

[goeagles]

You can feel free to criticize me on the day that your posts stop marching in lock-step with everything the "glorious" Obama does, until then I will ask you to keep your ad hominem attacks to yourself.
Gee, I would have thought you would have taken it as a compliment.

[CMike11]

It also seems the epitome of chutzpah that refuses to tell the taxpayers how much money the date cost them.

It's not only the plane, it's all the secret service, police, and emergency service personnel involved in the planning and execution.

[Residential Bob]

Whenever I've splurged on my wife for a date, she was always impressed that I would spend MY money - that I would work for her night out - that it wasn't other people who were treating her.

I wonder if Michelle thinks that the telepropmter doesn't think she's worth his hard work.

[Henry Alden]

This is clearly one of those discretionary things. The President could have waited for one of the addresses at a UN event, which will happen during his administration, to take his wife to a New York show while already up there.

Plus they took 3 planes, so I hope he is paying for all three planes for this discretionary night out of town.

That would have been the smart thing to do but Obama knows the public is snowed by the press who kiss his feet every day.

All this will matter once a dollar is worth a penny. The public will turn. The bigger they are..the harder they fall.

[Sneaky SF Dude]

Whenever I've splurged on my wife for a date, she was always impressed that I would spend MY money - that I would work for her night out - that it wasn't other people who were treating her.

I wonder if Michelle thinks that the telepropmter doesn't think she's worth his hard work.

She's never been more proud of her country...

[Henry Alden]

It also seems the epitome of chutzpah that refuses to tell the taxpayers how much money the date cost them.

It's not only the plane, it's all the secret service, police, and emergency service personnel involved in the planning and execution.

and the public inconvenience..the play was delayed an hour while the audience got searched..and traffic was blocked for hours....

[kat]

It also seems the epitome of chutzpah that refuses to tell the taxpayers how much money the date cost them.

It's not only the plane, it's all the secret service, police, and emergency service personnel involved in the planning and execution.

Is the fed required to reimburse NYC for their costs as well? There were a lot of NYC personnel present for crowd control.

[Henry Alden]

She's never been more proud of her country...


I'll bet..the ultimate welfare queen.. :))

[CMike11]

She's never been more proud of her country...

:)) Good one.

It's funny, but it's not...

[CMike11]

Is the fed required to reimburse NYC for their costs as well? There were a lot of NYC personnel present for crowd control.

Good point.

[redbone]

Our country is falling apart and he flying to NY for a date, surrounding by the press. But, he would not allow the press to view him playing golf on Memorial Day. No press was allowed near the WH and Obama because it would not look good from him playing gulf on Memorial Day.

Also, Obama stated that we have no more money but he spending it all day long.

[Mohawk5]

Maybe Bill Ayers paid for the trip?

[Miss America]

The Obama's are making some unfortunate spending choices while so many taxpayers in this country are have to make much more difficult decisions on what they can or cannot afford to do. .."let them eat cake".

[homiebrah]

Whenever I've splurged on my wife for a date, she was always impressed that I would spend MY money - that I would work for her night out - that it wasn't other people who were treating her.

I wonder if Michelle thinks that the telepropmter doesn't think she's worth his hard work.
TOTUS was converted into BOTUS (Babysitter Of The United States) during the date.

[SeeVuPlay]

U guys are overreacting....we can just print more money.

[goeagles]

The Obama's are making some unfortunate spending choices while so many taxpayers in this country are have to make much more difficult decisions on what they can or cannot afford to do. .."let them eat cake".

Actually, you'd probably find that most Americans who are aware of the Obamas' "date" find it quite charming.
It probably helped his approval rating.

[kaspiahn]

Well, let's be reasonable, shall we?

Certainly, no one can dispute the cost of official travel for the president.

However, personal travel should be reimbursed at cost to the government should the travel exceed whatever budgetary or discretionary spending the president may have.

It certainly isn't a loan, and I am sure you were being sardonic.

More to the point, in these times, this seemed ill-timed and displays, shall we say, a certain lack of judgment.

Lack of judgement? Not the annointed one. After all he is perfect in the eyes of his followers.

[ValricoKate]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.

How much taxpayers money was spent isn't anyone's business?

WHAAAA???

I don't care how much of his pocket change he spilled but what you said is absurd.

[kaspiahn]

Actually, you'd probably find that most Americans who are aware of the Obamas' "date" find it quite charming.
It probably helped his approval rating.

I think "most Americans" you know the ones living from pay check to pay check or on unemployment, do NOT find this "charming". In better times it might be that, but not now, not under this cercumstances. But of course he is perfect in your eyes.

[Residential Bob]

Actually, you'd probably find that most Americans who are aware of the Obamas' "date" find it quite charming.
It probably helped his approval rating.Yes, "date" in quotation marks is apt. The teleprompter didn't treat his wife to anything that night.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

He told the American people not to go out and enjoy themselves?

Obama Calls for 'Grand Bargain' on Economy: 'Everybody's Going to Have to Give'
January 10, 2009 2:25 PM
--George Stephanopoulos
http://blogs.abcnews.com/george/2009/01/obama-calls-for.html

In my exclusive interview with Barack Obama airing tomorrow on This Week, the president-elect told me that fixing our economy over the long term will require sacrifice from every American and scaling back some of his campaign promises.

"Our challenge is going to be identifying what works and putting more money into that, eliminating things that don’t work, and making things that we have more efficient. But I’m not suggesting, George, I want to be realistic here, not everything that we talked about during the campaign are we going to be able to do on the pace we had hoped," Obama told me in his first interview since arriving back in Washington, DC as president-elect.

I asked the president-elect, "At the end of the day, are you really talking about over the course of your presidency some kind of grand bargain? That you have tax reform, healthcare reform, entitlement reform including Social Security and Medicare, where everybody in the country is going to have to sacrifice something, accept change for the greater good?"

"Yes," Obama said.

"And when will that get done?" I asked.

"Well, right now, I’m focused on a pretty heavy lift, which is making sure we get that reinvestment and recovery package in place. But what you described is exactly what we’re going to have to do. What we have to do is to take a look at our structural deficit, how are we paying for government? What are we getting for it? And how do we make the system more efficient?"

"And eventually sacrifice from everyone?" I asked.

"Everybody’s going to have to give. Everybody’s going to have to have some skin in the game," Obama said.

Yep. Obama says one thing and does another.

[ValricoKate]

Does anyone here actually, truly care how much the flight to NY cost?

YES!

The lord and master himself said "we are broke" ...wth is he doing?

[kaspiahn]

Maybe Bill Ayers paid for the trip?

And Rev. Wright watched(preached to the kids).

[ValricoKate]

http://www.commoncause.org/site/apps/ka/ct/contactus.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=4860213&en=aiJSJ2MzFgJQJTNzFaISI1MAKbINL8MRJfLRIaOJLkJ3JjI

I want to know.

[goeagles]

I think "most Americans" you know the ones living from pay check to pay check or on unemployment, do NOT find this "charming". In better times it might be that, but not now, not under this cercumstances. But of course he is perfect in your eyes.
Fine.
Go ahead and attack him for taking his wife on a special date.
Then, watch what happens.
I swear, some of you seem to have a political death wish.

[wiley8425]

YES!

The lord and master himself said "we are broke" ...wth is he doing?

Spending what's left before it's all gone. Clearly. :rolleyes:

[Jagergeist]

Actually, you'd probably find that most Americans who are aware of the Obamas' "date" find it quite charming.
It probably helped his approval rating.

Funny you should say that. I just noticed on Rasmussen that Obama's approval index shot up from +1 and +3 prior to the weekend to +9 and +10 over the weekend. I agree that most Americans see this as charming, or disinteresting at best. Fox is the only web site I have seen thus far with angry articles about the trip.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/obama_approval_index_history

[wiley8425]

Well after 8 years of faux outrage from the left, now it's the right's turn. Is anybody actually surprised by this?

[kaspiahn]

Fine.
Go ahead and attack him for taking his wife on a special date.
Then, watch what happens.
I swear, some of you seem to have a political death wish.

A special date is fine, when you pay for with your own money. It's who is paying is the problem. You must being doing very well during this econmy, to not see a problem with this.

[ValricoKate]

Fine.
Go ahead and attack him for taking his wife on a special date.
Then, watch what happens.
I swear, some of you seem to have a political death wish.

I'm not a republican anymore.
but it has been reported many times over that the republican party is dead.

When your dead, what more harm can be done?

Political death wishes can only hurt the Politically Living, cant politically kill an entity that is already dead. So they are golden now ...the zombie party has no fear of death.

[goeagles]

A special date is fine, when you pay for with your own money. It's who is paying is the problem. You must being doing very well during this econmy, to not see a problem with this.

Right.
Hey, keep marching.
The cliff is straight ahead.

[cj234]

Does that justify criticizing Obama for this?


DUH!!!!!!!!:rolleyes:

[kaspiahn]

Right.
Hey, keep marching.
The cliff is straight ahead.

I'm not affiliated with any political party. So I don't care if the Repuclican party or Democrat part is dead. I just want common sense people in our government who do what's right for us.
This type of judgements by Obama is wrong and hypocritical.

[CMike11]

Fine.
Go ahead and attack him for taking his wife on a special date.
Then, watch what happens.
I swear, some of you seem to have a political death wish.

"Special" indeed. How many people can go on a date that costs mulit millions of dollars, have someone else pay for it, and refuse to tell who paid for it how much it cost them?:wall:

[super cool ski instructor]

Is there no sword y'all won't fall on for this man? :))

[Sknyluv]

Obama Calls for 'Grand Bargain' on Economy: 'Everybody's Going to Have to Give'
January 10, 2009 2:25 PM
--George Stephanopoulos
http://blogs.abcnews.com/george/2009/01/obama-calls-for.html

In my exclusive interview with Barack Obama airing tomorrow on This Week, the president-elect told me that fixing our economy over the long term will require sacrifice from every American and scaling back some of his campaign promises.

"Our challenge is going to be identifying what works and putting more money into that, eliminating things that don’t work, and making things that we have more efficient. But I’m not suggesting, George, I want to be realistic here, not everything that we talked about during the campaign are we going to be able to do on the pace we had hoped," Obama told me in his first interview since arriving back in Washington, DC as president-elect.

I asked the president-elect, "At the end of the day, are you really talking about over the course of your presidency some kind of grand bargain? That you have tax reform, healthcare reform, entitlement reform including Social Security and Medicare, where everybody in the country is going to have to sacrifice something, accept change for the greater good?"

"Yes," Obama said.

"And when will that get done?" I asked.

"Well, right now, I’m focused on a pretty heavy lift, which is making sure we get that reinvestment and recovery package in place. But what you described is exactly what we’re going to have to do. What we have to do is to take a look at our structural deficit, how are we paying for government? What are we getting for it? And how do we make the system more efficient?"

"And eventually sacrifice from everyone?" I asked.

"Everybody’s going to have to give. Everybody’s going to have to have some skin in the game," Obama said.

Yep. Obama says one thing and does another.

Thanks for the quotes. I hadn't seen that interview before.

And while yes, he does call for people to make sacrifices ... I don't see how you can take away from those quotes that people shouldn't continue to spend money, continue to go on vacations, continue to go on dates, continue to live their lives.

[chico53]

No, I don't want him doing it with tax payer money if it only cost $1.

How did you feel about his predecessor taking a one-month vacation at his Texas ranch ... with tax payer money?

[kaspiahn]

Thanks for the quotes. I hadn't seen that interview before.

And while yes, he does call for people to make sacrifices ... I don't see how you can take away from those quotes that people shouldn't continue to spend money, continue to go on vacations, continue to go on dates, continue to live their lives.

Nothing wrong with doing those things if YOU pay for it with YOUR own money.

[chico53]

"Special" indeed. How many people can go on a date that costs mulit millions of dollars, have someone else pay for it, and refuse to tell who paid for it how much it cost them?:wall:

First of all, the "word" is multi, mulit.
Secondly, if you think this is such a big deal, call your favorite Republican congressman and demand (s)he ask for an investigation. Don't forget to let us know what they say.

[spearmaster]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.


It is if his date was on our dime.

[Tex Mex]

I want to know how much it cost in carbon credits.

[Jagergeist]

How did you feel about his predecessor taking a one-month vacation at his Texas ranch ... with tax payer money?

Pretty much. I'm sure every President dating back to George Washington has taken some form of time off with public money. It's just an outrage thread since Obama's name is on it. And then some people can't understand why the media or public don't care.

[kaspiahn]

Is there no sword y'all won't fall on for this man? :))


They shall never admit they made a bad choice with President Obama.

[ValricoKate]

First of all, the "word" is multi, mulit.
Secondly, if you think this is such a big deal, call your favorite Republican congressman and demand (s)he ask for an investigation. Don't forget to let us know what they say.

No need for a congressional investigation.
The nub=mbers are already there.

A call to the GAO should be sufficient.


(I gave you something else you can spell check too)

[Sknyluv]

Nothing wrong with doing those things if YOU pay for it with YOUR own money.

Well then you agree that by "sacrifices", Obama didn't mean that we shouldn't spend our money?

If so, then I'm ok with disagreeing with Obama's trip on the grounds that it was unnecessary. But then again, past Presidents have done this sort of thing before without outrage from the public. Which then makes me think this is all just partisan bickering.

[ValricoKate]

I want to know how much it cost in carbon credits.

now that would need a congressional (read bs) investigation.

[Miss America]

How did you feel about his predecessor taking a one-month vacation at his Texas ranch ... with tax payer money?

Do you think that a President works any less when he "vacations" than he does while in the Whitehouse?...the answer is no...he's just in a different location...you are comparing apples to oranges..

[ValricoKate]

Well then you agree that by "sacrifices", Obama didn't mean that we shouldn't spend our money?

If so, then I'm ok with disagreeing with Obama's trip on the grounds that it was unnecessary. But then again, past Presidents have done this sort of thing before without outrage from the public. Which then makes me think this is all just partisan bickering.

Have past presidents said "We are out of money" in the same week as making this kind of trip?
SCULLY: You know the numbers, $1.7 trillion debt, a national deficit of $11 trillion. At what point do we run out of money?

OBAMA: Well, we are out of money now. We are operating in deep deficits, not caused by any decisions we've made on health care so far. This is a consequence of the crisis that we've seen and in fact our failure to make some good decisions on health care over the last several decades.
http://www.drudgereport.com/flashocs.htm

[plsd2mechu]

"Special" indeed. How many people can go on a date that costs mulit millions of dollars, have someone else pay for it, and refuse to tell who paid for it how much it cost them?:wall:


You GOTTA be kidding me!

Multi MILLIONS?

I know it's NYC, but damn baby!

And NO I really don't give a **** what it costs!

Nor did I with any other president!

Man takes his wife on a date and y'all lose it!

You look JUST like the crazies on the left!

[wayoverthehill]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.I truly cannot believe you made this statement.

Truly.

[spearmaster]

The desperate search for something, anything, that will stick.

You know how that goes huh, after 8 yrs of Bush bashing.

[kaspiahn]

Well then you agree that by "sacrifices", Obama didn't mean that we shouldn't spend our money?

If so, then I'm ok with disagreeing with Obama's trip on the grounds that it was unnecessary. But then again, past Presidents have done this sort of thing before without outrage from the public. Which then makes me think this is all just partisan bickering.

So all those wrongs make it right? I am outraged anytime my taxes pay for personal items. These people get a paycheck. Let them pay for personal expenses just like the average Joe does. It's not just Obama, I'm sure plenty of politicians are wasting our money while we scape to get by.
Your hearing more about Obama because he promised "Change" and tolds us to sacrifice. When does he and all those other fat cats sacrifice?

[Sknyluv]

Have past presidents said "We are out of money" in the same week as making this kind of trip?




By that logic, we should shut down the entire government right now because their isn't any money left.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

Thanks for the quotes. I hadn't seen that interview before.

And while yes, he does call for people to make sacrifices ... I don't see how you can take away from those quotes that people shouldn't continue to spend money, continue to go on vacations, continue to go on dates, continue to live their lives.

I’m not saying that at all.

Obama is telling every American from the average citizen to GM executives that they will have to make sacrifices but, not him or his family.

That is being two-faced.

[Sknyluv]

So all those wrongs make it right? I am outraged anytime my taxes pay for personal items. These people get a paycheck. Let them pay for personal expenses just like the average Joe does. It's not just Obama, I'm sure plenty of politicians are wasting our money while we scape to get by.
Your hearing more about Obama because he promised "Change" and tolds us to sacrifice. When does he and all those other fat cats sacrifice?

I find that line of argument perfectly acceptable. Our government officials should be held to a acceptable level of spending. I personally don't find this particular trip an abuse of power and spending by the President.

[Sknyluv]

I’m not saying that at all.

Obama is telling every American from the average citizen to GM executives that they will have to make sacrifices but, not him or his family.

That is being two-faced.

Well, if those "sacrifices" don't include going out and spending money ... then he isn't being two-faced.

[ValricoKate]

By that logic, we should shut down the entire government right now because their isn't any money left.

This is coming from the same administration that said the big three flying into committee looked bad ...at least that was business.

This was just a dinner date ....looks a hell of a lot worse...and then to basically say "**** off I'm not telling you peons anything" just shear arrogance.

but I've never one even imagined that lord obama was even close to resembling anything that was even just brushing by humility.

[kaspiahn]

I find that line of argument perfectly acceptable. Our government officials should be held to a acceptable level of spending. I personally don't find this particular trip an abuse of power and spending by the President.

I got to disagree very whole heartedly. This is a perfect example of abuse of power & wasteful spending. Considering how much is available in Washington that could have been much cheaper and probably just fine for a Friday night-out.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

Pretty much. I'm sure every President dating back to George Washington has taken some form of time off with public money. It's just an outrage thread since Obama's name is on it. And then some people can't understand why the media or public don't care.

Its an outrage because he says one thing and does another NOT that he went out for dinner and a show.

The people do care...its the media's desire for the public to not understand the hypocrisy from the President.

[Sknyluv]

I got to disagree very whole heartedly. This is a perfect example of abuse of power & wasteful spending. Considering how much is available in Washington that could have been much cheaper and probably just fine for a Friday night-out.

Fair enough. But trust me, Washington DC is no NY.

[spearmaster]

Fine.
Go ahead and attack him for taking his wife on a special date.
Then, watch what happens.
I swear, some of you seem to have a political death wish.

No one is attacking him for taking is He-Man wife on a date, we're attacking because he's paying for the "date" on our dime.

[wayoverthehill]

How did you feel about his predecessor taking a one-month vacation at his Texas ranch ... with tax payer money?Other than the flight down there and the flight back, what taxpayer money was spent that wouldn't have been spent in Washington? By that I mean secret service.

Also in case you have forgotten, Bush used to have meetings with other world leaders and heads of states at his ranch. It wasn't all play time.

And the best part of all was that the smarmy press corp had to hang out in the hot Texas sun in a little bitty town with few amenities.

And I know first hand about the hot Texas sun - LOL.

[plsd2mechu]

Hear that "squelching" sound?

That's the sound of thousands of panties being twisted over a date!

:)):)):))

[kaspiahn]

Fair enough. But trust me, Washington DC is no NY.

Actually I don't care for either location. I'd rather stay at home and cuddle up with the wife and watch a DVD. Now there's a economical date.

[Crystal]

Other than the flight down there and the flight back, what taxpayer money was spent that wouldn't have been spent in Washington? By that I mean secret service.

Also in case you have forgotten, Bush used to have meetings with other world leaders and heads of states at his ranch. It wasn't all play time.

And the best part of all was that the smarmy press corp had to hang out in the hot Texas sun in a little bitty town with few amenities.

And I know first hand about the hot Texas sun - LOL.

As long as NY got to pay for all those NY cops, I'm happy ;). You libs up there in yankee land want to pay for 600 ny policemen to keep the peasants away from ms. obama, have at it.

[spearmaster]

First of all, the "word" is multi, mulit.
Secondly, if you think this is such a big deal, call your favorite Republican congressman and demand (s)he ask for an investigation. Don't forget to let us know what they say.

Oh no! Look out for the "typo police".

[BasicGreatGuy]

Obama refuses to let taxpayers how much his jet dates at taxpayers' expense costs them.

I can't even imagine the cost, the plane, secret service, police, emergency workers needed on standy.

Yes, Obama won't reveal how much.

So much for transparency.

The taxpayers have a right to know.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/30/obamas-head-new-york-city-date-night/
Obamas' Date Night in New York City Draws Criticism
Even before the Obamas left Washington, the there-and-back trip drew criticism from Republicans who questioned the president's decision to travel to New York for a night of entertainment during a recession and while automakers struggle to survive.

AP

Saturday, May 30, 2009

The president and first lady Michelle Obama watched daughter Malia's soccer game for an hour Saturday morning in the Palisades neighborhood, a short drive from the White House.

For the evening, the first couple jetted to New York City for date night.

They dined a little more than two hours at Blue Hill, a West Village restaurant, then headed to the Belasco Theater to make it in time for "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."

The play by August Wilson is about black America in the early 1900s, with residents of a boardinghouse recalling their migration from the sharecropping farms of the South to the industrialized North.

The White House refused to say how much the trip was costing taxpayers.

Even before the Obamas left Washington, the there-and-back trip drew criticism from Republicans. They questioned the president's decision to travel to New York for a night of entertainment during a recession and while automakers struggle to survive.

It was just a few months ago that auto executives were roundly criticized when they traveled to Washington for congressional hearings in pricey private planes.

The Republican National Committee issued a news release that chastised Obama for saying he understands American's troubles, but then hopping up to New York for "a night on the town."

Noting that General Motors is expected to file for Chapter 11 protection on Monday, the news release said: "Putting on a show: Obamas wing into the city for an evening out while another iconic American company prepares for bankruptcy."

In a statement read to the press, Obama said, "I am taking my wife to New York City because I promised her during the campaign that I would take her to a Broadway show after it was all finished."

If the Obamas wanted to catch a show closer to the White House, they had some choices in Washington: Tom Stoppard's "Arcadia" at the Folger Elizabethan Theatre; Valerie Harper in "Looped" at the Lincoln Theatre; "Rent," at the Warner Theatre; Noel Coward's "Design for Living" at the Shakespeare Theatre Company; or Stoppard's "Rock 'n' Roll" at the Studio Theatre.

Reporters weren't allowed to see the soccer game. The Obamas took a smaller plane than the jumbo jet he usually uses. White House staff and reporters flew in two similar aircraft.

"Hi, guys," Obama said to reporters and visitors gathered at the White House as he and Michelle left for their night out. Both were decked out: She wore her hair up, heels and a sleeveless black ruffled dress that fell below the knee while he went tieless in a dark suit and white shirt.

Daughter Sasha draped herself over the railing of the White House's top balcony, waving and calling out to her parents as they boarded Marine One for the quick flight to the plane at Andrews Air Force Base that would carrying the couple to New York.

A White House spokesman, Josh Earnest, said the smaller planes were used because fewer aides traveled with the presidents and the planes were more efficient than the big jet.

In an interview before his inauguration, Barack Obama said he and his wife liked having date nights, usually on Fridays. Since the moving to Washington, the Obamas have managed to fit in at least a couple nights out in the nation's capital.

Earlier in May, the two dined for nearly two hours at a Georgetown restaurant before taking an 8-minute stroll around the White House grounds. They've watched an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance at the Kennedy Center and celebrated Mrs. Obama's birthday with friends at Equinox, a white-tablecloth restaurant near the White House.

While on a trip to New York last week, Michelle Obama was reminded about the couple's first date.

"You know, after 20-some-odd years of knowing a guy, you forget that your first date was at a museum," she said. "But it was, and it was obviously wonderful. It worked."

When federal taxpayer dollars are involved, it is our business how much was spent out of our pockets. We are the employers.

[kaspiahn]

Hear that "squelching" sound?

That's the sound of thousands of panties being twisted over a date!

:)):)):))

Your signature tells us everthing we need to dismiss your posts as useless drivle.

[jobaby1027]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.
It is so our business!!! What are you, stupid???

[Dubarry20833]

Remember the good ol' days when all the conservatives on this board supported the President's cross-country flights to drop off a cake and the Secretary of State's NY trip for some theater and shoe shopping?

[Hellsbane]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.

Well good for you. The real story here is, what does Teleprompter think about this? Isn't it at all possible that Teleprompter feels dissed over Obama taking Shera out on a date while leaving it behind? Don't you have any compassion at all for Teleprompter? Seriously, if not for Teleprompter, everyone would know how truly dumb your man is. Teleprompter saves your guy each and every time he speaks in public. Give the poor thing some respect and consideration before you start spouting off about what your guy does not being anyones elses bussiness!

[spearmaster]

By that logic, we should shut down the entire government right now because their isn't any money left.

No. But they sure the hell need to start paying for their off duty activities out of their own pocket, not ours.

[Dubarry20833]

Well good for you. The real story here is, what does Teleprompter think about this? Isn't it at all possible that Teleprompter feels dissed over Obama taking Shera out on a date while leaving it behind? Don't you have any compassion at all for Teleprompter? Seriously, if not for Teleprompter, everyone would know how truly dumb your man is. Teleprompter saves your guy each and every time he speaks in public. Give the poor thing some respect and consideration before you start spouting off about what your guy does not being anyones elses bussiness!

aww, how cute. You think the teleprempter is real and has feelings.

[tguns]

Remember the good ol' days when all the conservatives on this board supported the President's cross-country flights to drop off a cake and the Secretary of State's NY trip for some theater and shoe shopping?

I take it you defended these?

[spearmaster]

Remember the good ol' days when all the conservatives on this board supported the President's cross-country flights to drop off a cake and the Secretary of State's NY trip for some theater and shoe shopping?

But I thought he was suppose to be different than Bush?

[Dubarry20833]

I take it you defended these?

Of course not. I don't recall defending Obama's trip, either. I just commented on the hypocrasy from the right.

For what it's worth, there's an amazing restaurant 5 blocks away from the WH at 11th & Penn. He should have gone there.

[Hellsbane]

aww, how cute. You think the teleprempter is real and has feelings.

Well, it IS the TOTUS.

[Dubarry20833]

But I thought he was suppose to be different than Bush?

I thought republicans didn't act childish like they claimed dems did?

[Cold_War_Warrior]

Well, if those "sacrifices" don't include going out and spending money ... then he isn't being two-faced.

Oh, I see. I get ya...The spin is the same as when he went out with the boys to get burgers with Biden…its setting the example and spurring the economy by fetching cash from your own pocket(Allegedly).

Of course, that was the day before Michelle went on Sesame Street and made a PSA promoting healthy eating habits for the peasants.

Yep, two-faced.

[super cool ski instructor]

Hear that "squelching" sound?

That's the sound of thousands of panties being twisted over a date!

:)):)):))

Wow....the actual point of this thread seems to escape you.....along with quite a few others in this thread. Good job on lack of comprehension.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

Hear that "squelching" sound?

That's the sound of thousands of panties being twisted over a date!

:)):)):))

Obama: “It’s good to be the King”!!!

:)) :)) :))

[tguns]

Of course not. I don't recall defending Obama's trip, either. I just commented on the hypocrasy from the right.

For what it's worth, there's an amazing restaurant 5 blocks away from the WH at 11th & Penn. He should have gone there.

Hypocrisy from the right?

After eight years of leftist anti-Bush rhetoric, the only hypocrisy to be seen come directly from the left side of the isle.

[Dubarry20833]

Hypocrisy from the right?

After eight years of leftist anti-Bush rhetoric, the only hypocrisy to be seen come directly from the left side of the isle.

There is, without question, some hypocrasy from the left on this. If it wasn't ok for a GOP Prez it shouldn't be ok for a Dem Prez. The same holds true for the right, no?

[plsd2mechu]

Your signature tells us everthing we need to dismiss your posts as useless drivle.

I'm

just

CRUSHED!!!

:((:((:((

[BasicGreatGuy]

There is, without question, some hypocrasy from the left on this. If it wasn't ok for a GOP Prez it shouldn't be ok for a Dem Prez. The same holds true for the right, no?

When the economy is in the toilet, and the President has been saying for months, how we all need to sacrifice, I find this behavior hypocritical. I don't begrudge the President for having a 'life' as it were. One doesn't stop living life, just because one is the President. I don't expect him to be hold up in the White House for 4 years. What I do expect, is a wise use of our money. What I do expect, is transparency and accountability for said funds.

Edited to add: As a nation, we are broke. I find this kind of behavior annoying and offensive.

[ValricoKate]

I knew the cost wouldn't be that hard to find out.
http://forums.hannity.com/showthread.php?t=1491451

Thank you again Lazy Kowtowing American Press ...
no one knows or know one cares ...
I know I'm a nobody

[tguns]

There is, without question, some hypocrasy from the left on this. If it wasn't ok for a GOP Prez it shouldn't be ok for a Dem Prez. The same holds true for the right, no?

Sure. And to be honest, if Obama needs to spend several thousand dollars on a “date”, I’m not angry with the man….I pitty him, he should talk to Hitch.

[plsd2mechu]

Wow....the actual point of this thread seems to escape you.....along with quite a few others in this thread. Good job on lack of comprehension.

oh REALLY?


Remember the good ol' days when all the conservatives on this board supported the President's cross-country flights to drop off a cake and the Secretary of State's NY trip for some theater and shoe shopping?

The ACTUAL point of this thread is to bash Obama as much, if not MORE for anything he does, including fart in his private bathroom at 4AM, to get back at the Bush bashing that went on for 8 years!

Show me where ANY con on this thread making that squelching sound now, also made it when it was the Bush administration.


Go on....

I'll wait.

My only real problem with Condi was that she LIKED Ferragamo!

Yuck!

[Dubarry20833]

When the economy is in the toilet, and the President has been saying for months, how we all need to sacrifice, I find this behavior hypocritical. I don't begrudge the President for having a 'life' as it were. One doesn't stop living life, just because one is the President. I don't expect him to be hold up in the White House for 4 years. What I do expect, is a wise use of our money. What I do expect, is transparency and accountability for said funds.

Edited to add: As a nation, we are broke. I find this kind of behavior annoying and offensive.

I agree. But you didn't answer my question.

[redfish64]

Obama refuses to tell taxpayers how much his date cost them.
It might have been a Bill Clinton date

[kat]

I knew the cost wouldn't be that hard to find out.
http://forums.hannity.com/showthread.php?t=1491451

Thank you again Lazy Kowtowing American Press ...
no one knows or know one cares ...
I know I'm a nobody

I no you are but what am I?

No what i mean? :razz:

[ValricoKate]

i no you are but what am i?

No what i mean? :razz:

:))
;)

[BasicGreatGuy]

I agree. But you didn't answer my question.

My reply goes for both sides of the political spectrum. I don't play favorites. Did my post read partisan? No. I think the President should lead by example. Don't tell me I need to make sacrifices and bite the proverbial bullet, when you are not using my money wisely. If he wants to lead by example, he can pay some of the cost of this date, out of his own pocket.

[Tex Mex]

When the economy is in the toilet, and the President has been saying for months, how we all need to sacrifice, I find this behavior hypocritical. I don't begrudge the President for having a 'life' as it were. One doesn't stop living life, just because one is the President. I don't expect him to be hold up in the White House for 4 years. What I do expect, is a wise use of our money. What I do expect, is transparency and accountability for said funds.

Edited to add: As a nation, we are broke. I find this kind of behavior annoying and offensive. How can I take Obama serious when he says this nation is in a crisis?

[goeagles]

Its an outrage because he says one thing and does another NOT that he went out for dinner and a show.

The people do care...its the media's desire for the public to not understand the hypocrisy from the President.

A handful of Obama haters care.
Not about the money, but about throwing a rock at him.
Even at the cost of further marginalizing themselves in the process.

[Dubarry20833]

My reply goes for both sides of the political spectrum. I don't play favorites. Did my post read partisan? No. I think the President should lead by example. Don't tell me I need to make sacrifices and bite the proverbial bullet, when you are not using my money wisely. If he wants to lead by example, he can pay some of the cost of this date, out of his own pocket.

I agree 100%

[plsd2mechu]

When the economy is in the toilet, and the President has been saying for months, how we all need to sacrifice, I find this behavior hypocritical. I don't begrudge the President for having a 'life' as it were. One doesn't stop living life, just because one is the President. I don't expect him to be hold up in the White House for 4 years. What I do expect, is a wise use of our money. What I do expect, is transparency and accountability for said funds.

Edited to add: As a nation, we are broke. I find this kind of behavior annoying and offensive.

I Know you are sincere BGG! (BTW..how ya doin' baby?)

Me?

I like my Presidents to have a little release, in good times or bad......no matter WHAT party they belong too.

I do not begrudge ANY of them a date with their wives.

And the check I wrote to the goverment this year will reflect that.

There is so much MORE wasteful spending we should be concerned about, IMHO.

[worldklas]

One wonders where all the outrage was when cheney held super secret energy policy meetings.

Oh, dear where are my manners? He's a Republican! And I almost forgot; He's not Obama!

And where were you when George went on a campaign junket while Katrina was hitting N.O.? Talk about fiddling while Rome drowns.


:)) :)) :))

edited to add: and he refused to tell? Maybe we should break out the waterboard. :rolleyes:

[nature shot]

Give it a shot.

I would be better off sending you the bill:rolleyes:Maybe you will take pitty on me:))

[kat]

My reply goes for both sides of the political spectrum. I don't play favorites. Did my post read partisan? No. I think the President should lead by example. Don't tell me I need to make sacrifices and bite the proverbial bullet, when you are not using my money wisely. If he wants to lead by example, he can pay some of the cost of this date, out of his own pocket.



That's the point I think everyone here is trying to make. It is not only quite arrogant for a public official to tell taxpayers it's none of their business, it is FLAT WRONG.

I have said before, Obama is ****ing away one hell of a chance to be one the greats. He seems content to just flip us the bird while at the same time dictating to us when,what, where, how, who, which is equally FLAT WRONG.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

A handful of Obama haters care.
Not about the money, but about throwing a rock at him.
Even at the cost of further marginalizing themselves in the process.

It is not the job of the media to determine what the American public is interested in.

[goeagles]

I would be better off sending you the bill:rolleyes:Maybe you will take pitty on me:))

It'd be worth it to see your beautiful part of the country again.
It's been a long time.
I'm available on weekends!

[George Walton]

Good for him. It's none of anyone's business.

In these economic times? "The worst since the Great Depression" as Obama likes to protray it?

Let's pretend for a moment that Bush is President and he had done this. Imagine the 24/7 outrage by libs, democrats and the MSM.

.

[Steel-W0LF]

The desperate search for something, anything, that will stick.


The continued defending of the ****storm that is this presidency, by holding up a cocktail umbrella.

[goeagles]

It is not the job of the media to determine what the American public is interested in.
As a matter of fact, it is.
That's what the news business is all about.

[Lima India Bravo]

And, Bush was criticized for far less…

For example?

[Lima India Bravo]

Does anyone here actually, truly care how much the flight to NY cost?

I'd have to say "no". They just want to complain about him.

[Lima India Bravo]

Where’s the social justice…where’s the economic justice…

How is it not hypocritical for the Obama’s to live a lavish lifestyle parting it up like they’re “new money” and tell the little people to make sacrifices at the same time.

This is yet another example from the both of them saying one thing and doing another.

How is this leading by example?

What sacrifices did he "tell the little people to make"?

[Dubarry20833]

I'd have to say "no". They just want to complain about him.

Absolutely. Remember the outrage when he hosted guests at the White House? I think there were some passed Hor d'Hourves and the right got bent out of shape.

It's clear that they're just looking to moan.

[Nashville]

In addition to the financial cost, what was the carbon footprint? Three planes, a couple of helicopters, motorcade etc.

[mkh]

We have trillion dollar debt. I'm not going to complain about such a small amount for Obama to fly to New York. I didn't care for a line by line expenditure of Bush, I won't for Obama. We are wasting billions of dollars on other things, this is such a non-issue.

[George Walton]

Originally Posted by Sknyluv http://forums.hannity.com/firestorm/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://forums.hannity.com/showthread.php?p=55351131#post55351131)
Does anyone here actually, truly care how much the flight to NY cost?

I'd have to say "no". They just want to complain about him.

It wasn't just one plane. There were three. One for Obama. One for Obama aids, and one for the press.

And on top of that, secret service, limo, and the small army that goes where ever the President goes. Guess how many military transports and personal are involved in support of this little trip.

This was one very expensive date.

.

[ValricoKate]

As a matter of fact, it is.
That's what the news business is all about.

Maybe the print media needs to rethink what they think we want.
obviously $$$$$$$
they've been wrong.

People are going overseas for news ...

[ValricoKate]

[/I]



It wasn't just one plane. There were three. One for Obama. One for Obama aids, and one for the press.

And on top of that, secret service, limo, and the small army that goes where ever the President goes. Guess how many military transports and personal are involved in support of this little trip.

This was one very expensive date.

.

don't forget the chopper.

[wayoverthehill]

A handful of Obama haters care.
Not about the money, but about throwing a rock at him.
Even at the cost of further marginalizing themselves in the process.No, sweetie. It IS about the money. Maybe not to the Washington crowd but it sure is to ordinary people.

[Dubarry20833]

No, sweetie. It IS about the money. Maybe not to the Washington crowd but it sure is to ordinary people.

I'm ordinary and live in Washington! What a dilema that puts me in! :))

[chico53]

Other than the flight down there and the flight back, what taxpayer money was spent that wouldn't have been spent in Washington? By that I mean secret service.

Also in case you have forgotten, Bush used to have meetings with other world leaders and heads of states at his ranch. It wasn't all play time.

And the best part of all was that the smarmy press corp had to hang out in the hot Texas sun in a little bitty town with few amenities.

And I know first hand about the hot Texas sun - LOL.

It's more than flight money. It's the money spent on hotels and food for staff, Secret Service, etc. It's the money spent locally to handle whatever needs to be done there.

It's all legit, by the way, and I had no gripe with any of it. it's the system and presidents are entitled to use it. The same should have been true here. But the hatred of the right for action this president does has no boundaries.

Hence, this complaint. It only resonates with the base. And the hardcores wonder why they are becoming a non-factor.

[goeagles]

No, sweetie. It IS about the money. Maybe not to the Washington crowd but it sure is to ordinary people.
Not to "ordinary people."
To the perpetually outraged right fringe.
Who are convincing nobody but one another.

[BasicGreatGuy]

How can I take Obama serious when he says this nation is in a crisis?

This nation is in an economic crisis. It doesn't matter who says that truth, it is still the truth.

If he had stayed in state, I wouldn't have had an issue with the date. In my opinion, he took the date to a level that we should not have to pay the tab for. And when our elected take actions such as that, he does cause people to not want to listen to them, and take them seriously.

[Sknyluv]

Oh, I see. I get ya...The spin is the same as when he went out with the boys to get burgers with Biden…its setting the example and spurring the economy by fetching cash from your own pocket(Allegedly).

Of course, that was the day before Michelle went on Sesame Street and made a PSA promoting healthy eating habits for the peasants.

Yep, two-faced.

All I'm saying here is that the "telling the American people to make sacrifices" excuse doesn't hold water in this particular case. If you'd like the President to be a better spokesperson for being a fiscally conservative during bad economic times, then sure ... I can get on board with that. But he didn't tell the American people to stop spending money or to not enjoy the fruits of capitalism ... so no, he isn't being two face.

[oldandtired]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.

Wrong again. Getting old.

It IS our business. He works for us.

[Sknyluv]

When the economy is in the toilet, and the President has been saying for months, how we all need to sacrifice, I find this behavior hypocritical. ... What I do expect, is a wise use of our money.


I don't believe the President was telling the American people to be wise with their money when he said they would need to make "sacrifices".

[tguns]

I don't believe the President was telling the American people to be wise with their money when he said they would need to make "sacrifices".


Then what "sacrifices" do you beleive he was talking about, killing chickens?

[oldandtired]

All I'm saying here is that the "telling the American people to make sacrifices" excuse doesn't hold water in this particular case. If you'd like the President to be a better spokesperson for being a fiscally conservative during bad economic times, then sure ... I can get on board with that. But he didn't tell the American people to stop spending money or to not enjoy the fruits of capitalism ... so no, he isn't being two face.


Wrong...

He made it clear to those in debt to be fiscally responsible and to do without the luxuries such as trips to vegas, private jets, etc.

He directed this to those that needed bailouts...and let them kow that they and theoir employees must be more respopnsible.

Well, HIS employer....the US.....has a debt bigger than anyone...yet he used US money.... our money...... to pay for a luxury.

He is a hypocrite.

[CMike11]

A handful of Obama haters care.
Not about the money, but about throwing a rock at him.
Even at the cost of further marginalizing themselves in the process.

I think it's a fair to statment what The Dictator, His Media Circus, and minions think about us is irrelevant.

The fact is at a time of difficult economic times, he on taxpayers' expense wen on a multi million dollar date, and what gets me the most mad, refuses to tell the taxpayers how much they spent on his date.

I think since we paid for this multi million dollar date anyone who wants to have sex with Michelle should be allowed to do so :))

[WildRose]

Obama refuses to let taxpayers how much his jet dates at taxpayers' expense costs them.

I can't even imagine the cost, the plane, secret service, police, emergency workers needed on standy.

Yes, Obama won't reveal how much.

So much for transparency.

The taxpayers have a right to know.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/30/obamas-head-new-york-city-date-night/
Obamas' Date Night in New York City Draws Criticism
Even before the Obamas left Washington, the there-and-back trip drew criticism from Republicans who questioned the president's decision to travel to New York for a night of entertainment during a recession and while automakers struggle to survive.

AP

Saturday, May 30, 2009

The president and first lady Michelle Obama watched daughter Malia's soccer game for an hour Saturday morning in the Palisades neighborhood, a short drive from the White House.

For the evening, the first couple jetted to New York City for date night.

They dined a little more than two hours at Blue Hill, a West Village restaurant, then headed to the Belasco Theater to make it in time for "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."

The play by August Wilson is about black America in the early 1900s, with residents of a boardinghouse recalling their migration from the sharecropping farms of the South to the industrialized North.

The White House refused to say how much the trip was costing taxpayers.

Even before the Obamas left Washington, the there-and-back trip drew criticism from Republicans. They questioned the president's decision to travel to New York for a night of entertainment during a recession and while automakers struggle to survive.

It was just a few months ago that auto executives were roundly criticized when they traveled to Washington for congressional hearings in pricey private planes.

The Republican National Committee issued a news release that chastised Obama for saying he understands American's troubles, but then hopping up to New York for "a night on the town."

Noting that General Motors is expected to file for Chapter 11 protection on Monday, the news release said: "Putting on a show: Obamas wing into the city for an evening out while another iconic American company prepares for bankruptcy."

In a statement read to the press, Obama said, "I am taking my wife to New York City because I promised her during the campaign that I would take her to a Broadway show after it was all finished."

If the Obamas wanted to catch a show closer to the White House, they had some choices in Washington: Tom Stoppard's "Arcadia" at the Folger Elizabethan Theatre; Valerie Harper in "Looped" at the Lincoln Theatre; "Rent," at the Warner Theatre; Noel Coward's "Design for Living" at the Shakespeare Theatre Company; or Stoppard's "Rock 'n' Roll" at the Studio Theatre.

Reporters weren't allowed to see the soccer game. The Obamas took a smaller plane than the jumbo jet he usually uses. White House staff and reporters flew in two similar aircraft.

"Hi, guys," Obama said to reporters and visitors gathered at the White House as he and Michelle left for their night out. Both were decked out: She wore her hair up, heels and a sleeveless black ruffled dress that fell below the knee while he went tieless in a dark suit and white shirt.

Daughter Sasha draped herself over the railing of the White House's top balcony, waving and calling out to her parents as they boarded Marine One for the quick flight to the plane at Andrews Air Force Base that would carrying the couple to New York.

A White House spokesman, Josh Earnest, said the smaller planes were used because fewer aides traveled with the presidents and the planes were more efficient than the big jet.

In an interview before his inauguration, Barack Obama said he and his wife liked having date nights, usually on Fridays. Since the moving to Washington, the Obamas have managed to fit in at least a couple nights out in the nation's capital.

Earlier in May, the two dined for nearly two hours at a Georgetown restaurant before taking an 8-minute stroll around the White House grounds. They've watched an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance at the Kennedy Center and celebrated Mrs. Obama's birthday with friends at Equinox, a white-tablecloth restaurant near the White House.

While on a trip to New York last week, Michelle Obama was reminded about the couple's first date.

"You know, after 20-some-odd years of knowing a guy, you forget that your first date was at a museum," she said. "But it was, and it was obviously wonderful. It worked."Hmm, isn't it the conservatives who constantly get labeled as Elitists by those on the left and their left winged media cohorts?

C'mon, why should this bother anyone, the emperor is above reproach isn't he?

[Mojotiger]

Then what "sacrifices" do you beleive he was talking about, killing chickens?

That made me laugh.

[CMike11]

I don't believe the President was telling the American people to be wise with their money when he said they would need to make "sacrifices".

That's a point.

Maybe he was telling people to be wise with their own money, but if you are using other people's money their is no reason to be wise?

[oldandtired]

Not to "ordinary people."
To the perpetually outraged right fringe.
Who are convincing nobody but one another.

And it is due to the selfish sentiments of those that think as you do that gives him the gall to do what he does...knowing full well many of his sheep will tell the rest of us that he can do whatever he wants...and he knows that such drones will not care.

Pathetic.....very selfish and pitiful.

[Sknyluv]

Then what "sacrifices" do you beleive he was talking about, killing chickens?

I'm not entirely sure. From the interview that was posted in Post #61 of this thread, the President wasn't entirely clear about what "sacrifices" the American people would be asked to make. From his responses it doesn't appear he means that individuals would be expected to not spend money or change their lifestyles. It seems more like he was talking about how through Gov action people might be forced to make sacrifices. And again, what those are ... I'm not sure.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

Then what "sacrifices" do you beleive he was talking about, killing chickens?

The Obama’s mean for the peasants to eat Hamburger Helper while they get served steak and wine (imported no doubt) in some fantasy come true.

[Sknyluv]

Wrong...

He made it clear to those in debt to be fiscally responsible and to do without the luxuries such as trips to vegas, private jets, etc.

He directed this to those that needed bailouts...and let them kow that they and theoir employees must be more respopnsible.

Well, HIS employer....the US.....has a debt bigger than anyone...yet he used US money.... our money...... to pay for a luxury.

He is a hypocrite.

That's a stretch.

I think there is a difference between corporate CEOs and the general American people. I don't think he expects every American to act as if they just ran a fortune 500 company into the ground.

[Sknyluv]

The Obama’s mean for the peasants to eat Hamburger Helper while they get served steak and wine (imported no doubt) in some fantasy come true.

Why would someone buy Hamburger Helper if they wanted to buy something else and could afford it?

[CMike11]

In addition to the financial cost, what was the carbon footprint? Three planes, a couple of helicopters, motorcade etc.

A good point.

He date might have destroyed our planet :))

[Cold_War_Warrior]

Some reality from an Op-Ed by Constantine the Great:

http://forums.hannity.com/showthread.php?t=1465581

[CMike11]

Why would someone buy Hamburger Helper if they wanted to buy something else and could afford it?

And they can afford because they are making other people pay for it, and refuse to tell them how much they are paying.

[monkeymom]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.

You are very, very wrong here GE. It absolutely is our business how the POTUS spends our tax dollars. However, I honestly have no issue with the Obama's having an occasional break - heaven knows anyone in their position needs it now and then. But I've said it before and will say it again, pointing out Obama's hypocrisy is inarguably valid - he opened himself up to this scrutiny by being the "do as I say, not as I do" guy.

Additionally, I think the endless belly-aching from the left whenever Bush went to Crawford might have something to do with why many have an issue with Obama's antics.

[oldandtired]

That's a stretch.

I think there is a difference between corporate CEOs and the general American people. I don't think he expects every American to act as if they just ran a fortune 500 company into the ground.


I did not say that.

What I said was that he told corporations that are in debt and rewquired money from the taxpayer to exercise fiscal resaponsibility and give up trips to vegs and other luxuries...especially while the taxpayer is paying for it.

Well....he is the President of a "company" that is being suplimented by the taxpayer....AND he is NOW turning to the taxpayer and asking us to pay even more to make up for the debt.

Yet he flies to NYC for a date on taxpayer money.

He could have seen a show and had dinner in DC....

He is a hypocrite.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

Why would someone buy Hamburger Helper if they wanted to buy something else and could afford it?

:)) I don’t know…

How did the Obama’s afford their weekend date in NYC?

[WildRose]

That's a stretch.

I think there is a difference between corporate CEOs and the general American people. I don't think he expects every American to act as if they just ran a fortune 500 company into the ground.Not a stretch at all. He pilloried the CEO's of the automakers, as well as AIG execs for what he viewed as excesses.

He's the biggest CEO of all now and he's driving the whole country straight to hell financially. How is this not hypocritical when he's spending more than 24,000.00 of taxpayer money on a date for a few hours?

Yes presidents need some "down time" too, but that's easy enough to achieve at both the White House and Camp David.

The hypocrisy is clear to anyone who looks at it without partisan blinders on.

[goeagles]

You are very, very wrong here GE. It absolutely is our business how the POTUS spends our tax dollars. However, I honestly have no issue with the Obama's having an occasional break - heaven knows anyone in their position needs it now and then. But I've said it before and will say it again, pointing out Obama's hypocrisy is inarguably valid - he opened himself up to this scrutiny by being the "do as I say, not as I do" guy.

The President is perceived that way nowhere but in the rhetoric of the Republican far right--not even mainstream Republicans talk about him that way.
Sometimes I wonder if people realize how marginalized and out of touch with mainstream America they really appear.

[Lima India Bravo]

Actually, when its on the tax payer's dime, it is our business.

If that's the case, where was the outrage over all of Bush's trips to Texas? In the first four years of his presidency he made the trip 49 times. I wasn't able to find any count for the ensuing four years, but simply using the first four years as a benchmark, I'd have to guess he probably flew to the ranch about 100 times. Anybody outraged about that? And for those who are so outraged about this trip of Obama's in light of the present economic situation, keep in mind that Bush flew to the ranch right after signing the first $700B bailout bill. Oh, and whenever he was at the ranch and had to meet with government officials, they were flown there on the taxpayer's dime as well.

Here's a link to all of Bush's trips to the ranch and associated flights:

http://www.kwtx.com/centraltexasvotes/misc/37768449.html

I've checked the archives, and can't seem to find any threads from people who are expressing such outrage about Obama's trip showing the same outrage about Bush's Texas trips. Can anyone link those threads for us?

[monkeymom]

Actually, you'd probably find that most Americans who are aware of the Obamas' "date" find it quite charming.
It probably helped his approval rating.


Maybe "some" - but I highly doubt "most." Charming is not how I would describe a $24,000 date night - charming would be dinner somewhere in DC, etc. Or how about a picnic on the White House lawn? Again, I have no specific problem with them going to NY, etc., but labeling it "charming" is quite a stretch.

[Sknyluv]

I did not say that.

What I said was that he told corporations that are in debt and rewquired money from the taxpayer to exercise fiscal resaponsibility and give up trips to vegs and other luxuries...especially while the taxpayer is paying for it.

Well....he is the President of a "company" that is being suplimented by the taxpayer....AND he is NOW turning to the taxpayer and asking us to pay even more to make up for the debt.

Yet he flies to NYC for a date on taxpayer money.

He could have seen a show and had dinner in DC....

He is a hypocrite.


Well again. The original comment was about how he has asked the American people to make "sacrifices". And this response has nothing to do with what he expects from the American people, and more with how he should be following his own advice that was given to the companies we have bailed out.

[WildRose]

If that's the case, where was the outrage over all of Bush's trips to Texas? In the first four years of his presidency he made the trip 49 times. I wasn't able to find any count for the ensuing four years, but simply using the first four years as a benchmark, I'd have to guess he probably flew to the ranch about 100 times. Anybody outraged about that? And for those who are so outraged about this trip of Obama's in light of the present economic situation, keep in mind that Bush flew to the ranch right after signing the first $700B bailout bill. Oh, and whenever he was at the ranch and had to meet with government officials, they were flown there on the taxpayer's dime as well.

Here's a link to all of Bush's trips to the ranch and associated flights:

http://www.kwtx.com/centraltexasvotes/misc/37768449.html

I've checked the archives, and can't seem to find any threads from people who are expressing such outrage about Obama's trip showing the same outrage about Bush's Texas trips. Can anyone link those threads for us?So where was it that Bush was pillorying CEO's and executives for wasting their company's money on corporate jets and outings?

Try looking up "Hypocrisy" on dictionary.com .

[avergbear]

Why would someone buy Hamburger Helper if they wanted to buy something else and could afford it?

The taxpayers can’t afford it and we are the ones that picked up the check for this extravagant night on the town.

And, I’ll guaran-damn-tee you that the Obama’s didn’t “eat cake” on their junket to the Big Apple. But, just like the French under Marie Antoinette, the rest of America should develop a keen appetite for it.

What the Obama’s did we arrogant and offensive to those of us that work hard and pay the bills.


http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/avergbear/gulfstream-g200-hdr.jpg
Obama "date mobile"

[tha malcontent™]

It is not the job of the media to determine what the American public is interested in.

As a matter of fact, it is.
That's what the news business is all about.

:eek:

Well, if that's the Case, then they can Stop Hiding behind the First Amendment...

:)

peace...

[goeagles]

Maybe "some" - but I highly doubt "most." Charming is not how I would describe a $24,000 date night - charming would be dinner somewhere in DC, etc. Or how about a picnic on the White House lawn? Again, I have no specific problem with them going to NY, etc., but labeling it "charming" is quite a stretch.
Not only charming, but romantic as well.
Trust me, you wouldn't want to see a poll done on it.

[oldandtired]

The President is perceived that way nowhere but in the rhetoric of the Republican far right--not even mainstream Republicans talk about him that way.
Sometimes I wonder if people realize how marginalized and out of touch with mainstream America they really appear.

I dont know eagles...you tell me....

See you fell for it hook line and sinker.

When he nominated Geithner for thge post...many of us were OK with the tax issue...but most of us were outraged at Giethner NOT telling the IRS that he made the same mistke on a prior return.

Yet when we and republican politicians mentioned this, we were called OBSTRUCTIONISTS.

And many of his sheep now simply recite OBSTRUCTIONIST when we question a move of his for valid reasons.

Ala...your posts.

We are Obstructionist and complainers simply because he is Obama.....has nothing to so with him making moves that DIRECTLY contradict his campaibgn platform.

Baaa Baaa

[Sknyluv]

:)) I don’t know…

How did the Obama’s afford their weekend date in NYC?

Well. You keep talking about making sacrifices and what not. How exact would buying Hamburger Helper be a sacrifice that someone would have to make in today's economic times? I find it more of a reality than a sacrifice.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

If that's the case, where was the outrage over all of Bush's trips to Texas? In the first four years of his presidency he made the trip 49 times. I wasn't able to find any count for the ensuing four years, but simply using the first four years as a benchmark, I'd have to guess he probably flew to the ranch about 100 times. Anybody outraged about that? And for those who are so outraged about this trip of Obama's in light of the present economic situation, keep in mind that Bush flew to the ranch right after signing the first $700B bailout bill. Oh, and whenever he was at the ranch and had to meet with government officials, they were flown there on the taxpayer's dime as well.

Here's a link to all of Bush's trips to the ranch and associated flights:

http://www.kwtx.com/centraltexasvotes/misc/37768449.html

I've checked the archives, and can't seem to find any threads from people who are expressing such outrage about Obama's trip showing the same outrage about Bush's Texas trips. Can anyone link those threads for us?

When did Bush say to eat hamburger helper and call for every American to make sacrifices so he could eat steak?

[oldandtired]

Well again. The original comment was about how he has asked the American people to make "sacrifices". And this response has nothing to do with what he expects from the American people, and more with how he should be following his own advice that was given to the companies we have bailed out.

And that is exactly where my mindset is...

If you tell those that need taxpayers to support them to be responsible...and then you ask taxpayers to support YOUR spending ideas...then dont spend irresponsibly.

He did not need to fly to NYC for a show and dinner..

It was irresponsible.....

He is a hypocrite.

[monkeymom]

The President is perceived that way nowhere but in the rhetoric of the Republican far right--not even mainstream Republicans talk about him that way.
Sometimes I wonder if people realize how marginalized and out of touch with mainstream America they really appear.

I don't know who you consider mainstream Republicans - but I know a LOT of people who see him that way - oh, and just for reference, they are not all Republican or Conservative, the majority of my friends from school are quite liberal - some disgustingly so (IMO). They are pretty much of the same mindset as me on this - the POTUS should get out, have breaks, etc., but his activities sometimes seem a bit over the top for someone who claims to be in touch with the struggles of the common man.

[monkeymom]

Not only charming, but romantic as well.
Trust me, you wouldn't want to see a poll done on it.

Won't argue the romantic point with you - but still very, very far from "charming" - and quite honestly, I would welcome a poll on that. I don't make comments I have no faith in, even when they are just my own opinion.

Not baling out on you here - I have to get to work.

[SFC(R)L]

If that's the case, where was the outrage over all of Bush's trips to Texas? In the first four years of his presidency he made the trip 49 times. I wasn't able to find any count for the ensuing four years, but simply using the first four years as a benchmark, I'd have to guess he probably flew to the ranch about 100 times. Anybody outraged about that? And for those who are so outraged about this trip of Obama's in light of the present economic situation, keep in mind that Bush flew to the ranch right after signing the first $700B bailout bill. Oh, and whenever he was at the ranch and had to meet with government officials, they were flown there on the taxpayer's dime as well.

Here's a link to all of Bush's trips to the ranch and associated flights:

http://www.kwtx.com/centraltexasvotes/misc/37768449.html

I've checked the archives, and can't seem to find any threads from people who are expressing such outrage about Obama's trip showing the same outrage about Bush's Texas trips. Can anyone link those threads for us?

Were obama traveling to Illinois to his specially prepared, VTC ready, wired home where he could carry out his duties as president as well as be at home, like Mr. Bush did, I would not have a problem. Nor would I object to seeing obama dare to cut some brush in Central Texas in August when EVERYONE in DC takes a powder. It would do my soul good to seee him do a day of real man's work.

That's not the case here. In the middle of an economic crisis, he decides to blow a bunch of money entertaining his wife, while simultaneously demanding that his subjects start driving deathboxes and check their tire inflation. When asked about it, he refuses (apparently), to reveal the cost of this lark with the glitteratti, in contradiction with his drumbeat of "transparency"; as he relegates workers in Michigan to the dust bin. The insufferable imperiousness of it all, the arrogance, the petulance, and the hypocrisy are a littel difficult to swallow.

As a taxpayer, I DEMAND to know what it cost me, and I DEMAND that it be recouped from his pay, and that in future he constrain the entertainment of his wife to official travel to locations where these kinds of activities may be enjoyed concurrent with, and following, official duties, transparent in cost to the American people.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

Well. You keep talking about making sacrifices and what not. How exact would buying Hamburger Helper be a sacrifice that someone would have to make in today's economic times? I find it more of a reality than a sacrifice.

Right, being poor in America is just a reality…they’re not making enough sacrifices so that Obama can have steak. :rolleyes:

They could just use their credit card and go out to eat every night despite their inability to afford to do it. Just like the Obama’s. :drool:

You are really sounding like you love the rich and hate the poor. Isn’t that the opposite opinion of a liberal mind? (as the self-imposed stereotype goes).

[goeagles]

Won't argue the romantic point with you - but still very, very far from "charming" - and quite honestly, I would welcome a poll on that. I don't make comments I have no faith in, even when they are just my own opinion.

Not baling out on you here - I have to get to work.
Have a good day.

[Sknyluv]

And that is exactly where my mindset is...

If you tell those that need taxpayers to support them to be responsible...and then you ask taxpayers to support YOUR spending ideas...then dont spend irresponsibly.

He did not need to fly to NYC for a show and dinner..

It was irresponsible.....

He is a hypocrite.

I agree that he should act responsible with tax-payer money. We'll just have to disagree that this particular trip was irresponsible.

[Sknyluv]

Right, being poor in America is just a reality…they’re not making enough sacrifices so that Obama can have steak. :rolleyes:


The ability to afford food is a reality and not a sacrifice. If you're poor, you could only afford Hamburger Helper, it's not a sacrifice, but a reality of your economic situation.

[RedStatePaPa]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.

:rolleyes:

Hope and Change.

I different kind of government.

Transparency.


In other words, a big pile of bs. From the king of bs.

[Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese]

Obama refuses to let taxpayers how much his jet dates at taxpayers' expense costs them.

I can't even imagine the cost, the plane, secret service, police, emergency workers needed on standy.

Yes, Obama won't reveal how much.

So much for transparency.

The taxpayers have a right to know.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/30/obamas-head-new-york-city-date-night/
Obamas' Date Night in New York City Draws Criticism
Even before the Obamas left Washington, the there-and-back trip drew criticism from Republicans who questioned the president's decision to travel to New York for a night of entertainment during a recession and while automakers struggle to survive.

AP

Saturday, May 30, 2009

The president and first lady Michelle Obama watched daughter Malia's soccer game for an hour Saturday morning in the Palisades neighborhood, a short drive from the White House.

For the evening, the first couple jetted to New York City for date night.

They dined a little more than two hours at Blue Hill, a West Village restaurant, then headed to the Belasco Theater to make it in time for "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."

The play by August Wilson is about black America in the early 1900s, with residents of a boardinghouse recalling their migration from the sharecropping farms of the South to the industrialized North.

The White House refused to say how much the trip was costing taxpayers.

Even before the Obamas left Washington, the there-and-back trip drew criticism from Republicans. They questioned the president's decision to travel to New York for a night of entertainment during a recession and while automakers struggle to survive.

It was just a few months ago that auto executives were roundly criticized when they traveled to Washington for congressional hearings in pricey private planes.

The Republican National Committee issued a news release that chastised Obama for saying he understands American's troubles, but then hopping up to New York for "a night on the town."

Noting that General Motors is expected to file for Chapter 11 protection on Monday, the news release said: "Putting on a show: Obamas wing into the city for an evening out while another iconic American company prepares for bankruptcy."

In a statement read to the press, Obama said, "I am taking my wife to New York City because I promised her during the campaign that I would take her to a Broadway show after it was all finished."

If the Obamas wanted to catch a show closer to the White House, they had some choices in Washington: Tom Stoppard's "Arcadia" at the Folger Elizabethan Theatre; Valerie Harper in "Looped" at the Lincoln Theatre; "Rent," at the Warner Theatre; Noel Coward's "Design for Living" at the Shakespeare Theatre Company; or Stoppard's "Rock 'n' Roll" at the Studio Theatre.

Reporters weren't allowed to see the soccer game. The Obamas took a smaller plane than the jumbo jet he usually uses. White House staff and reporters flew in two similar aircraft.

"Hi, guys," Obama said to reporters and visitors gathered at the White House as he and Michelle left for their night out. Both were decked out: She wore her hair up, heels and a sleeveless black ruffled dress that fell below the knee while he went tieless in a dark suit and white shirt.

Daughter Sasha draped herself over the railing of the White House's top balcony, waving and calling out to her parents as they boarded Marine One for the quick flight to the plane at Andrews Air Force Base that would carrying the couple to New York.

A White House spokesman, Josh Earnest, said the smaller planes were used because fewer aides traveled with the presidents and the planes were more efficient than the big jet.

In an interview before his inauguration, Barack Obama said he and his wife liked having date nights, usually on Fridays. Since the moving to Washington, the Obamas have managed to fit in at least a couple nights out in the nation's capital.

Earlier in May, the two dined for nearly two hours at a Georgetown restaurant before taking an 8-minute stroll around the White House grounds. They've watched an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance at the Kennedy Center and celebrated Mrs. Obama's birthday with friends at Equinox, a white-tablecloth restaurant near the White House.

While on a trip to New York last week, Michelle Obama was reminded about the couple's first date.

"You know, after 20-some-odd years of knowing a guy, you forget that your first date was at a museum," she said. "But it was, and it was obviously wonderful. It worked."

I'm trying to care, but I just don't. Sorry.

[RedStatePaPa]

:eek:

Well, if that's the Case, then they can Stop Hiding behind the First Amendment...

:)

peace...

Yeah GE is of the opinion that it is up to journalists to tell us what is news and what isn't.


Can you believe that? And he is in the industry. (allegedly)
So if that is the typical journo opinion, that they are the ones that decide what is newsworthy, there is a problem there.

because that falls into the editorial realm. Not news.

[RedStatePaPa]

I'm trying to care, but I just don't. Sorry.

We know Tommy, we know.

Kudos for trying though.

[RedStatePaPa]

Were obama traveling to Illinois to his specially prepared, VTC ready, wired home where he could carry out his duties as president as well as be at home, like Mr. Bush did, I would not have a problem. Nor would I object to seeing obama dare to cut some brush in Central Texas in August when EVERYONE in DC takes a powder. It would do my soul good to seee him do a day of real man's work.

That's not the case here. In the middle of an economic crisis, he decides to blow a bunch of money entertaining his wife, while simultaneously demanding that his subjects start driving deathboxes and check their tire inflation. When asked about it, he refuses (apparently), to reveal the cost of this lark with the glitteratti, in contradiction with his drumbeat of "transparency"; as he relegates workers in Michigan to the dust bin. The insufferable imperiousness of it all, the arrogance, the petulance, and the hypocrisy are a littel difficult to swallow.

As a taxpayer, I DEMAND to know what it cost me, and I DEMAND that it be recouped from his pay, and that in future he constrain the entertainment of his wife to official travel to locations where these kinds of activities may be enjoyed concurrent with, and following, official duties, transparent in cost to the American people.

Hey I agree. Good luck with that whole "transparency" thing. Evidently that was yet another campaign soundbite that the masses just loved.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

:eek:

Well, if that's the Case, then they can Stop Hiding behind the First Amendment...

:)

peace...

Wow, I cannot believe the arrogance of that guy. I guess that explains why he likes Obama so much…they have the same trait of mind.

[WildRose]

Just for the sake of clarity and to help those poor leftists who can't find a dictionary.

From Dictionary.com


hyp⋅o⋅crite

  /ˈhɪpə krɪt/Show Spelled Pronunciation [hip-uh-krit]Show IPA
–noun
1.
a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.


2.
a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, esp. one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.


Origin:
1175–1225; ME ipocrite < OF < LL hypocrita < Gk hypokrits a stage actor, hence one who pretends to be what he is not, equiv. to hypokr(nesthai) (see hypocrisy (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=hypocrisy&db=luna) ) + -tēs agent suffix


hy⋅poc⋅ri⋅sy

  /hɪˈpɒk rə si/Show Spelled Pronunciation [hi-pok-ruh-see]Show IPA
–noun, plural -sies.
1.
a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.


2.
a pretense of having some desirable or publicly approved attitude.


3.
an act or instance of hypocrisy.

[oldandtired]

I'm trying to care, but I just don't. Sorry.

Would you care if the amount were....2,4 million?

How about 2.4 billion?

He has a responsibility to tell us whatever we ask about how he spends our money......24K would feed 100 children for a year.

24K would buy coats for half the homeless in NYC

The fract that you dont care is half the problem.

He knows you wont care....but maybe you should????

[goeagles]

Yeah GE is of the opinion that it is up to journalists to tell us what is news and what isn't.


Can you believe that? And he is in the industry. (allegedly)
So if that is the typical journo opinion, that they are the ones that decide what is newsworthy, there is a problem there.

because that falls into the editorial realm. Not news.
That is what journalists do.
Cobblers fix shoes.
Pilots fly airplanes.
Judges hear cases.
Preachers write sermons.
Journalists determine what is news.

[Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese]

We know Tommy, we know.

Kudos for trying though.

Well, it's just that presidents pay out of pocket for a lot more than people seem to think they do.

[oldandtired]

:rolleyes:

Hope and Change.

I different kind of government.

Transparency.


In other words, a big pile of bs. From the king of bs.

It is not the BS that makes me cringe...

It is his sheep that voted for him as he lied to them...and now that they see he lied to them, they say he is a great man regardless...

Still laugh at those that believed he never bowed to the king.

Obama really tested the waters with that lie.....and most preferred to believe Axelrods explanation as opposed to their OWN EYES.

Not the BS that makes me laugh...it is his sheep that I get a kick out of.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

Yeah GE is of the opinion that it is up to journalists to tell us what is news and what isn't.


Can you believe that? And he is in the industry. (allegedly)
So if that is the typical journo opinion, that they are the ones that decide what is newsworthy, there is a problem there.

because that falls into the editorial realm. Not news.

The media like to think they speak for the people but, in actuality...they like to tell the people what to think.

[nature shot]

It'd be worth it to see your beautiful part of the country again.
It's been a long time.
I'm available on weekends!

I'll have to check with my scheduling czar Be forewarned we have black flies now and skeeters that put Rodan to shame later.:pray:

[oldandtired]

Would you care if the amount were....2,4 million?

How about 2.4 billion?

He has a responsibility to tell us whatever we ask about how he spends our money......24K would feed 100 children for a year.

24K would buy coats for half the homeless in NYC

The fract that you dont care is half the problem.

He knows you wont care....but maybe you should????

no response to this G "T" L?

Why is that?

[avergbear]

Journalists determine what is news.

I guess when you think that State Run Media is acceptable in America it’s no surprise you would hold this opinion.

When I went to College and studied Journalism, I was taught that when reporting the news, a journalist researched and reported facts without regard to personal bias or opinion.

My, how times have changed.

[oldandtired]

LMAO!

GE actually said that journalists determine what is news?

Interesting.....very interesting.

[goeagles]

I guess when you think that State Run Media is acceptable in America it’s no surprise you would hold this opinion.

When I went to College and studied Journalism, I was taught that when reporting the news, a journalist researched and reported facts without regard to personal bias or opinion.

My, how times have changed.
That hasn't changed.

[Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese]

no response to this G "T" L?

Why is that?

What is there to respond to? The security costs alone of moving the president anywhere are astronomical.

Sorry, this is more turn-on-a-dime-when-your-team-loses nonsense.

[Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese]

LMAO!

GE actually said that journalists determine what is news?

Interesting.....very interesting.

Who do you think does determine what is and isn't newsworthy?

[Cold_War_Warrior]

That is what journalists do.
Cobblers fix shoes.
Pilots fly airplanes.
Judges hear cases.
Preachers write sermons.
Journalists determine what is news.

I thought their job was to report what is news not to determine what it is “news” is.

goeagles, you really provide proof to this statement:

“The media reports we see, hear, or read about are not necessarily an accurate representation of events as they actually happened. They are what the reporter wants you to know” -cww

[oldandtired]

What is there to respond to? The security costs alone of moving the president anywhere are astronomical.

Sorry, this is more turn-on-a-dime-when-your-team-loses nonsense.

So then...maybe the president sdhould not "move" unless necessary....espercially when people are starving.

[WildRose]

Who do you think does determine what is and isn't newsworthy?According to the understood definition it is the public. (definitions from dictionary.com

news⋅wor⋅thy  /ˈnuzˌwɜrhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngði, ˈnyuz-/ http://cache.lexico.com/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif (http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/IPA_pron_key.html) Show Spelled Pronunciation [nooz-wur-thhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngee, nyooz-] http://cache.lexico.com/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif (http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/Spell_pron_key.html) Show IPA
–adjective of sufficient interest to the public or a special audience to warrant press attention or coverage.


Picking and chosing what is newsworthy in an attempt to foster or put forth a particular point of view is called propaganda.

prop⋅a⋅gan⋅da  /ˌprɒphttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngəˈgænhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngdə/ http://cache.lexico.com/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif (http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/IPA_pron_key.html) Show Spelled Pronunciation [prop-uh-gan-duh] http://cache.lexico.com/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif (http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/Spell_pron_key.html) Show IPA
–noun 1.information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.2.the deliberate spreading of such information, rumors, etc.3.the particular doctrines or principles propagated by an organization or movement.4.Roman Catholic Church. a.a committee of cardinals, established in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV, having supervision over foreign missions and the training of priests for these missions.b.a school (College of Propaganda) established by Pope Urban VIII for the education of priests for foreign missions.5.Archaic. an organization or movement for the spreading of propaganda.The ability to distinguish between news and propaganda is what separates an actual journalist from someone like Eagles.

[oldandtired]

Who do you think does determine what is and isn't newsworthy?

the viewer.

Jeez......:wall::wall::wall::wall::wall::wall:

[WildRose]

What is there to respond to? The security costs alone of moving the president anywhere are astronomical.

Sorry, this is more turn-on-a-dime-when-your-team-loses nonsense.No it's simply pointing out the hypocrisy of this administration.

[oldandtired]

What is there to respond to? The security costs alone of moving the president anywhere are astronomical.

Sorry, this is more turn-on-a-dime-when-your-team-loses nonsense.

Try responding to the question and not deflecting it.

24K feeds 100 children for ayear.

Would YOU go to a show and diner for 24 K if that money can feed 100 starving children for a year?

Is a show and dinner THAT important?

Im a conservative and If someone told me that my dinner would feed 100 starving children for a year, I would give it up in a second.

[Cold_War_Warrior]

LMAO!

GE actually said that journalists determine what is news?

Interesting.....very interesting.

Yeah, he actually said it.

journalists: "We report all the news we see FIT to print"

[Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese]

the viewer.

Jeez......:wall::wall::wall::wall::wall::wall:

Think about what you just said. The viewer sees the end product. There is limited time, and space, and resources.

[Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese]

No it's simply pointing out the hypocrisy of this administration.

Right, so this is just a cudgel to beat the opposition with. Gotcha.

[Sneaky SF Dude]

24K feeds 100 children for ayear.Feeds them what?

[WildRose]

Right, so this is just a cudgel to beat the opposition with. Gotcha.That you are incapbable of understanding such a basic concept is no surprise.

[oldandtired]

Think about what you just said. The viewer sees the end product. There is limited time, and space, and resources.

Deflection.

The president using his OWN money for a vacation hets air time.

The president spending 24K of taxpayer money becuase he preferred dinner and show in NYC over the same in DC should also get air time.

The news showed an elephant in India stuck in a ditch...a 30 second segment....somerthing tells me that Obama using 24K for dinner and a show when he could have spent 500 dollars instaed should make the news.....

But you believe they should decide we DONT need to knopw that...and instead should watch en elephant struggling in a ditch.

Your media prefers you know about elephants....not governmental excessive spending.

How is your media doing for you?

[oldandtired]

Try responding to the question and not deflecting it.

24K feeds 100 children for ayear.

Would YOU go to a show and diner for 24 K if that money can feed 100 starving children for a year?

Is a show and dinner THAT important?

Im a conservative and If someone told me that my dinner would feed 100 starving children for a year, I would give it up in a second.

Avoided this one again I notice G "T" L...

wonder why that is.

[oldandtired]

Feeds them what?

at 200 a month...anything they want.

[goeagles]

I thought their job was to report what is news not to determine what it is “news” is.

You determine that it is newsworthy first--then you report it.
If you report something that is not newsworthy, you are wasting your boss's money, and your readers'/viewers' time.

[avergbear]

That hasn't changed.

Oh, please!

Now you are insulting our intelligence.

[oldandtired]

You determine that it is newsworthy first--then you report it.


yeah yeah yeah...and an elephant stuck in a ditch is more newsworthy in their eyes than 24K of taxpayer money spent on a show and dinner.,,,during a time where rtaxpayers are bearing the burden of many more importnt things.

Looks like YOUR media is keeping you well informed.

[avergbear]

Who do you think does determine what is and isn't newsworthy?

Ultimately, the consumer makes that choice with their checkbook as to which source is more fair & balanced.

Tell me, how is the New York Times doing financially these days?

[avergbear]

You determine that it is newsworthy first--then you report it.
If you report something that is not newsworthy, you are wasting your boss's money, and your readers'/viewers' time.

And if you spike a newsworthy story, you are betraying the trust of the American People.

[Greyghost]

Good for him.
It's none of anyone's business.

You are dead wrong. It IS the American people's business we paid for this ridiculous waste of taxpayer money. For you to say otherwise is absurd. The arrogance showed by this man after telling American's to tighten their belts is disgusting. You supporting this is just as absurd, but then again I would expect nothing less from a sheep such as yourself.

[Greyghost]

Demand an investigation.
Try not to be offended by the laughter.
After all, you are heroically looking out for the taxpayers.

Your elitist arrogance is just as disgusting as Obama's. Stop trying to portray yourself as being so much above everyone else. The laughter you hear is from all of us at your blind allegiance to this train wreck of an administration.

[oldandtired]

And if you spike a newsworthy story, you are betraying the trust of the American People.

The other day a poster on here...a liberal one...was saying how OUR media gives us information that WE, the obstructionissts. want to hear....to fire us up.

SO I asked him if he knew the details of what the VAT tax was in Europe as he criticized the figure I gave (he made is sound like OUR media hyped up the numbers).

SO I pointed out that the VAT tax in socialistic countries is about 25%....and if his media did not downplay it by telling THEIR audience that a VAT tax is a nominal tax, then maybe he would not have looked so foolish when he criticized the figure of 25% which proved to be accurate.

I wonder how thier media is doing for them?

[avergbear]

You determine that it is newsworthy first--then you report it.
If you report something that is not newsworthy, you are wasting your boss's money, and your readers'/viewers' time.

Let’s see…

Fox News is reporting the Obama’s disgraceful waste of taxpayer money on a merry frolic in New York, and the State Run Media, MSNBC, CNN, is not.

Which of these are making money for their “boss?”

Which are viewers watching?

[oldandtired]

Let’s see…

Fox News is reporting the Obama’s disgraceful waste of taxpayer money on a merry frolic in New York, and the State Run Media, MSNBC, CNN, is not.

Which of these are making money for their “boss?”

Which are viewers watching?

I dont mind when an Obama supporter shows why he or she appreciates a move that I criticized.

I get a laugh out of watching obama supporters who have nothing to say simply say "who cares"....

Who cares is their best defense.....

Who cares is what got us here.

Who cares is what will keep us here.

You would not exist GE if the revolutionaries of the 1700's had your aPATHETIC attitude.

[CMike11]

What the Obama supporters are saying is how dare a media outlet or anyone talk about any information that criticizes their god.

The liberal emperor lives!

[oldandtired]

What the Obama supporters are saying is how dare a media outlet or anyone talk about any information that criticizes their god.

The liberal emperor lives!

If we take every news event out there that some on here say "who cares" to, Obama would not be in the news at all.

They prefer hearing about his dog and his swing sets.
THAT is news they say...

And those same people said "If I knew Bush was like this I never would have voted gor him"

Well maybe you should have watched the news.

[WildRose]

You determine that it is newsworthy first--then you report it.
If you report something that is not newsworthy, you are wasting your boss's money, and your readers'/viewers' time.No an actual competant Journalist would look at a story and ask if the public would think it newsworthy. If the answer is yes it would then be printed or aired.

A propagandist on the other hand determines what news the public shall hear or see.

Journalism is supposed to be informative. Editorials are supposed to influence but then, you should know that having supposedly spent thirty some odd years in the business.

[oldandtired]

No an actual competant Journalist would look at a story and ask if the public would think it newsworthy. If the answer is yes it would then be printed or aired.

A propagandist on the other hand determines what news the public shall hear or see.

Journalism is supposed to be informative. Editorials are supposed to influence but then, you should know that having supposedly spent thirty some odd years in the business.

He was allegedly a producer for CBS nightly news....number 3 of 3 in the ratings.

Enough said on that.

[Lima India Bravo]

When did Bush say to eat hamburger helper and call for every American to make sacrifices so he could eat steak?

When did Obama?

[RedStatePaPa]

That is what journalists do.
Cobblers fix shoes.
Pilots fly airplanes.
Judges hear cases.
Preachers write sermons.
Journalists determine what is news.

Sorry, wrong. A journalist aka, a reporter, REPORTS the news.




journalist
One entry found.


Entry Word:journalist
Function:noun
Text: a person employed by a newspaper, magazine, or radio or television station to gather, write, or report news<a journalist who has won awards for two of her feature stories>— see reporter

[RedStatePaPa]

Who do you think does determine what is and isn't newsworthy?

We report, you decide?

Ever hear that?


A reporter, reports the news. If it is newsworthy, it sticks. If it isn't it dies.

Pretty simple.

[goeagles]

Sorry, wrong. A journalist aka, a reporter, REPORTS the news.

Read your own definition.
It says "gather, write and report."
To gather stories, you have to determine that they are news.
Then, you write them and report them.