Nero strikes again: Obama waste $$$ going to a Broadway Show

[Full of Win]

While I do not mind if he goes on personal visits (non government related), to do so in such lavish style while American are struggling to keep our collective heads above water is just insane. I hope Nero, er... I mean Obama, had a good time; I know our children will not when the bill that Nero rang up last night comes to them for his 'night on the town'.

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/05/30/RNC-slams-Obama-Broadway-date-night/UPI-75081243725725/

WASHINGTON, May 30 (UPI) -- GOP officials chided U.S. President Barack Obama for attending a Broadway play Saturday but the White House said Obama was keeping a campaign promise.
The president and first lady Michelle Obama flew to New York from Washington on what a White House press pool report called a Gulfstream-type plane, rather than one of the larger craft that serve as Air Force One, Politico reported. Plans called for the couple to dine at the Blue Hill restaurant before attending a performance of the late playwright August Wilson's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."

The production is nominated for six Tony Awards, including best revival of a play.

In a posting on its Web site, the Republican National Committee contrasted the Obamas evening out with General Motors Corp.'s fight for survival and the broader economic turndown.

"As President Obama prepares to wing into Manhattan's theater district on Air Force One to take in a Broadway show, GM is preparing to file bankruptcy and families across America continue to struggle to pay their bills," the GOP said. "Have a great Saturday evening -- even if you're not jetting off somewhere at taxpayer expense."

RNC spokeswoman Gail Gitcho said if Obama wanted to go to the theater, "isn't the Presidential box at the Kennedy Center good enough?," Politico reported.

During the flight to New York a spokesman for the president read a statement saying the trip was intended to keep a campaign promise Obama made to his wife.

"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," the statement said.

[paddy]

Fantastic comparison! Never saw the Nero-Obama connection until you made the link just there but it's so clear now!

[leekohler]

Umm...and where were you while Bush was fiddling? Just curious. You seem awfully concerned now that we have a Democrat in office. Your silence was deafening during the last 8 years.

And what's wrong with Obama going to NYC?

[Beerfloat]

And what's wrong with Obama going to NYC?

Well see it's not Crawford Texas. I mean taking Airforce One for some logging or hunting is a manly thing to do at least.

[Full of Win]

And what's wrong with Obama going to NYC?

Nothing for government business, but for a person joyride, a lot. Perhaps instructed his pilots to 'buzz' Detroit so he could play his fiddle over the headquarters of a large US company about to go under?

Also, would you care to guess how much carbon was shovlede into the air just so he could go to a Broadway show? I'm guessing hundreds of tons.

Again, would not have been an issue if he was there for business, but he was not - he WASTED US Tax payers dollar so he Geez could take in a show., has he ever heard of Netflicks?

[TwinCities Dan]

What a silly thread! He's the leader of the free world, if he wants to go to a show, he can. :rolleyes:

[bruinsrme]

If Obama wants to see a show so be it. If that is a a lvaish lifestyle Well, I am cancelling my plans to attend several concerts this summer. I can't believe I am so self serving that I have chosen to enjoy some entertainment.

[.Andy]

Another thread by Full of Win that could have been a sensible criticism of actions by Obama (use fossil fuels, gratuitous display of wealth whilst others are struggling, possible waste of taxpayers money etc). Instead it was injected with a bunch of culture wars rhetoric and will therefore degrade to a dogfight. American politics at it's best.

[Randman]

I guess Flying AF 1 to Crawford, Texas, or just to Camp David is considered good frugal policy?

Personally, I think it's refreshing that they go out of the White House as much as possible.

[obeygiant]

Thats bull. Obama deserves a night out with his wife.

[adroit]

What a silly thread! He's the leader of the free world, if he wants to go to a show, he can. :rolleyes:


Correction. He's leader of the United States. The free world is doing just fine without him thanks.

But yes, he can go to new York if he wants to. I think he's doing pretty good if this is the worst the wing-nuts can dig up about him.

[leekohler]

Nothing for government business, but for a person joyride, a lot. Perhaps instructed his pilots to 'buzz' Detroit so he could play his fiddle over the headquarters of a large US company about to go under?

Also, would you care to guess how much carbon was shovlede into the air just so he could go to a Broadway show? I'm guessing hundreds of tons.

Again, would not have been an issue if he was there for business, but he was not - he WASTED US Tax payers dollar so he Geez could take in a show., has he ever heard of Netflicks?

You never answered my question.

And now you're going to blame that failure of an auto maker on Obama? Wow.

[Ugg]

Again, would not have been an issue if he was there for business, but he was not - he WASTED US Tax payers dollar so he Geez could take in a show., has he ever heard of Netflicks?

Netflix is rather short on Broadway plays...

All those flights to the bushco compound in Kennebunkport are ok then?

[TwinCities Dan]

Correction. He's leader of the United States. The free world is doing just fine without him thanks.

Fair enough... :)

[Ugg]

Not only is he young, goodlooking, he's also got a young, attractive wife who he deeply loves. She's no stepford wife and he's no suburban husband. And you know what, I think that pisses the Republicans off more than anything else.

When's the last time you saw a prominent republican who didn't have either a trophy wife or one with a pedigree?

Maybe it's simply a generational thing.

[yg17]

What do you expect him to do? Book a flight on Southwest or something? Then you'd be complaining that him and his Secret Service detail had to use government money to pay for airfare. Nothing he does or doesn't do pleases you right wing nuts. This thread is full of fail.

[quagmire]

Nothing for government business, but for a person joyride, a lot. Perhaps instructed his pilots to 'buzz' Detroit so he could play his fiddle over the headquarters of a large US company about to go under?

When is GM going under? Last time I checked, Obama is fully supporting a gov't backed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy which is reorganization not liquidation( Chapter 7).

Seriously, is this all the right wings can come up with to attack Obama with? This is when Obama should be buzzing the GOP HQ playing a fiddle......

[NoSmokingBandit]

Talking about spending money is pointless because the liberals think its a good thing when the govt takes our money and spends it for us because its "stimulating the economy," which is ********, imo, because the people should be able to decide what companies are worth supporting by choosing to buy from them instead of the govt deciding for us by spending our money.
Thats my opinion anyway.

[.Andy]

Talking about spending money is pointless because the liberals think its a good thing when the govt takes our money and spends it for us because its "stimulating the economy," which is ********, imo, because the people should be able to decide what companies are worth supporting by choosing to buy from them instead of the govt deciding for us by spending our money.
Thats my opinion anyway.
This has nothing to do with this thread nor does it have anything to do with reality. This is a cartoon understanding of politics designed for nothing more than to enrage, stereotype, demonise, and further divide.

[NT1440]

This is a cartoon understanding of politics designed for nothing more than to enrage, stereotype, demonise, and further divide.

In other words, the GOP approach to politics?

[.Andy]

In other words, the GOP approach to politics?
Which invites the alternative parties to play along. They're just as complicit. In the end you have parties (and their backers) squabbling over inconsequential bollocks whilst important decisions like healthcare reform, economic reform, and human rights atrocities are relegated to a back seat and executed without serious public scrutiny and input. The people of america are the inevitable losers but they continue to play along with the culture was rubbish. Time and time again.

[NT1440]

Which invites the alternative parties to play along. They're just as complicit. In the end you have parties (and their backers) squabbling over inconsequential bollocks whilst important decisions like healthcare reform, economic reform, and human rights atrocities are relegated to a back seat and executed without serious public scrutiny and input. The people of america are the inevitable losers but they play along. Time and time again.

Exactly. The GOP is a disgrace and the Dems dont have the balls to upset anyone so essentially nothing gets done.

[dukebound85]

i would hope the most powerful man in the world could go see a show:rolleyes:

[iPhoneNYC]

Seeing a Broadway show seems a lot more productive than starting a war based on lies.

[gibbz]

Where were you when Bush spent about 1/3 of his entire Presidency at Camp David and Crawford, Texas? Do you think he got there by bicycle?

Link (http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/01/16/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4728085.shtml)

Yes, that's 487 days. And Camp David is not even where the president has spent the most time when not at the White House: Knoller reports that Mr. Bush has made 77 visits to his ranch in Crawford during his presidency, and spent all or part of 490 days there.

[CorvusCamenarum]

While I do not mind if he goes on personal visits (non government related), to do so in such lavish style while American are struggling to keep our collective heads above water is just insane. I hope Nero, er... I mean Obama, had a good time; I know our children will not when the bill that Nero rang up last night comes to them for his 'night on the town'.

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/05/30/RNC-slams-Obama-Broadway-date-night/UPI-75081243725725/

I'm probably one of the last people here who will stick up for Obama on policy matters and such, but dude, this is weak.

[zap2]

I'm probably one of the last people here who will stick up for Obama on policy matters and such, but dude, this is weak.

Seriously...this is one of those things regardless of who does it, its just not important.

There are plenty of things(legit things) to call Obama out for(regardless of which side of political landscape you fall)....use one of those OP!

[Tomorrow]

Not only is he young, goodlooking, he's also got a young, attractive wife who he deeply loves. She's no stepford wife and he's no suburban husband. And you know what, I think that pisses the Republicans off more than anything else.

Are you crazy? Mrs. Obama is a hottie, why in the WORLD would we be pissed off at that?

I'm not a Laura Bush hater, but geez, Michelle Obama is WAY easier on the eyes!

[SactoGuy18]

What do you expect him to do? Book a flight on Southwest or something? Then you'd be complaining that him and his Secret Service detail had to use government money to pay for airfare. Nothing he does or doesn't do pleases you right wing nuts. This thread is full of fail.

Some of the criticisms of President Obama just border on ridiculous. :rolleyes:

I agree on the more legitimate complaints such as the failing economy and the ballooning budget, but this complaint is not worth talking about.

[yg17]

Where were you when Bush spent about 1/3 of his entire Presidency at Camp David and Crawford, Texas? Do you think he got there by bicycle?

Link (http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/01/16/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4728085.shtml)


Right, Bush wasn't exactly taking Greyhound or Amtrak when he went to Crawford.

[Full of Win]

Thats bull. Obama deserves a night out with his wife.

Sure, but keep it local and not give the taxpayers of the US a massive bill. There are plenty of places that can be reached by car around DC that they could have gone to.

I cannot tell you how much this cost, but I would not be shocked to find it in excess of a million dollars. That kind of waste for a 'night out', given the current situation, just t goes to show how out of touch the Nero administration is.

[skunk]

There are plenty of places that can be reached by car around DC that they could have gone to.You do not appear to have grasped the - admittedly sophisticated - concept of going to a particular theatre to watch a particular live theatrical performance. What an utterly pointless thread.

[BoyBach]

Presumably this crisis in a coffee cup would have been averted if Obama had visited the fabled Real America™ beloved of the GOP instead of that East Coast cesspit of liberal elitism that is Broadway?

It's the equivalent of our Great Leader travelling from London to Yorkshire for a cultural something or other. Jesus, people really need to get a grip.

[OttawaGuy]

Is it not good for the economy to go out and spend money? Doesn't this keep people employed?

[rdowns]

While I do not mind if he goes on personal visits (non government related), to do so in such lavish style while American are struggling to keep our collective heads above water is just insane. I hope Nero, er... I mean Obama, had a good time; I know our children will not when the bill that Nero rang up last night comes to them for his 'night on the town'.

How much more hypocritical can the Republicans get? They are against the GM bailout yet cite it in some silly partisan criticism of the President. Were it their decision, GM would be in Chapter 7 liquidation by now which would have a far worse impact on our faltering economy than a reorganization that Obama is overseeing.

Such lavish style? Come on. The President can't jump on the Delta shuttle or take Amtrak. Your cited article even says he took a smaller than normal plane.

[yg17]

Sure, but keep it local and not give the taxpayers of the US a massive bill. There are plenty of places that can be reached by car around DC that they could have gone to.

I cannot tell you how much this cost, but I would not be shocked to find it in excess of a million dollars. That kind of waste for a 'night out', given the current situation, just t goes to show how out of touch the Nero administration is.


And why didn't you post a thread complaining about the massive taxpayer expense when Bush went to Crawford nearly every other weekend?

[Gelfin]

This is an incredibly stupid thread, but I'm lying in bed sick and bored and I got curious:

Most likely the President flew a C-38 Courier (Gulfstream G100) out of Andrews (where they are based). The G100 has an hourly operating cost of around $1300. Taking into account the air traffic priority for a Presidential flight plan, the 200 mile trip from DC to New York most likely took little more than half an hour each way. For two people, that's around $650 per person, which is only marginally more than flying business class.

In other news, that gol-durned socialist Obama got himself a dog, which is a clear and pointed affront to cat people everywhere, and a water dog, which proves he is an elitist who doesn't give a damn about the global fresh water crisis. And a Portuguese water dog, which shows how he bows down to Europeans and doesn't respect old-fashioned American dog workmanship! What a bastard!

[yg17]

This is an incredibly stupid thread, but I'm lying in bed sick and bored and I got curious:

Most likely the President flew a C-38 Courier (Gulfstream G100) out of Andrews (where they are based). The G100 has an hourly operating cost of around $1300. Taking into account the air traffic priority for a Presidential flight plan, the 200 mile trip from DC to New York most likely took little more than half an hour each way. For two people, that's around $650 per person, which is only marginally more than flying business class.

It was indeed Gulfstream plane. I forgot which one, but it said it was a 12 seater. I'd imagine all 12 of those seats were taken. Barack and Michelle, and I bet the 10 other seats were taken by Secret Service and other presidential aides. We're now talking about $108 per person. You're definitely not going to be flying anywhere on a commercial airline for $108.

[NT1440]

What is this "nero" crap about?:confused:

[zap2]

What is this "nero" crap about?:confused:


Comparing Obama to Emperor Nero, who partied it up when he ran the Roman Empire

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nero


This is the first time I've heard Obama called it, and its really foolish. Makes the person using it seem like they know little to nothing about the actually issues.

[gibbz]

From the Wiki article
Nero's rule is often associated with tyranny and extravagance.

You know, the OP IS right. Clearly, one should associate a tyrannical and extravagant leader with a President who took his wife out for a date. :rolleyes:

[skunk]

Comparing Obama to Emperor Nero, who partied it up when he ran the Roman Empire

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nero


This is the first time I've heard Obama called it, and its really foolish. Makes the person using it seem like they know little to nothing about the actually issues.I bet Obama can't even play the fiddle.

[Gelfin]

It was indeed Gulfstream plane. I forgot which one, but it said it was a 12 seater. I'd imagine all 12 of those seats were taken. Barack and Michelle, and I bet the 10 other seats were taken by Secret Service and other presidential aides. We're now talking about $108 per person. You're definitely not going to be flying anywhere on a commercial airline for $108.

Yeah, I didn't think too much about staff. A twelve-seater would be a C-37A (Gulfstream V), which costs the AF more like $1800/hour to operate. Still not exactly plumbing the depths of extravagance.

[yg17]

Comparing Obama to Emperor Nero, who partied it up when he ran the Roman Empire

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nero


This is the first time I've heard Obama called it, and its really foolish. Makes the person using it seem like they know little to nothing about the actually issues.
The OP didn't need to pull the reference to Nero out of his arse to make it seem like he knows little to nothing about the actual issues, he was doing just fine in that department without mentioning Nero ;)


Yeah, I didn't think too much about staff. A twelve-seater would be a C-37A (Gulfstream V), which costs the AF more like $1800/hour to operate. Still not exactly plumbing the depths of extravagance.
$150 per person, the shame! I bet he could've flown on JetBlue for $149!

[BoyBach]

I bet Obama can't even play the fiddle.


Unlike our beloved MPs!

[Queso]

I hope he does start behaving like Nero. We need more circuses DAMMIT!!

[skunk]

I hope he does start behaving like Nero. We need more circuses DAMMIT!!I need more bread, man.

[Queso]

I need more bread, man.
Can't you eat cake?

[chrmjenkins]

Indeed, I fully agree with you.

I wail in horror at the $0.000000005 the government takes from me every time they use an ultra-deluxe bounty model paper towel to clean Bo's poo from the floor. To think, I'm literally paying to take the President's crap.



To others: I think he's comparing him to Nero from the new Star Trek film. +1 for being culturally relevant!!

[skunk]

Can't you eat cake?Man cannot live by cake alone...

[chrmjenkins]

Man cannot live by cake alone...

This man would be willing to try.

[skunk]

This man would be willing to try.Now we know what the CA in your location stands for... :)

[yg17]

Indeed, I fully agree with you.

I wail in horror at the $0.000000005 the government takes from me every time they use an ultra-deluxe bounty model paper towel to clean Bo's poo from the floor. To think, I'm literally paying to take the President's crap.


And I bet Obama wipes his ass with soft Charmin toilet paper, not that cheap single ply sandpaper like ordinary Americans who are unemployed and struggling to make ends meet!

[abijnk]

Um, so, you do realize that he is a multi-millionaire, right? Like he has his own money and income including, but not limited to, book sales and his salary as president. And, also, you do realize that other multi-millionaires take private charters all across the globe on a regular basis, right? So-called, jet setters...

I love the assumption that he went on the taxpayers dime...

[obeygiant]

This man would be willing to try.

In Hermosa Beach, I'd think you'd be more a fan of pie. :D

[bruinsrme]

And I bet Obama wipes his ass with soft Charmin toilet paper, not that cheap single ply sandpaper like ordinary Americans who are unemployed and struggling to make ends meet!

I figured he had some illegal wiping his butt for him.:rolleyes:

[Queso]

Now we know what the CA in your location stands for... :)
Leaving the letters ke which is Kenya's internet domain, bringing us nicely back to Obama seeing as that was where he was born and all :D

[abijnk]

Leaving the letters ke which is Kenya's internet domain, bringing us nicely back to Obama seeing as that was where he was born and all :D

Ah, you're a tricksy one you! I see what you did there. :cool:

[mactastic]

LOL... This has got to be one of the stupidest threads ever. But, please -- keep it up. This kind of attack will only further alienate and marginalize the GOP dead-enders that simply can't resist displaying their raw, ugly, hatred of Obama. After licking Bush's toes for 8 years, excusing and justifying every act -- no matter how vile or hypocritical -- because he was one of them they now are reduced to this petulant display of the disgust they feel for the POTUS. After years of declaring that criticism of Bush was tantamount to treason, they are now openly hoping for the failure of Obama's plans; not to mention another terrorist attack so they can blame Obama for that too.

Grow up Fullofwin. If this is the best you've got, you're in for a loooooong four (maybe eight) years of bitter sniping from the minority.

[bobber205]

Well see it's not Crawford Texas. I mean taking Airforce One for some logging or hunting is a manly thing to do at least.

http://www.furuanimepanikku.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/kyon_facepalm.jpg

I can't believe you wrote that! :rolleyes:
Seriously, you've just lost the argument. You know that Bush took over 2 years on vacation right?

[skunk]

http://www.furuanimepanikku.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/kyon_facepalm.jpg

I can't believe you wrote that! :rolleyes:
Seriously, you've just lost the argument. You know that Bush took over 2 years on vacation right?Well, I can't believe your Ironimeter™ is so broken. Seriously.

[bobber205]

Well, I can't believe your Ironimeter™ is so broken. Seriously.

I realize the irony and decided to press "Submit Reply" anyway. ;)

[Iscariot]

I love the assumption that he went on the taxpayers dime...

Wouldn't you want him to, though? A president taking in a show without the protection afforded by private travel and a CIA entourage would be a pretty prime target of opportunity.

[freeny]

You do not appear to have grasped the - admittedly sophisticated - concept of going to a particular theatre to watch a particular live theatrical performance. What an utterly pointless thread.

There is a Chuck E. Cheese quite close to the white house...

[Iscariot]

There is a Chuck E. Cheese quite close to the white house...

Oh, oooh, take me mister! I'll win you so many tickets at the skee bowl, boy howdy! You won't be sorry!

[freeny]

Oh, oooh, take me mister! I'll win you so many tickets at the skee bowl, boy howdy! You won't be sorry!

I will defeat you in your skeeball challange.
First you must reveal who is your skeeball master?...

[Demosthenes X]

Worst. Thread. Ever.

I guess the President should just spend every waking moment locked in the White House and never venture outside, yes?

Also, the comparison to Nero is way off base. America might be in rough shape, but Obama's not exactly sitting on his hands... :rolleyes:

[Kashchei]

Also, the comparison to Nero is way off base

In the hyperbolic universe the wingnuts inhabit, Obama being president is probably the equivalent of Rome burning

[yg17]

There is a Chuck E. Cheese quite close to the white house...


Not that close (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=chuck+e+cheese+near+1600+pennsylvania+ave+washington+dc&sll=38.881947,-77.121277&sspn=0.454336,0.775223&ie=UTF8&z=10) which means that Obama might have to spend $5 in gas to get to a Chuck E Cheese :eek:

[Gelfin]

…without the protection afforded by private travel and a CIA entourage…

Treasury entourage, actually.

Yeah, we think that's a little weird too.

[DakotaGuy]

"There is a delicious irony in seeing private luxury jets flying into Washington, D.C., and people coming off of them with tin cups in their hand, saying that they're going to be trimming down and streamlining their businesses," Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-New York, told the chief executive officers of Ford, Chrysler and General Motors at a hearing of the House Financial Services Committee."

That same quote could be used when President Obama speaks about trimming the fat out of government.

Now I don't really see this being a huge issue, but if times are tough and we are running record deficits, then everyone in government including the President should be doing what he can to cut costs.

[quagmire]

"There is a delicious irony in seeing private luxury jets flying into Washington, D.C., and people coming off of them with tin cups in their hand, saying that they're going to be trimming down and streamlining their businesses," Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-New York, told the chief executive officers of Ford, Chrysler and General Motors at a hearing of the House Financial Services Committee."

That same quote could be used when President Obama speaks about trimming the fat out of government.

Now I don't really see this being a huge issue, but if times are tough and we are running record deficits, then everyone in government including the President should be doing what he can to cut costs.


He did, taking a Gulfstream instead of AF1. :p

[mactastic]

One also wonders what GWBush has been up to since leaving office. Since he's also afforded Secret Service protection, he also wastes taxpayer $$$ every time he leaves the house. One hopes that he has refrained from any extraneous journeys at this time of dire fiscal straits.

Of course, RBCheney also has a couple years of Secret Service protection, and we've seen him all over the TV lately, so obviously he's been frittering away taxpayer $$$ -- while criticizing the president no less. I somehow doubt RBCheney has been flying anywhere coach during this time of fiscal distress.

What a travesty. :rolleyes:

[yg17]

I somehow doubt RBCheney has been flying anywhere coach during this time of fiscal distress.



I doubt Darth Cheney has even set foot on a commercial jet, not even first class, since 2000

[Demosthenes X]

He did, taking a Gulfstream instead of AF1. :p

"Air Force One" is just a call sign. It doesn't refer to a specific plane, but rather the plane the President is one. So he did take Air Force One. If he were flying a Cessna, it would be Air Force One. There are actually two Boeing 747s that normally serve as Air Force One. ;)

Abercrombieboy raises a perfectly reasonable point. But, Obama has the most stressful job in the world. I think he should be allowed some liberties now and again. If he wants to take a night off an go to a show once in a while, let him. If this became a common occurrence, that would be another matter.

[quagmire]

"Air Force One" is just a call sign. It doesn't refer to a specific plane, but rather the plane the President is one. So he did take Air Force One. If he were flying a Cessna, it would be Air Force One. There are actually two Boeing 747s that normally serve as Air Force One. ;)

Picky picky picky....... Fine, at least Obama didn't take the big gas guzzling 747 and took a gas sipping Gulfstream. ;)

If you want to be super picky, jet fuel instead of gas. :p

[yg17]

"Air Force One" is just a call sign. It doesn't refer to a specific plane, but rather the plane the President is one. So he did take Air Force One. If he were flying a Cessna, it would be Air Force One. There are actually two Boeing 747s that normally serve as Air Force One. ;)

Not quite. Only Air Force aircraft get the AF1 designation. Otherwise, it's Marine One, Army One, Navy One or Coast Guard One, depending on which branch of the military operates the aircraft. Civilian and commercial aircraft get the callsign Executive One when the POTUS is on board.

Although, in this case you're correct since the Gulfstream was an Air Force plane. Chances are the Cessna in your example would be Executive One though.

[buffalo]

Where were you when Bush spent about 1/3 of his entire Presidency at Camp David and Crawford, Texas? Do you think he got there by bicycle?

Link (http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/01/16/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4728085.shtml)

never mind

[hulugu]

Worst. Thread. Ever.

I guess the President should just spend every waking moment locked in the White House and never venture outside, yes?

Also, the comparison to Nero is way off base. America might be in rough shape, but Obama's not exactly sitting on his hands... :rolleyes:

The comparison to Nero is interesting in that our picture of the Emperor is colored by Roman historians. For instance, the story that Nero 'fiddled' while Rome burned is from Suetonius and Cassius Dio, however according to the historian Tacitus, Nero rushed back to Rome and immediately ordered a relief effort paid with his own funds. I believe that most scholars mark the story of Nero playing the Lyre and singing "Sack of Illium" as apocryphal.

After the fire, the city was redeveloped with new efforts to control future fires including the use of brick in houses. It should also be mentioned that while Nero was popular with the lower-classes, the Senate and upper-class hated him and helped orchestrate his death. Suetonius links the lower-class support with Nero's "bread and circuses" policies, but Tacitus disagrees citing a complex political environment including the displeasure of troops in Germany and Spain and the various rebellions in Britain and other parts of the Empire.

So, the entire structure of the OP's argument depends on a mischaracterization of one Roman emperor, as well as the situation entire. What a surprise.

[Counterfit]

Netflix is rather short on Broadway plays...
Especially those that are currently running.
Man cannot live by cake alone...
You're right, we need ice cream and milk to go with it.
Treasury entourage, actually.
Homeland Security entourage, actually. It's been in DHS since March '03.

[Peace]

Here's what the real Nero did.

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

[Gelfin]

Homeland Security entourage, actually. It's been in DHS since March '03.

Oog, my bad. :o

I never noticed before that they were a part of that roll-up.

[mscriv]

This is a really funny argument and bordering on ridiculous. You can't really argue tax payer waste when your talking about the President of the USA. There is no comparison between him and the "common man." He is the most protected individual in the country and whether he likes it or not a lot of these decisions are made for him in regards to his safety. Therefore, it's a given that when the President does anything that is not "related to his office" there is going to be a taxpayer expense simply because of who he is.

It's also silly to argue that he not have any type of personal or family time because of his job. Everyone, no matter who you are or what your job is, needs some personal/recreation time. It helps maintain your sanity and the balance actually enables you be more focused and productive.

I'm quite sure that none of us truly understand the personal freedoms and choices that the individual must sacrifice in order to do the job required. So please, show some common sense, stop being petty, and regardless of party lines or political views, have some respect for the office itself and what it requires.

[Peace]

This is a really funny argument and bordering on ridiculous. You can't really argue tax payer waste when your talking about the President of the USA. There is no comparison between him and the "common man." He is the most protected individual in the country and whether he likes it or not a lot of these decisions are made for him in regards to his safety. Therefore, it's a given that when the President does anything that is not "related to his office" there is going to be a taxpayer expense simply because of who he is.

It's also silly to argue that he not have any type of personal or family time because of his job. Everyone, no matter who you are or what your job is, needs some personal/recreation time. It helps maintain your sanity and the balance actually enables you be more focused and productive.

I'm quite sure that none of us truly understand the personal freedoms and choices that the individual must sacrifice in order to do the job required. So please, show some common sense, stop being petty, and regardless of party lines or political views, have some respect for the office itself and what it requires.


Well Said !!

[abijnk]

Wouldn't you want him to, though? A president taking in a show without the protection afforded by private travel and a CIA entourage would be a pretty prime target of opportunity.

Oh no, that's not what I meant. Of course I want him with the safety of his motorcade and entourage, but I'd be willing to bet money he paid for his own ticket...