Michelle Obama, Vacationing in Spain?

At least vacation in your own darn country if your gonna waste our money. but this is also the woman who said she was not proud of america... pathetic she should be ashamed of herself and issue a public apology to those without jobs.

fueled-system

Does she really get a say of if the secret service and other security details come along?

I don't care if she vacations. She isn't the president, why should I care? 375'000 in tax dollars is a drop in the bucket and the secret service generally follows around people like the first lady, the president, etc.

Also "How dare she vacation in a foreign country!" really? Really?

Few people care to vacation in their own country. If I was to travel, I'd like to travel some place exotic. Not Arkansas.

Does she really get a say of if the secret service and other security details come along?

I don't care if she vacations. She isn't the president, why should I care? 375'000 in tax dollars is a drop in the bucket and the secret service generally follows around people like the first lady, the president, etc.

Also "How dare she vacation in a foreign country!" really? Really?

Few people care to vacation in their own country. If I was to travel, I'd like to travel some place exotic. Not Arkansas.

Pixel-Pirate

I see no problem with her vacationing however 375k is alot for one person to spend to go on vacation, 375k of tax payer money is even worse and I find it unethical. While you may call it a drop in the bucket it's still alot of money.

[QUOTE="Pixel-Pirate"]

Does she really get a say of if the secret service and other security details come along?

I don't care if she vacations. She isn't the president, why should I care? 375'000 in tax dollars is a drop in the bucket and the secret service generally follows around people like the first lady, the president, etc.

Also "How dare she vacation in a foreign country!" really? Really?

Few people care to vacation in their own country. If I was to travel, I'd like to travel some place exotic. Not Arkansas.

Espada12

I see no problem with her vacationing however 375k is alot for one person to spend to go on vacation, 375k of tax payer money is even worse and I find it unethical. While you may call it a drop in the bucket it's still alot of money.

The trip was privately funded. Only the security detail was paid for by the tax payers. And yes, it's a requirement. The President and his family must be secure at all times.

[QUOTE="Espada12"]

[QUOTE="Pixel-Pirate"]

Does she really get a say of if the secret service and other security details come along?

I don't care if she vacations. She isn't the president, why should I care? 375'000 in tax dollars is a drop in the bucket and the secret service generally follows around people like the first lady, the president, etc.

Also "How dare she vacation in a foreign country!" really? Really?

Few people care to vacation in their own country. If I was to travel, I'd like to travel some place exotic. Not Arkansas.

worlock77

I see no problem with her vacationing however 375k is alot for one person to spend to go on vacation, 375k of tax payer money is even worse and I find it unethical. While you may call it a drop in the bucket it's still alot of money.

The trip was privately funded. Only the security detail was paid for by the tax payers. And yes, it's a requirement. The President and his family must be secure at all times.

I don't really mind the security detail being paid but the way it came off though was the whole thing was being paid by tax payers money.

[QUOTE="worlock77"]

[QUOTE="Espada12"]

I see no problem with her vacationing however 375k is alot for one person to spend to go on vacation, 375k of tax payer money is even worse and I find it unethical. While you may call it a drop in the bucket it's still alot of money.

Espada12

The trip was privately funded. Only the security detail was paid for by the tax payers. And yes, it's a requirement. The President and his family must be secure at all times.

I don't really mind the security detail being paid but the way it came off though was the whole thing was being paid by tax payers money.

Ugh! That makes me sick. What a waste of OUR money.

Looking at Obama's approval ratings, she likely only a couple more years in which she can vacation on the taxpayer's money.

Perhaps she's just getting while the getting's good :Pmattbbpl

Only she isn't vacationing on the taxpayer dime.

[QUOTE="mattbbpl"]Looking at Obama's approval ratings, she likely only a couple more years in which she can vacation on the taxpayer's money.

Perhaps she's just getting while the getting's good :P

Only she isn't vacationing on the taxpayer dime.

They should have taken a nation wide poll to see where they were going to go, so the American people would feel better about their tax dollars wasted.

The problems with threads like this, is even though people will post proving the OP was an exaggeration or lie. Most people only read the title and OP and take it as fact smh.

Like Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Obama's frolic and play and spend taxpayer money without a care in the world.

The problems with threads like this, is even though people will post proving the OP was an exaggeration or lie. Most people only read the title and OP and take it as fact smh.

the_new_guy_92

Like Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Obama's frolic and play and spend taxpayer money without a care in the world.

QuistisTrepe_

Like Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Obama's frolic and play and spend taxpayer money without a care in the world.

QuistisTrepe_

Well thats a bit of a stretch.

Oh noes! The First Lady is vacationing! What are we going to do??

$375,000 is nothing compared to what Democrats AND Republicans waste in taxpayer dollars in Congress. Who cares.

So why are people butt hurt over this? It doesn't affect us in anyway and if your wife was the president I doubt5 you would say "Babe, don't go to Spain. We can't go on vacation for the next 4 years and especially you although technically you don't have a job and aren't really needed at all". Let the woman do as she pleases it doesn't affect us. If you decided t bring up that the money as tax dollars well we would've never seen that 400k anyway and it's not the first time or the last time that tax dollars would be spent on something like this anyway. C'mon people time to grow up! You can't live life complaining about EVERYTHING.

Michelle Obama has twenty-six servants that costs 1.75 million of taxpayer money per year. Elanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, and Ladybird Johnson combined had about that much. Considering Nancy Reagan was criticized for using private donations to fix up the White House, I don't see why Michelle Obama shouldn't be criticized for this as well (which is not to say I like Nancy and/or Ronald Reagan). Rhazakna

Great job at comparing a woman from 2010 to the woman of the 40-60's. A real comparision money wise woud be bush's wife compared to Michelle.

[QUOTE="the_new_guy_92"]

The problems with threads like this, is even though people will post proving the OP was an exaggeration or lie. Most people only read the title and OP and take it as fact smh.

the_new_guy_92

Like Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Obama's frolic and play and spend taxpayer money without a care in the world.

QuistisTrepe_

[QUOTE="Espada12"]

[QUOTE="Pixel-Pirate"]

Does she really get a say of if the secret service and other security details come along?

I don't care if she vacations. She isn't the president, why should I care? 375'000 in tax dollars is a drop in the bucket and the secret service generally follows around people like the first lady, the president, etc.

Also "How dare she vacation in a foreign country!" really? Really?

Few people care to vacation in their own country. If I was to travel, I'd like to travel some place exotic. Not Arkansas.

worlock77

I see no problem with her vacationing however 375k is alot for one person to spend to go on vacation, 375k of tax payer money is even worse and I find it unethical. While you may call it a drop in the bucket it's still alot of money.

The trip was privately funded. Only the security detail was paid for by the tax payers. And yes, it's a requirement. The President and his family must be secure at all times.

[QUOTE="Rhazakna"]Michelle Obama has twenty-six servants that costs 1.75 million of taxpayer money per year. Elanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, and Ladybird Johnson combined had about that much. Considering Nancy Reagan was criticized for using private donations to fix up the White House, I don't see why Michelle Obama shouldn't be criticized for this as well (which is not to say I like Nancy and/or Ronald Reagan). bigblunt537

Great job at comparing a woman from 2010 to the woman of the 40-60's. A real comparision money wise woud be bush's wife compared to Michelle.

Mcihelle's sixteen extra servants also costs over a million dollars more than the yearly cost of Laura Bush's handlers.

So why are people butt hurt over this? It doesn't affect us in anyway and if your wife was the president I doubt5 you would say "Babe, don't go to Spain. We can't go on vacation for the next 4 years and especially you although technically you don't have a job and aren't really needed at all". Let the woman do as she pleases it doesn't affect us. If you decided t bring up that the money as tax dollars well we would've never seen that 400k anyway and it's not the first time or the last time that tax dollars would be spent on something like this anyway. C'mon people time to grow up! You can't live life complaining about EVERYTHING.

bigblunt537

[QUOTE="bigblunt537"]

[QUOTE="Rhazakna"]Michelle Obama has twenty-six servants that costs 1.75 million of taxpayer money per year. Elanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, and Ladybird Johnson combined had about that much. Considering Nancy Reagan was criticized for using private donations to fix up the White House, I don't see why Michelle Obama shouldn't be criticized for this as well (which is not to say I like Nancy and/or Ronald Reagan). Rhazakna

Great job at comparing a woman from 2010 to the woman of the 40-60's. A real comparision money wise woud be bush's wife compared to Michelle.

Mcihelle's sixteen extra servants also costs over a million dollars more than the yearly cost of Laura Bush's handlers.

Well that makes much more sense and it's a better comparison imo. Personally I didn't know the statistics about Laura compared to Michelle, but comparing someone from 40-60 ears ago is a bit silly if you ask me. Well honestly does it truly matter? It's not like shes using tax payer dollars to buy crack or something and regardless as I previously said it's not like we would've saw being spent on anything useful anyway.

Oh noes! The First Lady is vacationing! What are we going to do??

$375,000 is nothing compared to what Democrats AND Republicans waste in taxpayer dollars in Congress. Who cares.

Lab392

[QUOTE="worlock77"]

[QUOTE="Espada12"]

I see no problem with her vacationing however 375k is alot for one person to spend to go on vacation, 375k of tax payer money is even worse and I find it unethical. While you may call it a drop in the bucket it's still alot of money.

Darkainious

The trip was privately funded. Only the security detail was paid for by the tax payers. And yes, it's a requirement. The President and his family must be secure at all times.

Again, security is necessary. Or consider it a job perk if you want.

Wow, it does effect us when it is almost 400 k of our tax dollars. And do you think she is setting a good example? This was incredibly lavish. I'm just going to get away from the stresses of the USA and head to Spain in Air Force TwoDarkainious

Let's be honest here. The wife of the leader of the free world isn't going to be staying in the Motel 6, and she won't be going to leave country without a huge security detail. I don't care if she's Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, or whoever else.

[QUOTE="Darkainious"]Wow, it does effect us when it is almost 400 k of our tax dollars. And do you think she is setting a good example? This was incredibly lavish. I'm just going to get away from the stresses of the USA and head to Spain in Air Force TwoLab392

Let's be honest here. The wife of the leader of the free world isn't going to be staying in the Motel 6, and she won't be going to leave country without a huge security detail. I don't care if she's Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, or whoever else.

[QUOTE="Lab392"]

Oh noes! The First Lady is vacationing! What are we going to do??

$375,000 is nothing compared to what Democrats AND Republicans waste in taxpayer dollars in Congress. Who cares.

Darkainious

I beg to disagree. I think the attitudes that got us into this deficit are:

"Hey, let's fight two wars simulteneously!"

"Hey, let's spend billions in pork barrel spending!"

and

"Hey, let's do it all while cutting taxes!!!!"

[QUOTE="Darkainious"]

[QUOTE="Lab392"]

Oh noes! The First Lady is vacationing! What are we going to do??

$375,000 is nothing compared to what Democrats AND Republicans waste in taxpayer dollars in Congress. Who cares.

Lab392

I beg to disagree. I think the attitudes that got us into this deficit are:

"Hey, let's fight two wars simulteneously!"

"Hey, let's spend billions in pork barrel spending!"

and

"Hey, let's do it all while cutting taxes!!!!"

[QUOTE="Rhazakna"]

[QUOTE="bigblunt537"]

Great job at comparing a woman from 2010 to the woman of the 40-60's. A real comparision money wise woud be bush's wife compared to Michelle.

bigblunt537

Mcihelle's sixteen extra servants also costs over a million dollars more than the yearly cost of Laura Bush's handlers.

Well that makes much more sense and it's a better comparison imo. Personally I didn't know the statistics about Laura compared to Michelle, but comparing someone from 40-60 ears ago is a bit silly if you ask me. Well honestly does it truly matter? It's not like shes using tax payer dollars to buy crack or something and regardless as I previously said it's not like we would've saw being spent on anything useful anyway.

[QUOTE="Lab392"]

[QUOTE="Darkainious"] This is the attitude that gave us a 1.4 trillion dollar deficit. You should look at something.

Darkainious

I beg to disagree. I think the attitudes that got us into this deficit are:

"Hey, let's fight two wars simulteneously!"

"Hey, let's spend billions in pork barrel spending!"

and

"Hey, let's do it all while cutting taxes!!!!"

why the hell 's the Air Force costing us so much for one round trip?smc91352

Every president has the use of three homes during their term of office...that should be enough for a vacation choice...White House, Camp David, and the Blair House...we're footing the bill for all three, they should use them for vacations.

[QUOTE="bigblunt537"]

[QUOTE="Rhazakna"] The point wasn't to compare them in terms of cost, the point was to illustrate that this first lady is the most managed and maintained by her handlers. Oh yeah, Laura Bush had ten personal servants. Michelle has over double that.

Mcihelle's sixteen extra servants also costs over a million dollars more than the yearly cost of Laura Bush's handlers.

Rhazakna

Well that makes much more sense and it's a better comparison imo. Personally I didn't know the statistics about Laura compared to Michelle, but comparing someone from 40-60 ears ago is a bit silly if you ask me. Well honestly does it truly matter? It's not like shes using tax payer dollars to buy crack or something and regardless as I previously said it's not like we would've saw being spent on anything useful anyway.

Well thank god I didn't vote then :P. Well I didn't I understood what you were saying in your 2nd post hence why I said it made a much better comparison than the first one and I never said that her having nearly twice the amount of servants was an "okay" thing. Matter of fact I never commented on that aspect at all. Everything I referred to was about the trip to Spain. Besides I don't think our presidents and first ladies are leaving ridiculously lavishly. First of all these people are already rich and can buy whatever they want on this planet with little problems even before presidency. I'm sure if she wanted to take an American Airlines flight to Spain and stay at a regular 5 star hotel she could've afforded to do so rather easily. Unfortunately it doesn't always work like that. Even if she requested such a trip without secret service to a foreign country on some companies flight they would've never let her do it and i understand why. Aso if ou say she shouldn't be going on a trip then I ask did we vote Obama or Michelle into office?

Every president has the use of three homes during their term of office...that should be enough for a vacation choice...White House, Camp David, and the Blair House...we're footing the bill for all three, they should use them for vacations.

topsemag55

Uh, you do realise Blair House is literally down the road from the White House? Doesn't exactly scream vacation to me.

And you expect her to just go there alone?

Well thank god I didn't vote then :P. Well I didn't I understood what you were saying in your 2nd post hence why I said it made a much better comparison than the first one and I never said that her having nearly twice the amount of servants was an "okay" thing. Matter of fact I never commented on that aspect at all. Everything I referred to was about the trip to Spain. Besides I don't think our presidents and first ladies are leaving ridiculously lavishly. First of all these people are already rich and can buy whatever they want on this planet with little problems even before presidency. I'm sure if she wanted to take an American Airlines flight to Spain and stay at a regular 5 star hotel she could've afforded to do so rather easily. Unfortunately it doesn't always work like that. Even if she requested such a trip without secret service to a foreign country on some companies flight they would've never let her do it and i understand why. Aso if ou say she shouldn't be going on a trip then I ask did we vote Obama or Michelle into office?

bigblunt537

Why respond to me then? I wasn't commenting on the trip, I was commenting on the double standard of first lady perceptions. Nancy Reagan pays for White House renovations with privately donated money, she's widely criticized for it. Michelle Obama spends more than 1 million taxpayer dollars more on servants than the previous first lady, yet no one is talking about it.

If these people can already afford whatever they want, why make the taxpayer pay for their expenditures? Again, I wasn't commenting about the trip. Michelle Obama more than doubling the amount of first lady servants is particularly ironic. She's the one who talked about how much of a sacrifice she made by not working at a corporate law firm, and instead becoming a lawyer helping the poor. She's the one who constantly talks about the duty to sacrifice for others. Lead by example.

[QUOTE="topsemag55"]

Every president has the use of three homes during their term of office...that should be enough for a vacation choice...White House, Camp David, and the Blair House...we're footing the bill for all three, they should use them for vacations.

PBSnipes

Uh, you do realise Blair House is literally down the road from the White House? Doesn't exactly scream vacation to me.

I would rather that $375,000 go toward a deficit payment than being spent overseas.

Besides, our tourism industry needs a boost...she could have gone to any luxury hotel in the U.S., and $375,000 would have helped keep a few U.S. jobs.:?

How DARE the wife of the most powerful man in the world have a compliment of Secret Serve agents along with her during a vacation!? :roll:

It's always amusing to see people suddenly start to care about actions when people they don't like perform them, while completely ignoring the many instances when the people they DO like did them. But hey, double standards wouldn't be double standards if they weren't hilarious.

[QUOTE="Teenaged"]

[QUOTE="Snipes_2"] I know right?! What were they thinking!Snipes_2

It tells you something about her being informed on vacations resorts.

In stead of coming to Greece and spending money there and help the economy, she goes to Spain!!!

I am shocked and apalled!!

Vacations. The ultimate point for a powerpoint of hate. Seriously lets bring up a list for presidential vacations since the dawn of time.Nifty_Shark

I would rather that $375,000 go toward a deficit payment than being spent overseas.

Besides, our tourism industry needs a boost...she could have gone to any luxury hotel in the U.S., and $375,000 would have helped keep a few U.S. jobs.:?

topsemag55

I believe that it's already been pointed out that the $375k was for plane and security detail. The plane is American, flown and staffed by American citizens. The plane is maintained by an American ground crew. The security detail is comprised of American citizens. The food that is served on the plane is sourced by an American catering company which utilizes American food manufacturers. It looks like the money is going into American businesses and paychecks.

While the American tourism industry may be in a slump, it's still an American's right to CHOOSE where he/she decides to spend a vacation. We're a nation based upon individual freedom and choice, the last time I checked. Yes, it may look inappropriate and hypocritical to you and others, but it's still Mrs. Obama's choice as to where and how she spends her own private money. She's not in office; her husband is.

Lastly, if you want to take issue with the pricetag, then you should also be complaining about taxpayer-supported Secret Service coverage IN PERPETUITY (i.e., forever) for all presidential children since LBJ. Yes, your tax dollars are being used to provide protection to Chelsea, Jenna, Barb, Jeb, Maureen, Ronny, and Patty for life. (Traditionally, every President issues an executive order at the end of his presidency, conferring Secret Service coverage to his wife and children in perpetuity.) Personally, I don't have a problem with it. But, hey, if you're going to complain about Mrs. Obama's protection, you might as well complain about it all.

I'm no fan of Obama. I don't think he's a particularly effective president. However, I'm not going to rip on him or his family with such a baseless issue.

That's just great...

First Barack Obama was vacationing when the oil spill happened and now Michelle is vacationing in Spain for some reason

I love it how the president and the first lady are helping America:|

*end sarcasm*