Guess he momentarily forgot about the class warfare against the rich for the holidays? Well, with 37 White House Christmas trees, who wouldn't get in the spirit? Taking a break from his unending campaign, Barry & the first family will partake of their annual Hawaiian vacation for Christmas. Hawaii Reporter divulges the magical tale ('magical' = taxpayer subsidized)...
Hawaii Reporter research shows the total cost for the President’s visit for taxpayers far exceeded $1.5 million in 2010 – but is even more costly this year because he extended his vacation by three days and the cost for Air Force One travel has jumped since last assessed in 2000. In addition, Hawaii Reporter was able to obtain more specifics about the executive expenditures.
The total cost (based on what is known) for the 17-day vacation roundtrip vacation to Hawaii for the President, his family and staff has climbed to more than $4 million.
Total travel costs for their Hawaiian vacation are $3,629,622! That includes Air Force One's round trip flight estimated at $3,271,611 & Michelle's advanced flight (because she can't wait) at as much as $100,000. And via The Blaze, "let’s not forget that a USAF C-17 cargo plane is also needed to bring Presidential limos, helicopters and other essentials along. This, too, comes at the tune of thousands of dollars. Plus, there’s security for the president and his family. A team of between four and six Marine Corps will travel along on a separate flight and require per diem and hotel, coming in at $258,000 (estimated)."
Other items include:
HOUSING: $151,200 (covers the costs for housing U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Coast Guard and Navy Seals in beach front and canal front homes in Kailua)
HOTEL: $72,216 (Obama’s staff and White House Press Corps stay at one of Hawaii’s oldest and most elegant hotels, the Moana Surfrider)
LOCAL TAXPAYER COSTS: $260,000 (local police overtime & 24/7 ambulance accompaniment)
UNKNOWN COSTS (the costs that the White House annually refuses to release, citing security (e.g., the usual rental of an entire office building floor in Kailua on the canal during Obama’s stay, security upgrades and additional phone lines, car rentals and fuel for White House staff, and additional travel costs for Secret Service and White House staff traveling ahead of the President).
The total cost (based on what is known) for a 17-day round trip vacation to Hawaii for the President and his family and staff and security is an estimated $4,113,038.
Let them eat cake...'cause it's nice to be king. This exorbitant lapse of judgment cannot go without recognition, can it?
