Posted on 06/28/2011 5:48:17 AM PDT by COUNTrecount
While her husband continues to battle a flagging economy at home, Michelle Obama's 'goodwill tour' of Africa cost taxpayers an estimated $800,000, it has emerged.
According to Whitehousedossier.com the First Lady's trip to South Africa and Botswana last week will certainly cost well over half a million dollars and could be as much as $800,000.
The cost of local transportation, Secret Service protection, food for her family and staff members, the cost of firing up 'Air Force 2' not to mention the pre-trip preparations would all have contributed to the final amount.
Firing up Air Force 2 could cost in the region of $12,723 per hour meaning the cost of the plane for the whole trip could work out to be a cool $430,000
Firing up Air Force 2 as it is sometimes known could cost in the region of $12,723 per hour meaning the cost of the plane for the whole trip could work out to be a cool $430,000
Mrs Obama said the trip would help 'youth leadership, education, health and wellness' in southern Africa, according to the White House.
All laudable goals. But with the news agenda endlessly dominated by the deficit, the raft of job loses and general economic misery, many may question why the money wasn't used closer to home.
While in Africa Mrs Obama, who also brought along her mother, daughters Malia and Sasha, and two of their cousins, enjoyed a meet up with Nelson Mandela, visits to historical landmarks and museums and a safari. Mrs Obama, her daughters Sasha and Malia and her mother Marian Robinson enjoyed a safari in Madikwe Game Reserve
If Mrs Obama had been accompanied by a military plane it could easily add on another $200,000 to the cost, based on Defence Department rates.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
REUTERS
So much for the health kick... Michelle Obama tucks in to fat cakes and French fries on trip to Botswana
Reuters Pictures 2 days ago
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (R) and her daughter Sasha make an unscheduled stop at Borakanelo, a favorite local restaurant, in the village of Mochudi June 25, 2011. Picture taken June 25, 2011.
Michelle Fashion Police Alert Ping!
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Nice. Grand vacations now are called “Goodwill Tours.”
Must
refuse
temptation
to caption
food picture....
Not all of it just $750,000.00 for fat food, as if you could not notice.
vaudine
+2
I agree with you.
Looks like she’s passing gas in that pic.
And look how much they SAVED us!
“If Mrs Obama had been accompanied by a military plane it could easily add on another $200,000 to the cost, based on Defence Department rates.”
POS media’s OCD to defend and protect anything to do with Hussein.
Had to look up those “fat cakes.” They’re called “magwinya” in Botswana and made from white flour, salt, sugar, yeast, cooking oil, vinegar, water and deep fat fried. Sounds like a plain donut without icing.
We must all make sure that Barry is a one term President.
That’s when.
Next up for them...the yearly two week vacation on Martha’s Vineyard.
Or Hawaii, again.
Yes, politicians in general do waste too much of our money on vacations. However, people don’t seem to notice as much when the economy and their own lives are doing well. It’s stupid politics to do this when the economy is in the tank and people are suffering. Also, if I remember correctly, Laura Bush did not take her extended family with her on the trip, and one of the daughters also did some volunteer work at an AIDS hospital. This was simply an extended vacation for the Obama clan, and will probably play well with their voting base—that 96% that voted for them last time.
More ‘borrowed’ money pissed away on the OBozo clan.
Driving Miss Domineering.
I wonder where the next summer trip will be. I would bet a lot that Michelle and Sasha will take another solo trip in July (Malia will be at camp which I presume is NOT funded by our tax dollars)..and in August the whole gang will probably head for the Vineyard.
Yes...that’s a great pic of our FL the “fit, international style icon”. Well, she certainly is a first...First FLOTUS that sports camel-toe on a regular basis. Perhaps she will be really fashion forward and flash her giblets ala Paris Hilton or Britney. Stay classy, Moo!
I couldn’t resist. Cartoon bubble over Michelle’s head “I’d like some extra sausage with my fatcake.”
It must be remembered that the Wookie is in Africa because the Messiah can’t go. He cannot be protected from those he has tried to kill in Libya.
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