When he is re-elected will you be proud of the American people who decided he is the man they want to lead the country?

I won't be. :lol:

On the post topic. I don't think the President or First Ladies' vacation expenses should be entirely without scrutinity. We need checks and balances to make sure the spending is not out of control. One of the problems is that when we have vacation figures they usually include things like SS, use of Air Force One, etc. Those to me are necessary expenses and ones that would happen if the President and their family were on vacation or not. But to entirely dismiss the issue like many are doing seems to be a little too laissez faire for my taste as well.

On the post topic. I don't think the President or First Ladies' vacation expenses should be entirely without scrutinity. We need checks and balances to make sure the spending is not out of control. One of the problems is that when we have vacation figures they usually include things like SS, use of Air Force One, etc. Those to me are necessary expenses and ones that would happen if the President and their family were on vacation or not. But to entirely dismiss the issue like many are doing seems to be a little too laissez faire for my taste as well.

Agreed. I understand the need for vacations, but like you, I believe in checks and balances.

The venom directed toward Bush & Obama has been pretty equal from my perspective.

 

Their wives, however, are an entirely different matter.

I agree, both the big guys have gotten pretty harsh and unfounded criticism. But Laura's time as First Lady was a day spa compared to how Michelle has been treated.

On the post topic. I don't think the President or First Ladies' vacation expenses should be entirely without scrutinity. We need checks and balances to make sure the spending is not out of control. One of the problems is that when we have vacation figures they usually include things like SS, use of Air Force One, etc. Those to me are necessary expenses and ones that would happen if the President and their family were on vacation or not. But to entirely dismiss the issue like many are doing seems to be a little too laissez faire for my taste as well.

 

Agreed on all points. All expenditures are fair game. It just helps if you look past the number bandied about and look down a few levels. As I said previously the expense associated with many of the people involved are the same as if she was in Washington being quite and making cookies like a lot of people wished she would do.

I agree, both the big guys have gotten pretty harsh and unfounded criticism. But Laura's time as First Lady was a day spa compared to how Michelle has been treated.

Again, I truly believe the only reason was the comment of pride (or lack thereof before) that she made.

I agree, both the big guys have gotten pretty harsh and unfounded criticism. But Laura's time as First Lady was a day spa compared to how Michelle has been treated.

 

Have I ever mentioned (1000 or so times) how disgusted I am with people's treatment and words toward current and past Presidents?

I admit...I'm all for EVERYONE taking vacations....I don't care who you are are what party you belong to. Any who want to vacation at a certain Southern Indiana location are particularly loved by me.

I'll gladly take you up on your offer. Get that Southern Indiana location to throw in the food, hotel room, and a grand to gamble with and I'll happy take the trek up there.

I'll gladly take you up on your offer. Get that Southern Indiana location to throw in the food, hotel room, and a grand to gamble with and I'll happy take the trek up there.

I can get you a good room rate, but the rest is up to you. I'm in the business of GENERATING revenue...

Agreed on all points. All expenditures are fair game. It just helps if you look past the number bandied about and look down a few levels. As I said previously the expense associated with many of the people involved are the same as if she was in Washington being quite and making cookies like a lot of people wished she would do.

Exactly! I do tend to stop for pause when an expenditure is outright dismissed though, just my nature.

Exactly! I do tend to stop for pause when an expenditure is outright dismissed though, just my nature.

 

 

As we all should.

Laura Bush's approach as First Lady, IMO, was very different from all the others probably in my lifetime. I don't even know Jimmy Carter's wife, but Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton & now Michelle Obama all have had more forceful approaches. They chose/have chosen to use that platform differently than Laura, who always came across as very laid back & maybe even a bit passive. And I think that's why she has always been held in high regard by the public.

...or could it be because many people, mostly in private, would say "she knew her place"? :sssh:

Every bit as credible as Rush, Hannity, or Palin, so in other words, no not at all.

Palin was Governor of a state and the VP on the GOP's ticket for POTUS. I'd hardly put her in the same class as Rush, Hannity, or Moore in terms of credibility.

The bolded is simply untrue.

How do you explain Santorum's popularity then?

Rush has 15+ million daily; Hannity has 14+ million daily. I think Michael Moore, when he puts out one of his "documentaries" may reach an audience of a million (I'm probably giving him too much credit here) in a one-time shot every couple years or so. To suggest he has the impact on the policy of the Democratic Party that Rush/Hannity has on the GOP is just plain silly.

:thumb: :thumb: