Relaxing in Hawaii after decorating the White House, shopping with Bo, and raising taxes

With the Payroll Tax Cut passed, the President flew out of Washington to Hawaii to join his family for Christmas. And, he's out of town for good reason. While pretending to lower taxes for those lucky enough to be working, the Senate Plan that he signed into law included an income tax increase on those earning more than $18,350 in the two months of January and February.  ( The Payroll Tax Cut Deal Gets Worse ).

While this may sound like a lot of money, it amounts to only $110,100 per year.

Even the lips of my liberal friends around here are buzzing, because, Obama is only supposed to target the rich. But, this sure sounds like the middle class.

And, to make things worse, the Obama's are trying to suppress the Photo Op with Bo shopping spree that the President took while he was still in DC ridiculing the Republicans. You see, the Hawaiian newspaper that covered the First Family's arrival in Oahu reported that Bo was with them (in Hawaii).

But, a couple of days later, Bo was shopping with the President in the Washington area. Was the dog in DC all the time? Or, did the President and his handlers have the audacity to fly the dog back to Washington for the spontaneous shopping event?

Lastly, we viewed the Holiday Video that the White House produced. It shows all the people who worked so hard decorating it. What always strikes me as funny is that with all that work and decoration, this First Family refuses to spend the Christmas Holiday in our White House.

Aloha Hawaii, the Obama Christmas vacation has begun

Even though the President has forced himself to remain in Washington until the payroll tax plan is passed, his family has left without him.

Flying out on Saturday, Mrs. Obama and the children have flown to Hawaii to begin their 17 day, $4 million, vacation. They arrived at their Kailua Oahu beachfront home on the 17th (17 for 17 days) in order to be there when the rest of their family and friends arrive.

This is the third time the First Family has spent the Christmas Holiday in this luxurious resort area. It's away from the hustle and bustle of Washington and Chicago politics, yet still on U.S. territory.

It's been over 3 months since the family's last vacation on Martha's Vineyard and the Obama's need their relaxation before entering the grueling re-election campaign season.

While most of us will be entertaining at home this season because of restricted budgets, the Obama's will browse the shops, swim in the turquoise surf, get in a few rounds of golf, and dine in the finest restaurants.

"Thank-you American taxpayers" they might be thinking as they awake on Christmas morning. Without your "hope and (pocket) change", we could never afford this wonderful lifestyle.

While the 'Clock is Ticking', Obama is campaigning

Since adding the "Clock is Ticking" countdown to the White House website on December 5th, the President has remained in Washington after returning for Kansas City, devoting his time to official business:

• Meeting Dignitaries,
• Holiday Receptions and Football games,
• Television Interviews,
• and Campaigning.

Last Wednesday, he held talks with Prime Minister of Canada, and yesterday he met with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of Iraq.

Then on Thursday, he hosted a Hanukkah Reception which was 2 weeks early. Next, he entertained himself at the annual Army / Navy Football game on Saturday, and then attended the spectacular 'Christmas in Washington' evening event on Sunday.

Officially, Friday and Tuesday were relatively empty as he attended only one meeting on Friday. However, from other sources, we find Obama appearing on TV and campaigning on Tuesday.

Both Thursday and Tuesday (today), Mr. Obama was interviewd by various television outlets which he is using to supplement his campaign attacks on Republicans.

But it is his weekly campaign appearences (last Wednesday and today) which add money to his billion dollar campaign war chest that cannot be missed.

Surprisingly, the "Man who will not rest until the tax cuts are passed", has refused to act by meeting with members of Congress and negotiate a settlement. Only once did he meet with with Democratic leadership but has done nothing to prevent "a tax increase at the worst possible time".

Go'in to Kansas City

Kansas City, here I come.

They've got some crazy women there,

And I'm going to get me one!

While the President is taking the plane to this song famous city, the purpose of his trip is much more mundane. He's only going to a visit the Osawatomie High School to give an economic speech.

And while he is gone today, he will be missing a surprise White House visit by Lady Gaga.

It's Campaign Season - Ho, Ho, Ho.

The month of November ended with the President flying off to New York City to attend two evening fundraisiners. To pay for the Wednesday November 30th trip, Obama had Air Force One detour to Scranton PA where he visited the local high school and sat in someone's house before flying to the Big Apple.  The President arrived back in DC on early Thursday afternoon but there was no public notice of what he did that morning.

In the meantime, his wife Michelle was getting ready for next year's busy campaign season as well. She flew to Chicago on Thursday December 1st to attend a memorial service for the father of Valerie Jarrett. Sometime during that trip, first lady has hired her own chief of staff (Alyson Laackman of Chicago) for her husband's reelection.

After everyone was back in Washington, the Obama's attended a Kennedy Center Honors Reception on Sunday. Rahm Emanuel and wife were there, and David Axelrod as well.  With all the celebrities in one location, the election campaign group worked the the crowd gathering donations.

Interestingly enough, while all this was going on, they send the Vice President Biden to Turkey.

Thanksgiving with the family

The Obama Thanksgiving week was mostly dedicated to family, friends, and recreation. After hosting the country music festival last Monday, the President made a quick campaign stop in New Hampshire on Tuesday.  The public agenda for remainder of the week was not published.

However, the President did present a brief Thanksgiving morning address to the nation and telephoned soldiers in various parts of the world before digging into a Thanksgiving dinner in the White House.

On Saturday, he treated the family to watch his brother-in-law coach Oregon State to victory over Towson University.

Today, President Obama is helping the European Commission and Council address their economic recovery as well as reiterating his commitment to transatlantic law enforcement. He is also assisting in supporting democracy and prosperity in the Middle East and North Africa since these are two of the highest concerns of the American taxpayer public.

Let the country music begin, or, how to avoid responsibility

During the past week, Obama traveled to Australia and Indonesia, distancing himself from the Solyndra, Occupy Wall Street, Operation Fast and Furious, and the Super Committee. Now that he is back in the White House, his first priority is to host a country music performance tonight.

Even though the Super Committee appears doomed to failure, and a new round of Egyptian protests is growing, the President is devoting this holiday week to his own personal entertainment. Here's the week in recap:


Mon Nov 21 - Obama and wife host performing artists in a celebration of country music.

Sun Nov 20 - As the President arrived back at the White House, Michelle & Jill served as grand marshals and helped to start the NASCAR finale in Florida.

Sat Nov 19 - Before departing Indonesia, Mr. Obama held a closed door meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jaibao.

Fri Nov 18 - Obama had lunch and dinner in Indonesia.

Thu Nov 17 - The President arrived in Darwin Australia, laid a wreath, and then give few remarks. Afterward, he boarded Air Force One and flew Bali, Indonesia.

Wed Nov 16 - President arrived in Australia and signed the official guest book. Next he held meetings with Prime Minister Gillard. The day was capped with a parliamentary dinner.

Lazy Americans lead to high unemployment, welfare entitlements, and a bankrupt nation

The U.S. is still the largest recipient of foreign investment in the world, 

Obama said,

"but we've been a little bit lazy, I think, over the last couple of decades."

(Obama: America has Been Lazy Over the Last Couple of Decades)

It's wonderful to hear that our President has such little faith in our society, even though it is we, the American people, who fund this man's welfare, safety, travel and entertainment extravaganzas.

But, at least, no one can accuse Barack Obama for being lazy. During the past week, he has met with foreign leaders trying to bolster certain parts of the world economy. Meanwhile, his Vice President is focused on fundraising.

Obama as flown across both oceans and is having a grand old time.  Below is a brief summary of our elected officials travels since we last updated our blog on November 1st.

---

Tue Nov 15 - Today, the Obamas are leaving Honolulu Hawaii and flying to Canberra Australia. The VP, Joe Biden, is traveling to Euclid Ohio to deliver a labor speech and then attend a Cresskill NJ fundraiser.

Mon Nov 14 - Obama attended a campaign event in Kapolei Hawaii, then he treated friend, who pleaded guilty (no contest) to soliciting a prostitute, to a round of golf on our buck.

Sun Nov 13 - Michelle and the President hosted APEC leaders at a dinner and reception. Biden went to Detroit MI for a campaign event for Sen Debbie Stabenow. Next he delivers remarks at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah Dinner in Detroit in order to try to make ammends with the Jewish Comminity.

Sat Nov 12 - Obama & wife arrive in Honolulu HI. He met with Trans-Pacific Partnership leaders and later had individual meetings with PM Noda of Japan, President Medvedev of Russia, President Hu of China. Lastly, the First Couple welcomed APEC leaders and their spouses at an arrival ceremony.

Fri Nov 11 - Veterans Day - The President and First Lady have breakfast with veterans. They laid a wreath and talked at Arlington National Cemetery. That afternoon, the couple flew to San Diego CA and attended a basketball game on USS Carl Vinson. He was interviewed by Westwood One and ESPN. Then he hopped on Air Force One to Hawaii. VP Joe Binen attended events in Media PA and NYC.

Thu Nov 10 - Mrs Obama speaks at US Chamber of Commmerce event. Biden flies to Manchester NH to speak at an American Legion, then a campaign event in Concord NH.

Wed Nov 9 - President meets with President Silva of Portugal and then speaks at National Women's Law Center annual awards dinner.

Tue Nov 8 - Obama is still in Philadelphia and visits a Yeadon PA classroom. Michelle at Georgetown University. Biden meets with PM of the Kurdistan region.

Mon Nov 7 - Obama arrives in Philadelphia and talks about jobs again. After, he met with the NATO Secretary General and attended a campaign event.

Sun Nov 6 - Nothing on the public schedule.

Sat Nov 5 - Jill Biden at Home Cooking Event

Fri Nov 4 - Obama arrives at Espace Riviera in Cannes France and participates in various G10 events then flies back to DC. In the U.S., Biden visits the University of Pittsburgh in order to attend an afternoon campaign event. His wife, Jill, worked the crowd at a Lesbians & Gays National Convention.

Thu Nov 3 - President arrives in Nice France to work on G10. There, he and Sarkozy insult Netanyahu.

Wed Nov 2 - Michelle hosted Arts & Humanities Awards program. Both the President & VP met with Senate Democratic leaders. Obama flew off to France and the Bidens had dinner with the Cantors.

The Vacation's Over

 Well, all good things must come to an end and so too does this wonderful vacation in the Florida Keys

Like the setting sun, we are closing this Fall getaway. Hopefully the dawn of a new vacation will be upon us soon and we will be returning to this beautiful paridise.

We are checking out of our hotel and driving back to Miami where we will board our flight back to the Northeast. Oh well.

Relaxing last day in the Florida Keys resort

This is the last full day we will spend in the Keys.  We decided that we will end our little vacation the same way as it began, by just hanging out at the resort. The pools are great and the service is fantastic. They have a educational dolphin center here, so we will watch them feed an train.

Then, we will take a stroll around the island later and just pass the day. This island is mostly residential, so we can't even shop. But, it is always fun just to look at the homes and see how the other side lives.

Tonight we are going to find a small outside bar and just hang out. Everyone had a great time and nobody wants to go home, especially after an enjoyable week of dining on sea food and laying in the sun!

A 60th Birthday Party at Little Palm Island

One of the major reasons for visiting Florida this year is to celebrate the 60th birthday of one of our best friends. He retired 7 years ago and has been living in Port St Lucie. Unfortunately, that has been too far away and we only get to see each other once every 2 years.

But, hey. Now its time to party. This is a big birthday for him and we all deserve to splurge. So, at his request, we are treating him and his wife to dinner at Little Palm Island. The resort is very expensive and exclusive. No children is one of their rules.

So, this is the highlight of the day!

A Day in Key West

Today we are going traveling. We are driving to Key West and will spend the day there. First, we will walk around a little bit and look at some of the historic homes. Then, it will be lunch at Sloppy Joe's. Then, more walking and shopping. For dinner, we are going to Louie's Backyard.  It's been over 15 years since we hung out in this town, so we are sure a few things have changed.

But, some things have stayed the same. And, we are glad that our favorite dining spots are still there.

Of course, the trip will not be complete until we watch the street performers and the sunset on Mallory Square.

Life in the Middle Keys: Doing nothing!

We arrived in our resort yesterday afternoon. It is in the Middle Keys, just south of Islamorada. We do not plan to to anything today, except eat, drink, and swim in the pool. As the commercial says: "The hardest thing we will have to do is to move our chairs to watch the sun".

Tonight's dinner is something I've been waiting for a long time. We are going to a great little restaurant and dining on fresh stone crab claws!

Some folks like them steamed, but I prefer them chilled on ice. After a bowl of conch chowder, these will hit the spot.

Vacationing in Florida

With all the traveling to Florida by the President and Vice President, we decided that it was our turn to spend a little time in that state as well.

Unfortunately, since we are not elected officials, it was necessary for us to buy our own tickets, fly on a commercial jet, and rent a car.

So, along with another couple, we flew on American Airlines to Miami on Saturday afternoon. We rented a van and drove up to Port St Lucie to visit our retired friends.  Although baseball is over for the season, this is the Spring training home of the Mets.

After spending two enjoyable days, we are now going to drive down to the Keys and spend 5 more days doing absolutely nothing!

The Three Musketeers (Joe, Jill, & Michelle) attack Florida cash

Once the President arrived back in DC after his West Coast blitz, he has remained in Washington taking donors out to dinner and hosting a Halloween Party.

His presence there provides cover for the DNC traveling performed by his wife, the VP, and Mrs. Biden.

Freshly back from the Mid-west, Michelle boarded Air Force One and made her rounds in 3 Florida cities.  On Thursday, October 27th, Michelle landed in Jacksonville and delivered remarks at a DNC lunch. Then, she flew off to Tampa to attend another DNC reception there. It was back on the plane, and she flew to Ft. Lauderdale FL to attend another DNC event. Throughout this day long trip, she made no pretense for expensing the costs.

After the plane was back in DC, Joe & Jill Biden boarded the plane on Friday, October 28th, and flew to Orlando. First, they attended a Florida Education Association Delegate meeting. That night, the VP spoke at a Florida DNC convention in Disney.

Today, Tuesday, November 1st, Michelle took the family jet and is flying to New Orleans to attend a DNC lunch. After grabbing the cash, she will make a quick dash to a Child Development Center in order to write off the trip.

Interestingly enough, Mrs. O announced that she will postpone her Houston fundraising trip at the home of one of their bundlers who is trying to take away the public pensions of teachers, firefighters, cops and others.

How to fight hunger, Obama style.

After Joe Biden's inspiring remarks at the Global Hunger Conference yesterday, the President and his election committee entourage took heed. Not wanting to suffer from hunger themselves, the government group stopped in the Los Angeles restaurant Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles and dined on wings, fries, potato salad and waffles. That energized them enough to attend 2 more fundraisers.

Today's agenda begins in the early afternoon for the President. He starts by taping a sitcom episode with Jaye Leno. Then he'll leave LA and visit contributors in San Francisco. This will be a brief appearance in SF because he has two evening campaign events he must attend in Denver Colorado.

Source: Iron Street Farm

As Obama is wrapping up his West Coast tour, his wife is starring in the mid-west. First she stops in Detroit MI and speaks at a DNC reception. Then, she flies to Chicago to discuss healthy food (chicken wings & fries) with a variety of mayors. Rahm Emanuel will then escort her to Walgreens and to Iron Street Urban Farms. She will close the evening at a DNC reception in Chicago.

Obama - Craps in Vegas and Toasts with Zorro

Today, Monday Oct 24th, President Obama flies to Las Vegas Nevada. On the way, he will be meeting whth Bill Gates, to most likely figure out how he can use Twitter & other social media to mobilize the radicals to join Occupy Wall Street and overflow the voting booths next year. Seriously, however, he will probably be boasting about how he retained Broderick Johnson to be a campaign adviser. Johnson is a registered lobbyist for Microsoft and his wife works for NPR - so Obama has the media blocked.

When he lands in Vegas, he will attend 3 different campaign events, two of which will be at private residences. Then, back on the plane and off to Los Angeles to attend fundraisers hosted by Spaniard Antonia Banderas. I guess accepting fundraising isn't limited to that of American donors only. Perhaps Banderas will try to convince Obama to run for President of Spain next!

My, with all this flying around in the sky, we can understand why Obama is against corporate jets: They just fill up the air space!

The President has a packed agenda in California, which will has nothing to do with managing the country, but rather fundraising. Oh yes, the American public is paying for this entertaining trip!

Democrats Nelson, Reid, Tester voted with Republicans to defeat Jobs Act

Perhaps its time to ask why 3 of Obama's favorite Democrat Senators voted against his Jobs Act?

While Obama continues his 2nd day of bashing Republicans on his "American Jobs Bus Tour", he will make two appearances in Jamestown NC community colleges and one in an Emporia VA high school.

The Vice President is also getting into the act. He traveled to York PA and spoke to the elementary school children there. Then he flies ot Philadelphia to participate in a round table discussion, and finally make a speech about the Jobs Act.

Since the two leaders of our country our so busy traveling and stating that the Republicans blocked this much needed bill, we decided to examine the actual voting record on this act. It was Senate legislation S. 1660 (not Congress) and titled "American Jobs Act of 2011". (You can see the voting results here).

Of the 100 voting Senators, 50 voted YEA, 49 NAY, and 1 not voting.

Voting YEA were 49 Democrats and 1 Independent.

Voting NAY were 46 Republicans and 3 Democrats (Nelson-NE, Reid-NV, and Tester-MT)

So from this, we can see that it was not only Republicans that voted against Obama's Job Bill. Perhaps he should stay in Washington and work with Senate members on both sides of the aisle so that the leaders in his own Democratic party will support his proposals.

Now its time for baseball. The World Series begins tomorrow and Michelle and Dr. Jill will be there in full colors. Are you paying for their tickets?

Non-Michigan made bus tour to North Carolina and beyond

After last Tuesday's cash raising event in Orlando FL, the President remained in DC for the next couple of days and used the time to help his wife pick out a beautiful dress for the Korea State Dinner.

Source: The Washington Post Lifestyle

Picking up the fundraising slack, VP Biden flew to Flint MI on Wednesday and visited the Flint Fire Department while Obama lured Latino voters at the White House. Next, Biden toured a school in Grand Rapids MI, before finally attending the real purpose of the trip: a campaign event in Grand Rapids.

To show off how successful government takeovers can be, Mr. Obama escorted South Korean President Lee Myyung-bak on a tour of a General Motors Orion Assembly plant in Detroit MI last Friday.

Now today, Obama begins a 3-day bus campaign tour in southern swing states. First, he flies to Asheville NC and to delivers remarks. Then, on the bus and off to Millers Creek NC to speak at a high school (too bad the bus wasn't manufactured in the United States).

Even though the Jobs Act was defeated by the Senate, the Obama re-election committee continues to drain the U.S. taxpayer by insisting the bus trip is about jobs and not votes.

Pittsburgh & Orlando welcome Obama

President Obama resumes his Jobs Act campaigning today in Pittsburgh PA as he tours the IBEW Local 5 training facilities. After, he flies to Orlando FL to attend a campaign event.

Meanwhile, Michelle Obama extends her hands for donation cash at a DNC reception and dinner.

While Mr. O is out of town, VP Biden will be meeting with the Prime Minister of Montenegro and the later the commanding general of the U.S. Army Forces Command.

Texas, Missouri, and Florida old people, kids & contributors hear about Jobs

Today the President is attending 4 different fundraising events in two states. The first two are in Dallas TX and are both in the Sheraton Hotel. Since they are in the same location, we save on inter-city transportation for the presidental entourage. The excuse for being in Texas is that the president will speak urge Congress to pass the American Jobs Act. Hmmm. That could have been done right in Washington if Mr. Obama just visited the Capital.

On the way back, the President will stop in St. Louis MO and appear in two more campaign events.

While he is out of DC, the Vice President is urging children in an Elementary school in Florida to pressure their Congressmen to pass the Jobs Act.

Boy, the Administration is sure getting a log of free mileage pushing this failed proposal. But, just imagine if Congress did indeed pass this Act. If it did: "What excuse would Obama and Biden have for using our expensive military airplanes to crisscross the country?"

Happy Anniversary Wishes

Source: 19 years! theobamadiary.com

Today is President and Mrs. Obama's 19th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations to the two of them on a long and successful life together and we wish them many, many more. The busy couple celebrated their anniversary 2 days early. After being the keynote speaker at the Human Rights Campaign dinner for gay rights activists on Saturday night, Mr. and Mrs. Obama enjoyed a private dining meal together to celebrate this occasion.

This dinner capped a busy week for the First Family. After returning to Washington from last week's California fundraising tour, the President remained rather low key on the campaign front. Most of his week was spent performing official duties and he attended only one campaign event. That was on Friday night at supporter's home in Georgetown. The agenda included a dinner and photo op for 60 wealthy guests who paid between $10,000 to $35,800 each to attend.

However, the First Lady picked up the slack. On Friday, she traveled to Portland Maine and spoke at two separate DNC receptions. Then, flew off to Cranston RI and participated in round table discussion with military spouses which paid for the trip. Afterward, she shuttled off to Providence RI to give a few more remarks at a third DNC event. The day before, Michelle went shopping at Target. Some are saying this was a staged event aimed at toning down her expensive clothing and jewelry taste, but whatever. She is still a beautiful bride.

Sources

Obamas celebrate 19th wedding anniversary
Fundraising scheduled for Obama
Obama talks 16-inch heels
POTUS focuses on road ahead
Biden to Latinos: You were here first
More on Michelle Obama's Target trip
Moochtastic! Queen Michelle Flashes Her $42,150 Diamond Cuffs
19 years!

As promised, "I will not rest ..."

... until all the campaign dollars are collected!"

It's got to be tiring: traveling from city to city and attending multiple fundraisers in a single day. But, that is exactly what the President and Vice President have been doing these past few days.

Today, Obama leaves his generous donors in California and flies off to Denver Colorado where he's scheduled to give a Jobs speech at a local high school. He'll be in Denver for just a few hours, but it will be long enough for him to justify his hefty expense account.

Meanwhile, Joe Biden hits up wealthy donors in 3 different campaign events today. The first is at a private residence in New York City around noon. Then, he flies to Boston MA and attends two more campaign fundraising  gatherings. There are no "official" Vice Presidential duties listed on his agenda, so it seems that Team Obama will be paying for this personal day off from the office (Biden campaigns in NYC and Boston).

Forget the country, it's fundraising time!

The race is off for the Obama reelection team to get as much money as it can before quarterly reporting fundraising deadline at end of September. Thus, Obama is on a 3 day money mission in Washington and California. And, helping him out, his elves, Joe Biden and Timothy Geithner have chipped in as well.

Although the economy of the country is falling apart, the President is forced to ignore his governing duties in favor or DNC obligations. But not all his time is spent with boring millionaires and billionaires, as he has found time to get in a round of golf and be entertained by extremely successful singing stars and basketball legends. Here is a summary of our leadership's the last 5 day's activities.

Monday - 3 Fundraisers

• Obama in Mountain View CA townhall meeting and questions from LinkedIn users, then three separate fundraisers: private homes in San Diego and Los Angeles, and then a big a Los Angeles venue.
• Geithner to Louisville KY visiting UPS high-tech plant and pitching the value fo the government.

Sunday - 4 DNC Fundraisers - 2 Washinton, 2 California

• Two fundraisers in Washington. The first was near Seattle WA. Then, off to Paramount Theater in Seattle with basketball greats Lenny Wilkens and Bill Russel.
• Two fundraisers, first in Woodside CA featuring blues singer Robert Cray, and the second in Atherton CA where Lady Gaga entertained Obama billionaires for $35,800 per ticket.

Saturday -

• Night - Michelle & Barak at the CBC (Congressional Black Caucus) Phoenix Awards in downtown DC.
• Day - Golf with Clinton at Joint Base Andrews

Friday -

• Obama hosted private lunch for 4 leading black talk show hosts

Thursday - 2 Fundraisers

• Biden in Florida, fundraisers in Boca Raton and then in Miami.

At least the White House travel office and the Air Force One crew are fully employed.

Sources

• Obama sells jobs plan in Silicon Valley
• Lady Gaga visits Obama
• Obama golfs with Clinton
• Events in Washington
• Geithner plugs jobs bill in Ky.
• Obama lunches with talk show hosts
• Biden in Fla.: Fundraisers and jobs

Obama's solicit millionaires & billionaires for huge campaign contributions

Only a few days after the President vowed to take his jobs plan to the people, both Mr. Obama and the First Lady are selling pictures of themselves today. For a minimum of $10,000, one can purchase a photo of himself with the the First Lady at her lunch with Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Those who cannot make lunch can attend tonight's dinner at the Gotham Hall and get their pictures there. Although the price increases to a minimum of $15,000, the extra $5K will buy you a picture with both the President and First Lady, and the opportunity to be entertained by Alicia Keys ( Obama's two-day NYC juggernaut ).

Source: WashingtonWire Michelle Obama Hosts Female ‘Firsts

Now, everyone must remember that the people attending one or both of these expensive dining fundraisers are most likely some of the same millionaires and billionaires who are not paying enough taxes yet. Thus, they must donate these large sums of money to insure that they are exempt from the President's proposed tax increases on this wealthy upper class society who we presume are Americans.

While the Obama's are gathering New York dollars, the happiest man in the world, Joe Biden, will be flying off to the midwest states of Ohio and Illinois to promote tax increases for Air Force One and Two, and aid for failing green manufacturers ( Fundraising in NYC, Ohio and Chicago ).

Jobs Act selling out at private DNC buffet fundraisers

On the menu, the new buffet rule: Tax the Millionaires (unless they give lots of money to the Obama Victory Fund).  The rest can eat peas.

Last Thursday evening,  September 15, the President attended 2 private fundraisers in the Washington DC area. The first was a DNC event sponsored by the African American Leadership Council. It was held in the Foggy Bottom condo and approximately 30 wealthy folks handed over $35,800 per ticket to the President ( Obama talks congress at fundraiser ). And, shortly afterward, a second money transfer occurred in Georgetown where 50 patrons gathered and gave $35,800 per couple ( Obama fundraises on jobs act ).

Today, Mr. and Mrs. Obama fly up to New York City to begin their combined U.N. / DNC Fundraising appearances. Upon arrival, the President attends a United Nations Mission meet and greet. Then, he is off to a DNC event, but no word has been given as to the amount of donation required to attend.

NEA Teachers Union gives $60 million to Obama campaign, Obama gives back $60 Billion with America Jobs Act taxdollars (corrected)

We were reading through our old posts and saw a line that said the National Education Association, NEA, intended to support and later voted to give the Obama 2012 re-election campaign $60 million last July.

Then it made sense why the President wants his proposed Jobs Act passed "Right Away". 

The reason is that Obama wants to pay back the $60 million by giving $60 BILLION give back the $60 million to the NEA by using American Taxpayer dollars. Arguing that he wants to spend $25 billion million to modernize schools and give $35 billion million to keep teachers, we see that he is trying to simply fund his election campaign using American tax dollars ($25B + $35B = $60 billion).

In the end, Obama gets $60 million, and the NEA claims a $60 million donation write-off at a net cost of $0 (zero dollars).  

Meaning, the donation is given back 1,000 times more!

And, we the American public, in effect, gave Obama $60 billion million out of the budget.

Sources:
NEA Endorses Obama's Bid for Second Term
National Teachers Union Already Endorses Obama for 2012 Election
KGAN CBS 2 :: Top Stories - President Obama Speech: American Jobs Act Breakdown
Economic Stimulus (Obama Jobs Bill, Sept. 2011)
No Work this Weekend

Prediction: Obama going down under in November

I'm not much at making predictions, but according to Politico44 (Obama to Australia in November) and TheVine (News you can use - Obama is coming to Australia! Hopefully!), President Obama is going down under to Australiain on November 16 to 17 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the ANZUS alliance.  A search of the White House website confirms this wonderful news: The President to Visit Australia in November to Commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the U.S.-Australia Alliance.

Hopefully, this trip is an omen that the President will also go down under in the November 2012 election!

Obama's Definition of Jobs: Tennis, Food Kitchen, Concert, and Campaigning

After presenting his Jobs Act dream speech last Thursday night on national TV, the President is beginning to rapidly spend the $447 billion new jobs package he has proposed.

Source: Yahoo News: Michelle Obama visits the U.S. Open

Friday, he visited  the University of Richmond in Virginia.

Tomorrow, on Tuesday, He flies to Columbus Ohio to talk to a high school about the money in the bill for education.

Wednesday, he's off to North Carolina and will visit the Raleigh-Durham area.

And, while Mr. O was campaigning for jobs, Mrs. O entertained herself at the U.S. Open. There she used her "Let's Move!" slogan as cover for taxpayer reimbursement.

Saturday, the family remained in Washington and spent the day remembering the 9/11 victims by working at the DC Central Kitchen (I don't see how that relates).

Last night, the Obama's and Biden's attended "A Concert for Hope" at the Kennedy Center and reminded everyone that: "we have overcome slavery and Civil War; we've overcome bread lines and fascism, recession and riots, Communism and, yes, terrorism"
(Hope And Heroism: Obama Hails Post-9/11 Resilience)

The one major question that the American public should be asking themselves is:

Why is the Democratic National Committee launching an ad campaign to pass this important economic proposal unless it is only a re-election campaign issue intended only to stimulate the President's popularity rather than truly helping put the American public back to work? (DNC ad campaign to promote Obama jobs plan)

To Obama, Labor Day means Bully Day

The President's frustrated re-election campaign revealed its true colors this past Labor Day weekend in the battle to control America.

First, Mr. Obama traveled to Detroit Michigan and gave a jobs speech to a crowd of friendly workers. However, his remarks were foreshadowed by the introduction delivered by Teamsters chief Hoffa who urged the President to "take these son-of-a-bitches out", referring to the tea party opposition.

Less than an hour later in Cincinnati Ohio, VP Joe Biden urged an AFL-CIO crowd to "stop the barbarians at the gate!".

The only problem the administration has with these "give-em hell' speeches is that is that Obama is pushing more "free trade agreements" with underdeveloped countries which means more importing of foreign goods and less U.S. manufacturing by either union or non-union labor.

While not directly campaigning, the President toured the receding flood waters in Paterson NJ on Sunday. There, he met with local residents and promised to help in the rebuilding of the city from Hurricane Irene's relentless damage.

Sources:
Biden fired up at Ohio rally
'Take these son-of-a-bitches out'
Obama tells GOP to get 'on board
In N.J., Obama promises aid

Jet pollution clouds Biden's Clean Energy Summit

The Air Force One and Two jets are in the air today, crisscrossing the country to: carry the President to Minnesota; and transport the Vice President to Las Vegas and Tulsa.

Obama is making a quick dash to Minneapolis-St. Paul to deliver remarks to veterans at an American Legion conference. He lands at 11:25AM, speaks at 11:55AM, and is back on the plane at 1:15PM. This means he will be flying approximately 4 hours in order to give a 1 hour speech.

Vice President Biden is campaigning at the National Clean Energy Summit 4.0 held in Las Vegas today. This summit is hosted by the Center for American Progress which is a liberal think tank partially funded by George Soros.

On his way back to DC, Biden will land in Tulsa Oklahoma and attend a DNC fundraising event tonight.

Hopefully, Biden will discuss the effects of jet fuel pollution on the climate and how both he and the President have contributed to its growth.

Sources:

• National Clean Energy Summit 4.0: The Future of Energy
• Center for American Progress
• Center for American Progress Action Fund
• Wikipedia: Center for American Progress 
• Whiteboard: Obama off to Minnesota
• Biden boosts Democrats in South

Mixing abortion lunches with celebrity attended dinners after Labor Day

The President's vacation was cut short in order to avoid traveling during Hurricane Irene. Now that he is back in Washington, Mr. Obama started the week by appointing Alan Krueger to be his chief economic adviser.

Additionally, Mr. Obama is working on the final details of his soon to be released economic plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs. We are wondering if it will be noticiablly different than last years plan that he announced September 6, 2010. In that one, he proposed a new Infrastructure spending plan to create new jobs consisting of: $50 billion to improve 150,000 miles of highways, 4,000 miles of railways and 150 miles of runways.

Most of the political sites are also advertising the September Fundrasing Campaign that the President and the First Lady will be featuring in New York City. These are:

• Sept 20th: Lunch with Michelle and abortion rights activists
• Sept 20th: Gala Dinner with First Lady & President, with a special performacne by Alicia Keys
• Sept 30th: Warren Buffet's Economic forum and fundraiser dinner at the Four Seasons

These three events are going to be rather costly, but we're sure that many of us common folk would love to attend.

References:
Michelle Obama, Gloria Steinem, other abortion rights activists headline fund-raiser
Buffett to host Obama fundraiser in New York
Fired Up Obama Pushes $50 Billion Infrastructure Plan to Create Jobs

Obama family flies two planes to Martha's Vineyard, So what's wrong with keeping the peace?

The president and first family are vacationing this week on the luxurious get away resort island of Martha's Vineyard. Now that the budget crisis is past and they have 2.4 trillion dollars to spend, what's wrong with the family taking two separate U.S. government jets to the playground of the rich and famous?

Seriously, I really don't see anything wrong with this. After all, the first family was nearly house bound during the July negotiations. Then when the day came to begin their well deserved vacation, Mrs. Obama simply wanted to get to their $50 thousand a week rental property when the clock started clicking. Since her husband was too busy to leave on time, she did the right thing and left with the kids. Hey, that's a great strategy for the president. Not only did he keep the family peace, but he didn't have to help moving in the bags or setting up the house. Good thinking!

Many folks are criticizing their actions, but so what. They are having a good time!

I'm actually finding funny articles and videos about this year's Obama summer vacation. For example, Keith Koffler provides the: Top Ten Things Obama Plans to do on Martha’s Vineyard. I was up there in MV in May and didn't know anything about the lobster races or croquet matches. This is definitely a must read for all first time visitors.

Then, Fox News provides a great video called: Watters' World Drops in on Obama's Vineyard Vacation (please excuse the leading advertisement, but ther rest is humorous).

This is actually a rather funny segment and is not slanted towards criticism. Instead, it tells us what its like when the President is in town. In this clip, the producer, Jesse Watters talks to various local residents and gives us an inside peek into the pro-Obama camp.

If, however, you are more inclined to criticize the president rather than praise him, then maybe this "fair and balanced" article will be more to your taste: Obamas Take Two Planes to Martha's Vineyard, Needlessly Wasting Many Thousands in Tax Money.

Summer's almost over, so Enjoy!

Deli for Obama, Duck for Biden - Who's classier?

As the President's two new $1.2 million buses roll through the mid-west campaign trail, Obama shared yesterday's lunch hour with Minnesota veterans at the Old Market Deli ( Veterans eat with Obama ). While the Congress and Senate were embroiled  in difficult budget talks last month, we noticed that Mr. O seemed to keep a low profile. We now know that one of the items on his non-public agenda was the coordination and ordering of the two Secret Service armored buses that he is now using for his 3 state heartland, republican bashing, campaign tour ( $2.2 million for Secret Service's new armored buses ). The president is saying that the taxpayers must foot the bill for this campaign swing because he's addressing the economy. But, according to NPR the real reason is that: Bus-Touring Obama Goes After GOP Presidential Hopefuls.

But not to be undone, the Hamptons rested Vice President has jetted off to China. He is on an 8 day, all taxpayer expense paid, trip to the Far East. There, he will meet with U.S. and Chinese business leaders, and get to know China's future leadership ( US Vice President to Discuss Economic Issues in China ). Since it seems that everything we now sell in the U.S. is made in China, we think the VP wants to keep it that way. That is great for China, but it doesn't help or encourage manufacturing growth here in the U.S.

At the end of his tour, Mr. Biden will then visit Mongolia and Japan. This fun filled trip "kicks off what U.S. officials describe as a busy diplomatic calendar of Asia-Pacific events in coming months" (See above link: US Vice ... ), which will include two Asia-Pacific Economic summits, one in Honolulu and the other in Bali.

Buses buses everywhere in Iowa

Today, the President is beginning a three day bus tour through the Midwest to explain why that region of the country is important to the nation's economy. The president's schedule does not list any fundraisers during his bus tour, but he has never skipped the opportunity to attend one.

He begins the tour by flying on Air Force One to St. Paul, MN where he will meet his bus. With all the turmoil in the economic and political landscape, it is interesting to see so much activity focused on this all important heartland state.

Obama bus tour has campaign overtones	Obama's first stop will be in Minnesota, where he will hold town hall meeting in Cannon Falls. Afterward, he drives to Decorah Iowa and holds a second town hall meeting. Tuesday, he will attend an economic forum in Peosta Iowa. Then Wednesday, he drives off to his old home state of Illinois and holds democratic town halls in Atkinson and Alpha.
Weekly Standard: Bachmann Supporters Not Yet Sold	Michele Bachmann won the republican straw poll this weekend in Waterloo Iowa. After celebrating her win and giving her celebration speech, her bus rolled out. But, this mornings radio news reported that the Bachmann bus is turning around and headed back to Iowa today to counter any possible political attack by the president.
White House claims Obama’s bus tour is presidential, so taxpayers will fund it	Keeping the republican pressure up, the Sarah Palin bus tour also made an unannounced visit to the state of Iowa. On Saturday, she toured Eureka College in the town of Eureka, where Ronald Reagan called home.

Neither Joining Forces founders in town when SEALs remains arrive back home

Yesterday afternoon, the remains of our U.S. servicemen who were killed aboard a chopper in Afghanistan reached U.S. soil when they landed at Dover Air Force Base. The President saluted and attended the solemn ceremony that followed.

However, the two founders of the Joining Forces initiative, Dr. Jill Biden and First Lady Michelle Obama, were out of town when the soldiers arrived. (see What You Can Do to Support Military Families )

We all know that Dr. Biden was in Kenya, but few of us were aware that the First Lady and family had flown to Corvallis Oregon on Monday to visit her brother. (see Michelle Obama Takes Secret Vacation to Oregon and Where's Michelle Obama as President Goes To Honor Fallen Heroes? )

Under normal circumstances, we should not expect either of these two ladies to attend the Dover ceremony. However,

• since they started the Joining Forces initiatives to: "recognize, honor, and serve our military families" (What You ...), 
• and one or both have used this initiative as a reason for us to pay their airfare and travel expenses while criss-crossing the country to attend campaign fundraisers,

we believe that one of the two should have heeded their own initiatives and attended the Dover return of our heroic servicemen.

Fuel standards ignite Obama's meal, travel, sport, and fundraising consumption (Revised)

With the national budget refueled until 2012, the President is wasting no time spending the money that has been allocated to our government. ( Obama Aug. 8, 2011 week ahead. Fuel standards, Iftar dinner, fund-raiser, Green Bay Packers )

Today he travels to Springfield, Virginia to tout his new energy standards at the moving company headquarters, Interstate. There, he will describe how his new fuel efficiency standards will save tens of billions of dollars by reducing fuel consumption and thereby lower pollution. He will neglect to inform the stock holders that the company will be required to spend trillions of dollars when purchasing the authorized vehicles.  After publishing this article, the WH changed the President's schedule. Instead of traveling to Virginia, representatives from many of the global truck and engine manufacturers are meeting at the White House: Cummins, Navistar, Daimler Trucks, Eaton Corp. Vehicle Group, Volvo, Chrysler, General Motors, Mack Trucks, Con-way, etc. ( White House releases heavy-truck standards ). With all of these people flying into Washington from various parts of the country, this does not sound like a spare of the moment change in Obama's daily agenda. Knowing how the President is against corporate jets, we certainly believe most of these individuals and groups drove to DC by car or perhaps took trains.


Then, Wednesday, he will stay in Washington to host the annual Iftar dinner at the White House. This is the Muslim tradition of breaking the daily fast after sunset where the President praises members of the religion for their important contributions to the American history and economy.

After fueling his body and the Air Force One with jet fuel, Mr. Obama will then fly to the Johnson Controls' battery facility in Holland Michigan on Thursday. Besides touring the facility, Mr. O will explain why batteries are the fuel of choice that the auto, truck, and bus manufactures must utilize in order to meet his new energy legislative standards.

On the way back to Washington, Obama will fly to New York City and attend another two Democratic fundraisers. Since he will be in the air anyway, the taxpayers will have to foot the bill in his dash for cash.

Friday's welcoming of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers will surely produce another jersey for his growing sports collection.

While the rest of us will be worrying about the stock market and the $16 trillion deficit this week, the President will be bolstering his political participation with these key states (Virginia, Michigan, & Wisconsin), Muslim voters, military flight crew, and the big buck donors.

Three days after USA downgrade, Dr. Jill visits Kenya, Barak attends two fundraisers, and the DOW drops

Less than one week after the debt limit was increased, the White House leadership representatives have hit the road. Yes, thanks to our taxpayer dollars, Dr. Jill Biden flew off to the homeland of Mr. Obama's father to see famished Somalians.(Dr. Jill Biden Arrives in Kenya)

After returning from a Camp David weekend with his immediate and extended family (see: breaking camp), the President spends his day in Washington with only 4 items on his public schedule. The first was a 10AM briefing and the second is the reading of a prepared statement to the press at 1PM.

However, more time will be devoted to the two DNC events he is attending tonight. The first is at a private DC residence, and the second will be at the St. Regis Hotel.

Surely, he will take time to blame the S&P downgrade on the members of the Tea Party, Republicans, and his predecessor instead of evaluating the the T&E expense reports of his family, staff, and co-workers.

Perhaps S&P is right in saying that they do not see any serious effort by the President to limit spending or to lead the country.

With debt ceiling raised, it's now time to party, fundraise, and vacation

The August 2nd debt ceiling deadline set by the President was no coincidence. According to past articles, the April extension funded the federal government until September.

But, if we waited until then, the members of the Congress, Senate, and the President would have to miss their planned recesses, fundraisers, and vacations. Since nobody wanted to do that, they worked through July and resolved the debt crisis with time to spare.

Beginning tomorrow, the President will be jiving to the sounds of Herbie Hancock, Jennifer Hudson and OK Go in the Chicago Aragon Ballroom. All will be paying homage to our leader who turns 50 on Thursday. If any of you want to attend, simply give a big donation to the Obama Victory Fund 2012 (your invitation is below). Remember, though, you've got to hurry since there is only one day left, but it should be worth it.

After that big bash, the President will be off to Martha's Vineyard in late August. Since a few fundraisers were canceled in July, we are sure Mr. Obama has already rescheduled them. After all, the election is only 15 months away, and the President has no other work to do until then. So, it's time to get the cash!

While the President is enjoying the rest of his term in office, the Congress and Senate will be relaxing as well. Beginning August 8th to September 5th, those hard working representatives will be soliciting funds as well. Wow, a whole month of vacation!

You can read more about Party Time by visting these articles.

Herbie Hancock, Jennifer Hudson, OK Go set for Obama birthday fundraiser
Join the President For His Birthday Party!
Obama to head home for 50th birthday fundraiser
Debt ceiling deal or not, Obama’s going on vacation in Martha’s Vineyard

And, if you have any doubt, view the video below and pay attention to the very end, where  Jen Psaki of the White House gleefully says the Obama birthday party is on and his campaign season begins.

Breakfast in Utah, Lunch in Aspen, Dinner in DC

The morning after President Barak Obama used the national television stations to scold the Congress about reckless spending, his wife Michelle boarded one of our Air Force planes to attend fundraising affairs in Utah and Colorado.

The first stop was breakfast at the Park City Utah home of Mark and Nancy Gilbert with 200 to 300 other guests. The Gilberts live and work in Boca Raton Florida and have been heavily involved in Democratic fundraising for years. As a reward of their hard work, Mr. Obama appointed Mrs. Gilbert to a 5 year term on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council this past June 10th, 2011.

Afterward, Mrs. Obama is flying to Aspen Colorado to attend a reception at the home of Jim and Paula Crown. Mr. Crown is President of a privately owned investment company and is a director of General Dynamics Corporation. This is the same company where Thomas Ayers (father of Obama's friend Bill Ayers) served years ago.

Remember, "defaulting on our obligations is a reckless and irresponsible outcome ..." and  we are "... asking Americans whose incomes have gone up the most over the last decade -– millionaires and billionaires -– to share in the sacrifice everyone else has to make". (Obama: Address by the President to the Nation - July 25, 2011)

The only thing wrong with today's fundraising is that everyone has flown from and to various parts of the country in order to give money towards the Obama 2012 Reelection. While its not a private jet, Mrs. Obama is using our Air Force as her own private vehicle, yet the president wants to raise taxes on those who own private jets.

Perhaps instead of spending taxpayer money recklessly during a fiscal crisis, the First Family should demonstrate restraint and fiscal responsibility themselves.

Divided Government Limits Obama's Travels and Spending

During the past three weeks, the President has been confined to Washington, pushing the Democratic senate and congressional representatives to stand strong and block all Republican suggestions and solutions for capping the national debt. Armed with bully-tactic rhetoric and a stubborn refusal to stop spending, both the President and Vice President have been forced cancel fund raising appearances across the country (Obama, Biden cancel fund-raisers to stay in DC for debt talks).

Listening to his response to a question at a University of Maryland town hall discussion last Friday, we learn of Mr. Obama's frustration of having to work.




Because the American population insisted on fiscal accountability, the President is forced to work with a divided government. As he says, if he didn't have this distraction, he wouldn't have to attend so many meetings, and could spend more time with his family.

What the President really meant is that he could spend more time traveling on Air Force One collecting donations from wealthy jet owners in California, Seattle, New York City, and Washington DC. He also means that VP O'Biden would be free to travel to Atalanta, Nashville, and Dallas for money there.

Even so, the First Lady will continue doing her part, making a one day trip to Park City Utah and Aspen Colorado tomorrow to attend two fund raisers where admittance will cost guests $1,000 to $35,000.

The sad part is that if we do not raise the debt ceiling, then the Obama family will be forced to limit (or hopefully stop) their voracious and continuous spending of our hard earned tax dollars, which is the real reason why Mr. Obama needs to raise taxes across the board.

Deficit Spending Authorized for Attending the World Cup Finals

The debt ceiling negotiations have forced the President and First Lady to remain in Washington the past week, giving the taxpaying Americans the impression that they care about the economy.

However, that did not stop them from authorizing an all expense paid trip to Germany for Chelsea Clinton and Jill Biden. Since the President had to remain in the U.S., he named these two women to head a special U.S. delegation that would cheer our women's national soccer team in the World Cup finals.

When normal citizens face budget constraints, they usually cut back on frivolous spending. But, since Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden are working overtime trying to raise the debt ceiling, they have found  no shortage of good old American taxpayer dollars to be spent on entertainment purposes.

Peas, Shakes, and Tears

While the President held a news conference yesterday telling us Americans that we must eat Peas, the First Lady was eating a ShackBurger, fries, chocolate shake, and a Diet Coke for lunch. Unfortunately, the Washington branch of the Shake Shack had to close for security reasons while she was combating her childhood obesity tendencies. (source: Michelle Obama orders 1,700-calorie meal at Shake Shack).

Today, she has flown to Palm Desert, CA to attend the memorial service for former first lady Betty Ford who died last Friday. While no other details of her trip have been provided, it will be interesting to learn if she flies directly back to Washington, or if she takes this official opportunity to squeeze in a little fundraising as well.

No Fundraising Travel this Week

We believe that the 4th of July work week is ending today and the President, First Lady, and Vice President have all remained in Washington this week.  Today, Mr. Obama's schedule ends after a set of news interviews beginning at 11:30 AM. And, Mr. Biden has not publicly published his schedule since an 11 AM meeting yesterday. Perhaps the budget crisis, high unemployment numbers, and Operation Fast and Furious are keeping the paid politicians working instead of fundraising.

The President, VP, and First Lady all in Washington Today

Image by rpongsaj via Flickr

This first week of July finds the President, Vice President and First Lady all in Washington at the same time.  Today, both Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden will attend two meetings together, one at 11:30AM and the second at 4:30PM. After that, the public schedule is blank.

Tonight, the Washington Nationals will be playing the Chicago Cubs at home. Mrs. Obama will be featured in the pregame ceremony when the team honors military families.

Unfortunately, the President was forced to cancel his scheduled golf game yesterday because of impending thunder storms. Since that was the only game planned last weekend, the cancellation resulted in the the President's weekend golf streak to end at 13 weekends.

Related articles

• Obama Worked Only 4.4 Hours Per Day in May, 2011 (treeofmamre.wordpress.com)

Flying for Dollars & No Time for the Budget

I just realized, there's only a one letter difference between:

Flying and Lying

While the President flew off to Philadelphia to attend two fundraisers yesterday, the First Lady boarded the second plane and campaigned in Boston, attending a private fundraising luncheon for the Democratic National Committee. After, she flew to Vermont to attend two more fundraisers. Needing an official excuse to write off the DNC and reelection campaign appearances, she stopped at a National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility in Burlington to give a speech. It's interesting to read her remarks at two of the stops, because both of them are nearly identical in the beginning. Sure, the names had to be changed, and the stories modified to relate to the audience, but these should have been easy for her speech writers to construct.

At the DNC, she begins: MRS. OBAMA: Thank you. (Applause.) Oh, my goodness. (Applause.) Good job. Thank you so much. (Applause.) Oh, my goodness! (Applause.) Got to come to Vermont more often! (Applause.) Yes! (Applause.) Oh, my goodness, thank you so much. (Applause.) .... I want to start by thanking Marcelle for that very kind introduction and for all her hard work on behalf of our Guard and Reserve families. But I also want to personally thank her for being my big sister in the U.S. Senate. She told you that we met then, but the truth is, is that she’s my big sister. She was assigned to me to look after me as a new spouse, and she did that well then and she continues to do that. She is a truly wonderful woman who I consider a dear friend, and she has always had my back. So we have to give Marcelle Leahy a big round of applause. (Applause.) And I also want to acknowledge someone who couldn’t be here today but who would have been here today. She’s been a phenomenal partner to me every day on this issue. She’s a military mom herself, a tireless champion for military families, and also my friend, Dr. Jill Biden. (Applause.) ... Source: Remarks by the First Lady at DNC event in Boston, Massachusetts

At the Armory, she begins: MRS. OBAMA: I won’t be using the box. (Laughter.) Oh, my goodness, thank you so much. Oh, okay, let’s just go home now. (Laughter.) I can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to be here with all of you today. And I want to thank Elaine for that very kind introduction, and to Elaine and Jerry and their entire family for hosting this event here in their beautiful home. I can’t tell you how much this means to us to have your support. You are true public servants, as well. You live it out every day. You live it out throughout the generations. And it is that foundation that allows Barack and I to do the work that we do. So we are so truly, truly grateful to you for your work and your dedication, your support. So thank you again. (Applause.) I also want to thank your fabulous governor, who is one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. Yeah, yeah, he is. (Applause.) Governor Patrick. And the only other person I like more than you is Diane. (Laughter.) It’s okay. I know how that goes. (Laughter and applause.)  ... Source: Remarks by the First Lady at Vermont National Guard Joining Forces Rally

Now that the Air Force One and Two planes are back in Washington, Vice President O'Biden will be using one of them to fly out to Las Vegas and deliver remarks at a Teamster Convention this afternoon.

Since the weather should be good this weekend, the First Family will be entertaining at Camp David. It is a long weekend, so we expect the President to get in 3 rounds of golf in between planning next weeks campaign fundraising trips and the associated official excuses for we tax-payers of these flying trips.

Philly Cheesesteaks for Obama's Dinner Tonight?

Image by jumbledpile via Flickr

One day after telling Congress that they have to get to work on passing his tax increase budget in order to fund his fundraising appitite, the President is boarding Air Force One this afternoon to spend a few hours campaigning in Philadelphia. His first stop will be at a downtown Hyatt fundraiser where he'll deliver remarks to the DNC invitees. Afterward, he will be the star attraction at a private fundraiser held in a undisclosed supporter's home.

Undoubtedly, Obama will take these opportunities to explain why Congress is absent from their duties, and why the jet-setting rich must pay more taxes. Of course the rich are defined as families earning more than $250,000, and it doesn't matter if they have a plane or not.

As for the jet-setters, we do not expect to see much news coverage about the number of press, DNC organizers and donors who will be flying into Philadelphia for today's affairs. Nor will they write about Mr. Obama's constant use of the taxpayer paid Air Force One fleet that he and his family use to attend fundraisers across the country and world every few days.

Manufacturing, An Excuse to Fly and Ignore the Budget

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

After spending last Friday in Pittsburgh and talking about the importance of robotics in manufacturing, the President returned to Washington. Since the family was touring South Africa, Obama used his free weekend time to get in two more rounds of golf. Besides, Michelle, the kids and cousins weren't returning until late Sunday night, and the country was paying for it.

Monday, our leader and the VP met with Harry Reid to lay out a strategy for increasing the debt limit and taxes. That was followed by congratulating the MLS champion team Colorado Rapids at the White House, and a little soccer practice on the lawn. Feeling rejuvenated, the President and VP Biden tried to strong arm Mich McConnell into increasing the debt limit.

Today, he's back to business. He will fly to Moline, Illinois and tour the Alcoa Davenport Works factory. To a select crowd, Mr. Obama will reinforce his stance on the importance of manufacturing. However, there is no word about related fundraising activity while there. He is scheduled to arrive back in Washington by 6 PM tonight and will probably sit around in his new jersey and view the family photographs of Africa.

Related articles

• Soccer Champs Visit White House, Lead Clinic With Military Kids (whitehouse.gov)
• Obama Tries to Raise US Debt Ceiling (tipggita32.wordpress.com)

NYC, Here we come!

Image via Wikipedia

The President will be racking up the Air Force One miles as he flies from Washington to Fort Drum, then to New York City, and then to Pittsburgh. In the 2 hour Fort Drum visit, he will try to get reelection support from the 10th Mountain Division and the Gold Star Families. By 5PM, he will be in New York to attend three different fundraising events. The first will be for gay right supporters. Then he's off to meet with Wall Street Donors. At the end, he will be with Whoopi Goldberg and selected donors to see Sister Act. Tickets there begin at $250 each and photographs with the President sell for $10,000. By the time the evening is over, he will be looking forward to his sleep over in the Keystone State.

It's too bad the First Lady is in Africa and will miss this wonderful entertainment.

Related articles

• Obama campaigns with Whoopi Goldberg, gay donors (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

O'Biden gets to travel too

Image via Wikipedia

After meeting with a bipartisan group of 14 Mayors yesterday, consisting of 1 Independent, 2 Republicans, and 11 Democrats, the President will spend a little time today being briefed, meeting with senior advisers, and then Geithner and Gates. The scheduled time for these meetings will be less than 3 hours. The remainder of the day is undocumented.

However, we find that the Vice President is being treated to a Fundraising trip to Chicago this afternoon. The official reason for the taxpayer write off will be his keynote address at the CURE 2011 Annual Chicago Event. However, CURE is an organization founded by David and Susan Axelrod. Mr. Axelrod is Obama's top reelection aide, so we are sure this event will be filled with important democratic contributers.

Since he is in town, Mr. Biden will first attend a DNC fundraising event to help reach the $1 billion reelection goal. Hmmm, we pay, they play.

Oh, if you are looking for a job, Obama for America is looking for State Data Directors.

Related articles

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Two More Fundraisers after seeing the Family off to Africa

After enjoying a Father's Day weekend full of golf and ice cream, the President is back at work today, trying to solve the nations high unemployment crisis. He's kicking off the day a little after 11AM when he and VP Biden receive a daily briefing. A half hour later he will meet with his senior advisers. Then he will relax a few hours before talking to Secretary of State Clinton and then meet with mayors from both parties to hear how they are trying to create jobs.

The highlight of the day was in the early morning when he saw the family fly off to Africa for a week full of fun. Even his mother-in-law and family cousins are being treated to this all expense paid trip thanks to the hardworking taxpayers.

Tonight, the President will attend two more Democratic National Committee fund raising events which will be held in Washington.

Barak Fundraises in Puerto Rico as Michelle Pockets Cash in California

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

The traveling fundraisers have hit the air yesterday, flying in seperate directions to attend fundraisers on the east and west coasts simultaneously. After appearing at three fundraisers last night, and an NBC interview this morning, the President flies to Puerto Rico today to collect dollars from supporters there. He'll spend 5 hours on that island and give 2 press interviews. Then he's off to a Democratic National Committee fundraiser before he returns to Washington tonight. Too bad the citizens of that commonwealth cannot vote for in our general election.

While he was off in the east, the First Lady took another Air Force jet and flew to California for more campaign dollars. Using a public event supporting military families as cover for her travel expenses, she attended 2 fundraisers. Today, he will attend two more fundraisers and may waive to the people while she's in transit.

The Obama's and the DNC have a $1 billion dollar fundraising goal which they will use for his reelection and retirement purposes.

Related articles

• A five-hour tour - Packed schedule in Puerto Rico (politico.com)
• Why Is Obama Going To Puerto Rico? (npr.org)
• GOP: First lady fundraising on taxpayers' dime (sfgate.com)