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.