Obama cuts Thunderbirds, Blue Angels, air traffic controllers; but sends children on expensive vacation, hosts Seder dinner, LA Kings and Galaxy at White House

This was a busy week for our World Traveler President. Last week, he spent 4 days in the Middle East counties of Israel and Jordan. He arrived back in the U.S. late Saturday night. Now that he is back this week, he is devoting his time to his recreational passions. First, he held a Seder Dinner at the White House, and today he is hosting both the Los Angles Kings and LA Galaxy teams. The President has, however, found time to receive 2 daily briefings, meet with his senior advisers once, and have lunch with the Vice President.

Meanwhile, VP Biden, after returning from Italy, hosted a St. Patrick's Day breakfast, attended a Democratic Congressional Campaign conference, and went to a New York City Broadway play.

Mrs. Obama held a pre-Easter celebration.

But, the best is that she sent her 2 children to the Atlantis in Paradise Island Bahamas for their Spring Break. It is unclear what adults accompanied the children, or how many of their friends were treated to a fabulous vacation. However, we know that neither of her parents are with them this week.

Realizing that time under the sequester is still passing, Mr. Obama and his Administration announced two more cuts to the services provided by the U.S. Government. First, they announced that 149 flight control towers would be closed. Next, they announced that the Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, and other military acrobatic flying teams were grounded. 

Before summer begins, the Obama's will probably close the National Parks as well.

The attitude at the White House seems to be: "Lets keep removing services from the American people. Eventually, they will start screaming and demand that the services be restored and that the prisoners will be jailed once again. Then, we can blame the Republicans".

However, as difficult as the sequester cuts are, we are delighted that the First Family, and the Vice President, can continue to spend our U.S. taxpayer dollars lavishly for their own empirical enjoyment. After all, they deserve it. It's only fair!

Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday March 20 through Tuesday March 26 2013.

Today, Tuesday, March 26, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10:30 AM. This was followed by an 11:15 AM meeting with his senior advisers. At 12:30 PM, he and Joe Biden will have lunch together. Then, Mr. President honors the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings and MLS Cup Champion LA Galaxy at the White House (beginning at 1:45 PM). Lastly, Mr. Obama meets with Chuck Hagel at 3:55 PM.
• VP Biden, along with Secretary of Interior Salazar, and Sen. Tom Carper, will deliver remarks at the newly designated First State National Monument at the Sheriff’s Office in New Castle.

Monday, March 25, 2013

• President Obama began with a daily briefing at 10:30 AM. Then, at 11:30, he attended and spoke at a naturalization ceremony for active duty service members and civilians. At 12:10 PM, he designated 5 new national monuments. The rest of his afternoon was free until 6:30 PM, when he and Mrs. Obama hosted a Seder at the White House.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

• President Obama toured Petra Jordan. At the end of he day, he left and flew back to Washington DC.
• Joe Biden delivered remarks at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Issues Conference.

Friday, March 22, 2013

• President Obama participated in 3 wreath laying ceremonies, toured the Hall of Names, Church of the Nativity and had lunch with Prime Prime Minister Netanyahu. After, he left Tel Aviv and flew to Jordan. There, he spend most of his time with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

• President Obama viewed the Dead Sea Scrolls, and had a variety of events with President Abbas, Prime Minister Fayyad. He also met with U.S. Embassy and Consulate General staff, and attended a dinner hosted by President Peres.
• VP Biden went to New York City and discussed gun violence. He also went to see the Broadway play, Once.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

• President Obama arrived in Tel Aviv Israel. There, he participated in many events and ceremonies with President Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
• Michelle Obama participated in a pre-Easter celebration with military children and their families.
• VP Joe Biden hosted a St. Patrick's Day breakfast.

Obama's Organizing for Action: Spend $2 Billion for battery research; fly to Chicago, Israel and Italy; and host White House Receptions

Having gotten rid of those pesky White House touring visitors, the President has used his staff for more important purposes. This week, he opened the White House to women from all over to celebrate "Women’s History Month". Today, he is hosting a St. Patrick's Day reception for an undisclosed group of attendees.

And still riding the sequester wave, Mr. Obama took the opportunity to fly to Chicago IL last Friday to visit the Argonne National Laboratory. There, he discussed how limiting the sequester was, but promised to propose a $2 billion grant for research in battery operated power. While the President could have done this from Washington, he felt it was more important to visit this organization in person, primarily because they were donors to his last year's re-election campaign (payback time?).

White House travel privileges were also extended to the Vice President, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Governor Susana Martinez, and Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia. They were given free transportation, hotels, meals, and most likely spending money in order to attend the Inauguration of the new Pope in the Vatican City (Italy).

Later today, the President will fly off to Israel for a few days of meetings there.

Officially, Mr. Obama succeeded in attending 4 daily briefings, and met with his senior advisers, Jack Lew, and John Kerry once each during the week. 

One of his highlights was attending a "Organizing for Action" event last week. There, he was able to meet with and talk to many who helped him win re-election last year.

Below is a summary of President Obama's schedule during the week of Wednesday March 13 through Tuesday March 19 2013.

Today, Tuesday, March 19, 2013

• President Obama began the day at 9:45 AM by receiving a daily briefing. Forty-five minutes later, he will meets with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny.  A little later, he greets First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Northern Ireland. Obama and Kenny will then attend a St. Patrick's Day lunch at noon. Mr. Obama will then rest until early evening. At 5:45 PM, Mr. and Mrs. Obama will host a St. Patrick's Day reception at the White House.  Two hours later, Mr. Obama will leave the party and fly off on Air Force One to Tel Aviv Israel.
• Mrs. Obama delivers remarks at an event honoring women veterans.
• VP Biden and delegation attend Mass for the Inauguration of the new Pope in Vatican City.

Monday, March 18, 2013

• President Obama had a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. Then he met with his senior advisers at 11 AM.  After, he made a personnel announcement, nominating Thomas Perez for Secretary of Labor. He was free until 4:40 PM when he greeted visitors and delivered remarks at a Women’s History Month Reception held in the White House.
• VP Biden was in Italy. There, he met with a variety of diplomats, including: Italian President Giorgio Napolitano; Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti; President Bronislaw Komorowski of Poland; and President Tomislav Nikolic of Serbia.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

• VP Biden, leading the presidential delegation flew to Rome Italy to attend the Pope's Inauguration on Tuesday.

Friday, March 15, 2013

• Mr. Obama left the White House at 10:10 AM and flew to Chicago IL. There, he toured the Argonne National Laboratory and delivered remarks. He left Chicago at 3:45 PM and was back at the White House at 5:35 PM.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

• Mr. Obama began the day by attending a 12:45 PM meeting with the Senate Republican Conference. When that was over, he met with the House Democratic Caucus at 2:15 PM. Lastly, he received a daily briefing at 4:15 PM.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

• Mr. Obama received a daily briefing at 10:30 AM. Then at 1:30 PM, he met with the House Republican Conference. After a short meeting with Sec. of State Kerry (3:05 PM), Mr. Obama met with business leaders beginning at 3:40 PM to talk about cyber-security and immigration reform. That only lasted less than 40 minutes, because Mr. Obama had to meet with Treasury Secretary Jack Lew at 4:30 PM. Finally, Mr. Obama was free to attend and deliver remarks at his "Organizing for Action" campaign style dinner.
• VP Biden traveled to Rockville MD and delivered remarks with Eric Holder.

Sequester means ending White House Tours, limiting National Archives hours, going to concerts, and planning birthday parties and vacations

The sequester is having a major affect on President Obama this past week. He restrained from bashing the Republicans this week and instead, he had dinner with a group of them, hosted two for lunch, and made a telephone call to another.

But, the President is caving into the pressures from the sequester as well. First, he halted the Tours of the White House. Then today, he announced he is limiting the National Archives hours of operation.  He believes both of these actions will help to reduce federal spending by eliminating waste.

On the official Presidential front, Mr. Obama received 5 daily briefings, met with his senior advisers twice, was interviewed by George Stephanopoulos, met with a Sultan, met with the Senate Democratic Caucus, and met with various Arab American groups.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Obama continued her Let's Move! binge. She went to George Washington University and attended a summit, spoke to winners of one of her contests, and held a Twitter Q&A session.

The highlight for her, though, was attending a concert group by Sweet Honey last Thursday night. She treated her mother, Vallerie Jarrett, Eric Holder's wife, and 6 others.

The White House also announced: that plans for the Obama vacation in Martha's Vineyard were beginning to take shape; and that Mrs. Obama's star studded 50th Birthday Party at the White House is also being planned. No expense will be spared.

These are certainly 2 important reasons why we must keep the public out of the White House.

Lastly, the White House Staff announced that the 2013 Easter Egg Roll will be held this year. Besides the Easter egg hunt, there will be various cooking demonstrations, bands playing, and other entertainment!

Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday March 6 through Tuesday March 12 2013.

Today, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

• President Obama received daily briefing at 9:30 AM. Next, he spoke at a meeting of his Export Council. At 11:10 AM, he had a bilateral meeting with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam and then the two ate lunch. Then at 1:30 PM, Mr. Obama will meet with the Senate Democratic Caucus. He will also meet with Chuck Hagel at 4:35 PM. Plus, sometime during the day, Mr. Obama will sit for an interview with George Stephanopoulos, portions of which will be broadcast on tonight's "World News with Diane Sawyer", "Good Morning America" (Wednesday), and "Nightline" (Thursday).
• VP Biden hosted a breakfast meeting with John Kerry. He also attended meetings with Obama and will speak at he National League of Cities’ 2013 Congressional City Conference at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.

Monday, March 11, 2013

• President Obama had a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. Next on his agenda was a meeting with his senior advisers. Then he had lunch at 12:30 with VP Biden. Later, he called Senator Mark Kirk (Illinois Republican), announced that the National Archives will limit its hours of operation, and with a number of Arab American groups.
• Mrs. Obama held a Twitter Q & A session.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

• Mister Obama delivered remarks and told jokes at the Gridiron Dinner at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC.

Friday, March 8, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 9:30 AM. Then at 10 AM, he met with his senior advisers. Lastly, he finished the day after 11:15 AM when he met with faith leaders and discussed immigration reform.
• Mrs. Obama spoke at a summit about childhood obesity at George Washington University. And, she later honored recipients of the International Women of Courage Award at the State Department with John Kerry.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 9:30 AM. Next, he had lunch (12:25 PM) with Chris Van Hollen and Paul Ryan. He also signed the Violence Against Women Act at 1:55 PM and delivered remarks.
• Michelle Obama spoke to winners of Let's Move! Communities.  At night, she attended a concert held in the Rock at the Howard Theatre with her mother and 7 other guests.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

• President Obama had a daily briefing at 11 AM, and then ate lunch with VP Biden at 12:30 PM. In the afternoon, he met with Jack Lew (3 PM), and had dinner with Republican Senators at 6:30 PM.

Sequester scare fails, so Obama pardons prisoners, holds a Cabinet Meeting, and Michelle promotes Let's Move

This was a relatively quiet work week for President Obama. During the first half of the week, he pushed for raising taxes as his solution to avoid Friday's sequester. In preparation, he held a meeting with his senior advisers, some of whom later tried to spread the fear of governmental shutdowns. The blitz had little effect, and so the President held a brief meeting with Senate and Congressional leaders. But, his desire for increased revenue, rather than reduced spending did not sway the leaders. And thus, the sequester went into affect.

Ironically enough, the sun still shined and everyone in the government was still working on Saturday morning.

Mr. Obama was now left to live with the new spending rules. So, he continued to concentrate on filling his vacant staffing positions, pardoning prisoners, meeting with his advisers once again, and holding a Cabinet Meeting.

The President did attend to the country's defense by attending 4 daily briefings and meeting with the new Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel.

Concurrently, Mrs. Obama focused her spending efforts by making a two day trip promoting "Let's Move". She visited 3 cities and appeared with Rachael Ray.

Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday February 27 through Tuesday March 5, 2013.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

• President Obama receives a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. Next, at 11 AM, he meets with senior advisers. The President later leaves the White House at 2:05 PM and visits Walter Reed national Military Medical Center. He is back at the White House by 4:25 PM and will meet with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at 5 PM.

Monday, March 4, 2013

• Mister Obama had an early daily briefing at 9:30 AM. He then made a personal announcement at the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee. Lastly, he held a Cabinet Meeting at 1:00 PM. That was the 17th meeting he held since he was President. He also announce the nominations of Ernest Moniz as Energy Secretary, Gina McCarthy as Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, and Sylvia Mathews Burwell as Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
• Mrs. Obama held a Google+ Hangout event live from the White House.

Friday, March 1, 2013

• President Obama hosted the  bipartisan, bicameral leadership of Congress at the White House at 10:05. Afterward, he delivered a statement at 11:35 AM. During the day, Mr. Obama granted pardons to 17 individuals and he also held a conference call with Russian President Putin.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 11:15 AM. Then he hosted a swearing in ceremony for the new Secretary of Treasury Jack Lew. Mr. Obama ended the day with a 12:40 PM lunch with VP Biden.
• Michelle Obama was in Chicago IL with Arne Duncan to promote "Let's Move! Active Schools".  Early in the day, she held a "Let's Move Cafeteria Cookoff" with Rachael Ray. 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

• President Obama started the day early with a daily briefing at 9:30 AM which was over in less than 1/2 hour. He next met with senior advisers at 10:00 AM. Then, he delivered remarks at the unveiling of a Rosa Parks statue at 11:00 AM. Mr. Obama was then able to rest until 7:30 PM when he attended the Business Council dinner.
• Mrs. Obama visited schools in Clinton Mississippi as part of Let's Move and to celebrate National Nutrition Month. Later she visited a Springfield Missouri Walmart.