America’s mistake makes it a point to tell the downtrodden on a daily basis that these are tough times and that we all must sacrifice and that things will get worse. So what does this false prophet do to set the example and uphold his end of the bargain? He spends over $250K of taxpayer money to take Mish-hell to New York! Never mind the Wednesday night parties that cost the taxpayers untold thousands every week, this is just getting out of hand.
Here’s a snippet from The Washington Times that outlines some of the costs:
First, the First Couple (and entourage) flew from the White House to Andrews Air Force Base — three choppers (two decoys), if the Marines stuck to standard operating procedure (and they are sticklers for SOP). That means dozens of men and women — radar, communications, mechanics, crews, everyone, perhaps 100, who knows? — were involved. (A batch of tagalongs must've taken a taxpayer pool of vehicles out from the White House to AAFB, since it took three jets to get the gang to NYC).
| Second, the president moving on a Saturday takes a full operation at and around the White House, dozens and dozens of people. Then there were the jets — at least $24,000 for the three aircraft used to ferry the Obama’s, aides and reporters to New York. The Obama’s jet, a Gulfstream 500, served as Air Force One. Third, a C-17 had to fly to NYC to put in place a full motorcade (at least a dozen vehicles, maybe more). The military cargo plane may have taken up at least two, but maybe three, more choppers to fly the whole party from JFK to a Wall Street landing zone, where the motorcade was waiting. |
America’s mistakes on a typical ‘date’. |
Fourth, driving through Manhattan is an expensive exercise. Dozens, perhaps hundreds, of NYPD have to be stationed all along the way, shutting down roads, holding back pedestrians. There were police cars involved, dozens of motorcycles, and the ever-present NYC ambulance (oh, don't forget that the White House doctor also probably went — with all his gear). The city likely gets reimbursed by the White House for the cost (they usually do). And they were all probably getting time and a half (the NYPD overtime budget is extraordinary).
Fifth, the United States Secret Service (USSS) had to scope out the whole thing, then station agents all over — sharpshooters, undercover agents, etc. — at a huge cost.
Oh, but America’s mistake did pay for some of it… he paid for the dinner and the $96 theatre tickets. Way to help out the cause, Barry! The NObama’s could have spent an inexpensive night at home like most American’s watching a rented movie and ordering a pizza (locally, not flying in a pizza chef from Chicago). For an added treat, he could have fed Mish-hell sugar cubes and carrot sticks from his outstretched hand.