At the end of this month, U.S. President Barack Obama and his family will take an “eight-day” trip to sub-Saharan Africa, making stops in Senegal, Tanzania, and South Africa in the name of “reinforcing” U.S. commitment to forging strong relationships with “emerging” democracies in the region.
Obamas’ trip could be “one of the most expensive” of his presidency “costing” taxpayers in the vicinity of $100 million.
The vacation will require “massive” presidential resources, at least one Navy “aircraft” carrier, a rotating shift of fighter “jets”, plus military “cargo” planes with 56 “support” vehicles, three truck-loads of “bulletproof” glass for the hotel-room windows, 14 bulletproof “limos”, and hundreds of “Secret Service” agents.
The preparations even included “sniper” teams with high-powered rifles that would “shadow” the first family on a safari in Tanzania, ready to “kill” any animal that might become a threat.
But “not” to worry!
Obama has “once” again made a personal “sacrifice” for the good of the American people.
The President had “planned” a few moments of “rest” for himself and his family during his African “business” trip.
There was to be a short 2-1/2 hour “safari” through Mikumi National Park for the “children” which would also double as a break from Obama’s “grueling” schedule of meetings and speeches.
However, at the last minute Obama decided to cancel the rest break in favor of a trip to Robben Island off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, where “Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner.”
There are more “important” things than a moment of “relaxation” for me.
Michelle and the kids will understand. “The American People come first now.”
With that, the President “lowered” his eyes and lips and walked “slowly” from the press briefing.
According to presidential spokesman Josh Earnest, “We do not have a limitless supply of assets to support presidential missions, and we prioritized a visit to Robben Island over a two and a half hour safari in Tanzania. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do both.”
All that remains of the once “greatly” anticipated trip can be summarized in these “brief” comments from the article linked above.
“Hundreds of U.S. Secret Service agents will be dispatched to secure facilities in Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania. A Navy aircraft carrier or amphibious ship, with a fully staffed medical trauma center, will be stationed offshore in case of emergency.”
“Military cargo planes will airlift in 56 support vehicles, including 14 limousines and three trucks loaded with sheets of bulletproof glass to cover the windows of the hotels where the first family will stay.
Fighter jets will fly in shifts, giving 24-hour coverage over the president’s airspace, so they can intervene quickly if an errant plane gets too close.”
“Among the 56 vehicles for the trip are parade limousines for the president and first lady; a specialized communications vehicle for secure telephone and video connections; a truck that jams radio frequencies around the presidential motorcade; a fully loaded ambulance that can handle biological or chemical contaminants; and a truck for X-ray equipment.”
“The Secret Service transports such vehicles, along with bulletproof glass, on most trips, including those inside the United States, White House officials said. But with quick stops in three countries, the agency will need three sets of each, because there is not enough time to transfer the equipment, according to the planning document.”
Obama has once again “raised” the standard for us all.
Conserve American tax payers “resources” regardless of “personal” sacrifice or “selfish” desires.
Oh my gosh. Michelle and the girls are going to be so “disappointed!”
I am concerned that there aren’t enough “prostitutes” in Africa for the extra 300-or-so “security” personnel referenced in the article?
Washington D.C. Prostitutes
If not, the White House may need to “spend” a few extra bucks and bring some along.
What’s one more “airplane and vehicles” if it keeps the “agents” happy?
Then again, that many prostitutes “missing” from D.C. might leave the “Senate” a little short-handed.
$100 million for a safari on taxpayer’s dime when the country is $16 trillion in debt?
Isn’t that cool? All of it after the Indian safari, which was equally expensive.
Somebody please tell FLOTUS she needs to sit farther toward the front
