Are U.S. taxpayers unnecessarily burdened by the cost of Presidential vacations?

1. 83

   bethperryposted 10 years ago

   Are U.S. taxpayers unnecessarily burdened by the cost of Presidential vacations?
   
   Even as the U.S. government has put sequester budget cuts in place that affect the general public, the Obama family is going on a multi-nation vacation this month. The projected end cost to taxpayers for this trip is between 60-100 million dollars. Is this an extravagance on the part of ANY first family? And if so, what legal changes would you suggest enacted to stop Presidential vacation excesses from occurring in the future?
   
   

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2. 63

   Lisa HWposted 10 years ago

   With what I've seen, known about, been exposed to, heard about, and/or learned from others with regard to the disgusting waste/misuse of tax dollars (and in ways that so many people don't even seem to have noticed/understood this stuff happens on a day-to-day basis and level far from the public eye); I'd say that vacations for Presidents are the least of anyone's problems.
   
   Besides, because of the nature and demands of that particular position I find it perfectly understandable and reasonable that the individual would need "x amount" of time away every so often.

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   1. 76

      ParadigmEnactedposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Making small exceptions and concessions here and there is how problems become amplified. The president needs time away just as you and I do, but have any of your jobs paid for your vacation as something separate from a salary?

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   2. 74

      Gareth Pritchardposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Bill Gates and Warren Buffet could tag along as well to get a cheap holiday taking advantage of the security on hand, I wounder if they realize this?  I tried politics once it's no place for honest people plus many people think your up you own ass.

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   3. 86

      My Esotericposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      As far as I know, "he" isn't getting paid anything extra.  However, there is an expense when the President travels, regardless of whether it is for business or pleasure.

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3. 72

   jdw7979posted 10 years ago

   Yes we are burdened by this trait, one which many presidents abuse.. especially at times when the nation needs focus and is hurting economically. Though, I  could go down a list of corruption and burdens on us tax payers, and unjustifiably so! This nation is in need of help, and we the people need to fix it.

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   1. 74

      Gareth Pritchardposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes people do need to fix this along with the rest of the world and big government. It's the same in the UK, ever expanding governments, tin pot politicians who are supposed to work for us not against us. Plus the cost of European Government for UK.

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4. 76

   ParadigmEnactedposted 10 years ago

   Isn't the presidents salary around 100 grand a year? I'd be ok with a paid vacation, which is a standard part of many jobs, but not when it exceeds the president's salary by an exorbitant amount like this. A job will pay you your normal salary when you are on leave, but it wouldn't pay for any of your travel expenses or accommodations.
   
   If the president wants to use their own money to take a trip like this, that's fine, and they'll get their normal salary from the tax payers.

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   1. 74

      Gareth Pritchardposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes but you will still have to pay for the army and all those undercover things that swarm around him to protect him and his family because he is one of, if not the, most hated men in the world with targets all over him and his family. Sad but true.

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   2. 76

      ParadigmEnactedposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Exactly...and with all that I don't have anything left over for a lavish vacation.

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   3. 86

      My Esotericposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      The same would be spent if he were the most "loved".  He is only the 'most hated" by Conservatives and fundamentalist Muslims.  Most of the world outside of America really like him and 70% of Americans do to.  Being Pres is 'no't a not a normal job.

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5. 0

   thegeckoposted 10 years ago

   "Are U.S. taxpayers unnecessarily burdened by the cost of Presidential vacations?"
   
   Is this a joke........?

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   1. 83

      bethperryposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Nope. I wish it was.

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   2. 0

      thegeckoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I believe it is... even if we all paid taxes and all shared an equal cost amount, that would only add up to 32 cents per citizen - that's using your high estimate. Hardly a burden. Plus, I'm sure the trip also serves a diplomatic purpose.

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