Having a First Lady can be Expensive

When we elected Barack Obama to the Presidency we also automatically hired Michelle Obama, as First Lady, to represent the United States in various forums. That includes visiting foreign nations on 'Good Will' missions. This is just something that comes with the job and is entirely appropriate –it can also be a valuable service. Sometimes, however, you have to wonder if there is anyone in the Administration who looks at these trips and compares the value to be gained against the costs.

The First Lady’s resent trip to Africa is a perfect example. Michelle Obama flew to South Africa and Botswana to meet Mandela and while there took a little personal time to take a safari. Accompanying the First Lady on this trip were the two Obama daughters, Michelle’s mother, a nephew, a niece, a hair stylist and a makeup artist.

The Washington Post reports that the costs of the trip (estimated from documents obtained by Judicial Watch through the Freedom of Information Act) at $424,122 flying on an Air Force C130 customized to fly VIP’s. An additional cost was $924.22 for 124 meals served to the 21 people in the entourage. -and this was only the cost of traveling to and from South Africa not what was spent "on the ground" there.

That’s a pretty expensive bill for giving a couple of speeches. Well, at least the Obama’s had a good time and got a safari out of it. It’s no big deal, it’s just our tax money after all…

Weird Laws

Our country is now over 200 years old and over the course of time the Federal Government, State Governments and local communities have passed thousands of laws. Many of those laws were just plain dumb when they were written. Many more became obsolete, out dated and stupid as time passed. Unfortunately, many of those laws, though not enforced, still remain on the books. I have decided to put some of those in my little blog just to share a good laugh, or a good cry –or even an occasional scream- with you. Here is today’s entry or entries:

In Kentucky it is illegal to transport an ice cream cone in your pocket.

In New Orleans it is considered simple assault if you bite some one but it is aggravated assault if you have false teeth.

In Louisiana it is illegal to gargle in public.

Live Long and Prosper...