Michelle Obama’s ‘goodwill tour’ of Africa cost U.S. taxpayers up to $800,000
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 7:17 AM on 28th June 2011
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2008936/Michelle-Obama-s-goodwill-tour-Africa-cost-taxpayers-800-000.html
While her husband continues to battle a flagging economy at home, Michelle Obama's 'goodwill tour' of Africa cost taxpayers an estimated $800,000, it has emerged. ["Goodwill tour"? Puhleeeeeease! This was nothing more than Moochelle sticking the U.S. taxpayers with the bill for an expensive vacation for her, her daughters, and her mother. Moochelle didn't accomplish a damn thing, other than to entertain herself. B.]
According to Whitehousedossier.com the First Lady's trip to South Africa and Botswana last week will certainly cost well over half a million dollars and could be as much as $800,000.
The cost of local transportation, Secret Service protection, food for her family and staff members, the cost of firing up 'Air Force 2' not to mention the pre-trip preparations would all have contributed to the final amount.
Mrs Obama said the trip would help 'youth leadership, education, health and wellness' in southern Africa, according to the White House. [Oh really ... and specifically speaking, Moochelle, just exactly how did this entertainment junket of yours accomplish these lofty, nebulous, totally unsubstantiated goals of yours, eh? Come on, Moochelle ... come clean ... you're just mooching freebies off the government tit. 
B.]
All laudable goals. But with the news agenda endlessly dominated by the deficit, the raft of job loses and general economic misery, many may question why the money wasn't used closer to home. ["Laudable" goals? Maybe. "Real" goals? Definitely not. B.]
While in Africa Mrs Obama, who also brought along her mother, daughters Malia and Sasha, and two of their cousins, enjoyed a meet up with Nelson Mandela, visits to historical landmarks and museums and a safari. [This was nothing more than yet another expensive family vacation. Pay for it, yourself, Moochelle! B.]
According to Defence Department figures the DOD charges other federal agencies $12,723 per hour for the use of a C-32 plane, the same model as the one Mrs Obama was ferried about on during her trip.
When the distance travelled and flight speed of the plane are put together the cost of the plane could be as much as $430,000, according to the White House Dossier blog.
A military cargo plane usually goes with the First Lady on foreign trips in order to bring cars and other large items to the country.
If Mrs Obama had been accompanied by a military plane it could easily add on another $200,000 to the cost, based on Defence Department rates.
Mrs Obama’s office did not respond to the blog's request for comment.
The essential American soul is hard, isolate, stoic, and a killer. It has never yet melted. ~ D.H. Lawrence
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