Has people in general read this?

I don't hate anyone. I think a lot of people were going towards the hope and change and to see how many vacations and golf trips when so many are jobless is just sad. you said it right. they should pay for their own trips but before she left it was assumed she was going for this or that reason and turned it into a african expedition. So yes if she can prove she gave one speech or whatever the government (taxpayers) pays for everything. Same as her extravagant vacation to Spain last year. I could research, and probably become up with the right answer, but I seriously don't think it would be out there if it was not true. Thanks for your opinion though.

I wasn't saying that you were hating on them, but if you read the comments on the link you posted, a lot of people there posted hateful messages! It's ridiculous people seem to post hate more than support. I absolutely think it's ridiculous for her to be traveling on the taxpayers dime when she's wealthy herself, but I would hope there'd be proof of this before people accuse them of anything. The last thing this country needs is more hate! It really amazes me how much people hate Obama and accuse him (and his family) of everything under the sun. I know Bush got plenty of hate too but it was more about the stupid things he said and the laws he supported than anything else. It's about the most insignificant things with Obama. And to be honest, even if she did give a speech or do something there, she should pay for it. There's no reason taxpayers need to be responsible for her bill. If she wants to do good, that's great, but then she needs to pay for it! You don't see people volunteering all over the country, and then expecting compensation for it. Anyway, I may have gotten off topic a bit. So my conclusion: if she made any of the trip a family vacation, she should be responsible for paying it. Don't make those who have little pay for vacations for those who already have a lot. She seems like a great, caring woman but I think that's ridiculous to expect the hardworking people to foot the bill.

you could not have said it any better! I commend you on your thoughts! Last year if you remember they actually stayed at the Taj Mahal and everyone that was there to work etc, was all taken out so THEY could vacation there. What people forget is its not just the President, his wife, children, and mother in law. they have to take an entourage of security, more planes than just Air Force One. Then if one stays behind, that means another plane has to come get them. Perfect example: Martha's Vineyard. President come home 5 hours early from his vacation while his wife stayed for the remainder of the vacation, and so she had special security for her and the rest of the family, and had to have a plane sent to get her as well. So since it was only 5 hours I think us taxpayers need to realize how comfy they really have it at their disposal. And lets now forget with all the security comes sheltering them and feeding them too. I sure hope president settles down and does some real help but honestly all I see in his future is more trips and golf.

You are right. And when the power has the power to do what they want who can do anything. Thanks for your answer.

Your thoughts line with my thinking after a year or so and seeing them go on these types of vacations and her going one way and him joining when he had time rather than taking one vacation together, well my husband was in the Air Force for 23 years and thats what he did was aircraft maintenence. I was in Washington DC during early 70's in the Army. We were always told Air Force one was for the President. But somehow she has her own staff, her own government plane, and her own security. I just don't remember first ladies taking off on their own like this, and then Pelosi at her age should be ashamed of herself. Actually in all the politics, I really worry about Hillary Clinton more than any other political person. Since she took the position I have never seen one woman travel so much to do so much in such short times daily to weekly. I know she is getting ill and she stated she would not hold the position again if Our prez gets re-elected. I remember seeing her next to Clinton when he became President and she seemed so simple and sweet then compared to the dynamic woman she became. I really do hope she gets some rest soon. I am sure Prez O has not helped her anywhere near what he should have been given her position and his. Thanks for talking to me it helped to know someone is thinking!