Spending hypocrisy by the Obamas

American Thinker Blog ^ | March 3, 2009 | Ethel Fenig

[smokingfrog]

The tale of private investment bank Northern Trust Corporation of Chicago, criticized because it sponsored a golf tournament, with proceeds to charity, followed by a private performance starring such popular acts as Earth, Wind and Fire and Sheryl Crow for its top clients and employees, should serve as a warning to other companies--and even private individuals--on the dangers of accepting government money.

Learning its lesson, Northern, which received $1.5 billion in government bailout funds, plans to repay the government "as quickly as prudently possible" while promising future standard practice corporate entertainment will be "appropriate, given the current environment."

Leading the sanctimonious criticism of Northern's annual golf gathering, which also rewarded top employees and customers, was none other than Rep Barney Frank (D-MA), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These government entities are the epicenter of the housing meltdown which has lead the way to the current financial disaster. Not only did Frank's negligent policies encourages Fannie and Freddie to behave irresponsibly, individuals from his own personal life received some extravagant--and questionable--benefits from them. But hey, apparently government poo bah Frank is exempt from scrutiny, entitled to dispense government largesse as he sees fit.

Meanwhile, back in Washington DC, a government sponsored, government financed (read taxpayer) hosting and entertaining goes merrily on, serenely unperturbed by the financial mess and cost cutting. And no criticism. Less than two weeks ago, President Barack Hussein and Michelle Obama (D) hosted their first state dinner. The dinner, for the nation's governors was a lavish affair. The entertainment? Oh come on, you know, no surprise--why Earth, Wind and Fire!

You expected maybe the children's chorus from the exclusive, expensive private school attended by the Obama daughters?

[smokingfrog]

President Obama wore a black tuxedo with a black bow tie and gold shirt studs, while FLOTUS wore a silver dress, "with a necklace that looked to be made up of diamonds and pearls."