Posted on 08/03/2009 6:09:58 AM PDT by reaganaut1
Recently, high-profile visitors to the White House, including senior corporate executives, have found themselves paying for their own meals when sitting down with President Barack Obama, something unheard of in previous White Houses, according to former aides to President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton.
Thus far, there have been at least three instances -- the most recent coming last Friday -- where CEOs or other non-political guests were asked before arriving to the West Wing to provide credit card information so that their meals could be billed to them. According to one source, the meals cost between $20 and $40. "That's not including tip," the current White House aide quipped.
The White House has officially stated that reason to charge for the meals is to remove any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest, according to a statement put out by White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki. But there are no rules barring the President from buying lunch for guests, whether through the White House budget or his own wallet.
In fact, those presidential employees with guest privileges at the White House dining room, known as the "mess," cannot charge their guests' lunch to White House accounts. With a few exceptions, all employees pay for their guests out of their own pocket.
So, with no ethics issue barring the President from buying his guests lunch, what are the reasons? According to another White House source, the Obama Administration in its first 200 days may have burned through much of its budgets for the Executive Residence and the White House's annual entertainment account.
"We've done a lot more entertaining than previous administrations have," says the White House aide. "The whispering here is that we're over budget and where we can, we're trying to save money."
(Excerpt) Read more at spectator.org ...
Obama chows down on $100/lb Japanese Kobe beef.
Serves his guests the cheap stuff and bills them.
The guy is a millionaire extreme Left Liberal.
So naturally.
Liberals say “We” must do this or that but actually mean “You” must do this or that...give up your SUV’s, guns, money, freedoms, etc.
She really is living it up, isn't she?
Failed African States have this kind of leadership as well.
Amateur hour continues...
Hell, I can buy Delmonico steaks well under $10/lb at retail pricing. Buying through a distributor would be an even greater savings.
BTTT
I tend to doubt it. Even on a president's salary, he wouldn't be able to afford weekly parties for the Dems with $100/lb. wagyu beef. WH meals are likely free for the "First Family" - it's a 'perk' we get to pay for . . . . . . like AF1.
The president pays for his own and the first family’s personal food.
http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/magazine/ah/1974/4/1974_4_64.shtml
An old article, but google more articles if you don’t believe me.
Can the Obama’s embarass the American people anymore? The budget is for hosting dinners with important people not flying in people to entertain you!
I think things have changed since the Nixon/Ford days:
Presidential Food Service provides worldwide food service, security, and personal support to the President and First Family. Additionally, they provide gourmet meals and support catered functions and Social Aide Dinners for visiting heads of state.
Presidential Food Service operates the White House Mess Executive dining rooms, provides a carryout service, and provides complete catering coordination to the White House Complex.
They also provide logistics coordination for White House Mess personnel and valet services for Presidential trips and events.
In 2001 the salary increased to $400,000 plus $50,000 for expenses. Because the president’s official duties incur far more expenses than the expense budget can cover, agencies of the federal government often assume responsibility for presidential events.
The Presidential Food Service is part of the White House Military Office (WHMO).
I REPEAT...The president pays for his and family’s food. Obviously not when it’s tied in with other functions...
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview/id/726988.html
From the bottom...”Both Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush noted in thier memoirs that they received a monthly bill for the food purchased for the private quarters”
Unbelievable. They ask people to come on business; charge them for it; but spend recklessly on their and their friends own entertainment.”
Refresh my memory again: NObama and his ilk are staying in a B & B in New England that costs how much per week? $50,000?????
When the next edition of Webster’s comes out, “tacky” definition has to have a pic of Barry!!!
...”Both Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush noted in thier memoirs that they received a monthly bill for the food purchased for the private quarters””
The key words here are “for the private quarters”.
That is NOT lunches for INVITED guests.
I can save NObama the price of a stamp:
I would NOT accept an invitation to the White House under any circumstances- no matter who I was nor what I might be admired for doing in my life.
Not worth the contamination.
I was responding to DustyMoment’s comment that we are paying for 0bama’s mother in law. (Post #33). We are not.
Both Nancy Reagan and Barbara Busg are Republicans. Republicans pay their bills, Democrats do not.
Thank you for proving my point for me!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.