This morning, the "talking heads" of the networks, in looking for anything that's controversial on a Friday before the July 4th weekend, were falling all over themselves in the debate about whether President Obama is entitled to a vacation. After all, they grumbled, he has too many major crises to attend to. It would be unseemly for him to get out there and have fun.
The premise by some was that we (citizens) don't want to see our president out on the golf course or shooting hoops, and having a good time, while people are suffering in the Gulf and all through our country, due to unemployment and a sick economy. What's a president to do?
I can remember my father complaining about "that golfer, Ike". That's all he seemed to do, to dad. Well, Ike did a helluva lot more than that what with the programs he got going, such as the highway system, dealing with the USSR and the Cold War. He launched the space program after Sputnik shocked the U.S. He golfed, yes, but was he deserving? Of course, the man was!
Everyone knew what Bill Clinton did with his leisure time, and mostly the press looked the other way. He was more of a crowd-pleaser and loved getting out of the White House, and being at some local eatery chatting and stealing fries off of people's plates. He balanced the budget, and reigned through some of the best years of economic growth ever. Yet, other than his sexual missteps, was he deserving of a break now and them? You bet, he was!
GW Bush spent his leisure moments, during 9/11, and two wars, bicycling and cutting brush from his ranch at Crawford, Texas. He is considered one of the most fit presidents we've ever had. But should he have spent so much time in Texas? Undoubtedly, he'd get into less trouble over in Texas cutting down brush, than in Washington! Did he deserve a break? Even, I would agree, the poor thing did deserve a break!
As one of the youngest presidents our country has ever had, President Obama is quite active and he often is down deep into a basketball game with friends. He also never forgets his dates with Michelle and often takes her to posh restaurants for a dinner and a way to tell her she's special to him. I like that about him. It makes for a good story and a lesson to other families. I really don't care if he jets to New York City for a night on the town. And certainly, during this long 4th of July weekend, the president should take in some rounds of golf, eat some hamburgers and play with Bo and the kids afterwards. It's why we chose him. He's so much like us!
Happy 4th of July!
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