But while the White House doors remain closed to the public in the name of budget cuts, President Obama and his family are getting ready for their next down to earth, middle class vacation in Martha's Vineyard. The Obamas' usual hangout isn't available so they're going with something a bit more modest, which is ironically owned by a corporate finance manager. Washington Examiner has the details:
Local reports indicate that the first family will likely be staying at a $7.6 million resort home on southern edge of the island in the town of Chilmark where homes feature water access to Chilmark Pond, tennis courts and swimming pools.On top of that, White House Dossier points out this little nugget: President Obama has been able to find plenty of money for parties at the White House while he keeps it closed to middle class families visiting Washington D.C.
Staying at the home of Chicago corporate finance manager David Schulte is a break from past Obama vacations because the $21 million home they've rented, Blue Heron Farm, isn't available. Schulte's summer home sits on nine and a half acres, has ocean views and a basketball court.
The owner told the Vineyard Gazette that the Secret Service has booked 70 rooms and another five have been reserved for the Transportation Security Agency. Rates at the hotel run from $225-$345.
Also, telephone and communications lines are being installed on the island for the president's use.
The White House continues to bar average Americans from touring “The People House” but nevertheless lavishes spending on all sorts of special invitees – from diners at last week’s Iftar dinner breaking the Muslim fast to sports teams and foreign diplomats.The Obama's recently returned from a $100 million taxpayer funded trip to Africa at the beginning of July.
Soon after the outcry over the cancellation of tours due to the sequester, the White House promised to see what could be done to allow some visits to resume. But nothing was done and no one can visit – unless President Obama finds you useful or amusing.
Favored guest have poured in this month, even though Obama was traveling in Africa for part of it.
Last week’s glittering Iftar dinner featured about 130 guests treated to remarks by Obama and bread breaking with senior aide Valerie Jarrett and National Security advisor Susan Rice.
Obama held a mass reception for the entire diplomatic corps July 19. He hosted the 2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion Louisville Cardinals July 23 and will gather with the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants today.
He even found room in the White House for a team that hasn’t won a game in 50 years - the 1963 Loyola University of Chicago Ramblers championship basketball team.
Keep working America, the Obamas' social life is depending on you.