Mar 30 2009
Good call, Mr. President
I think this is an example of the change that people thought they were voting for in November.
The Obama’s have decided to pay for the renovations and redecorating of the White House out of their own pocket, rather than use the $100,000 in federal funds available to them. They also refused funding from the White House Historical Association (who had purchased the Bush family a nice $75,000 China set).
This was a very smart move by the president. The Obama’s made a little over $2 million last year, mostly from book revenue, and can probably afford the renovations pretty easily. Rather than fall under criticism for making lavish upgrades with taxpayer money (something that Obama has had to criticize CEO’s of ailing companies for) in a time of economic crisis Obama is showing responsibility and restraint here.
The administration has charged Michael Smith to head the renovation project. Smith said the affordability would be one of the “guiding principles” in his work.
“The family’s casual style, their interest in bringing 20th Century American artists to the forefront and utilizing affordable brands and products will serve as our guiding principles as we make the residence feel like their home,” said Smith.
Now here’s the important question… when they pick up all their new stuff from Ikea, is the President going to put all that stuff together himself? But seriously, that’s a real classy move on his part. I’m sure the repubs will find some way to spin it badly.
http://obamacomics.today.com
Ok, Ok, Its a magicians trick, pull your focus away from whats going on in the background, but yeah, props given here too.
Sorry brother sounds like PR to me, nothing to do with substantive policy change. I’m not saying its not clever PR but it is PR.
PR or not-my hat is off to them. They could have easily used the allocated funds and we would have been none the wiser. I give them credit for classy move-regardless of the motivation. You’re always on the ball guitarman; not many of us would have ever heard of that (which kind of refutes the PR arguement) if it weren’t for you. At least I wouldn’t have. Be good my friend. Get back to me on that Website Creator issue-time is running out.
Ha! That’s funny, Jason! I have an image of the Prez and 1st Lady sprawled out trying to decipher the assembly instructions. Some of that stuff is HARD to put together!
Ahhhh…an Oval Office filled with Poang chairs. Nice
I was gonna send you some credits. Do you have another blog you want me to send them to?
“when they pick up all their new stuff from Ikea, is the President going to put all that stuff together himself?”
Actually I think they’re going to get Dick Cheney to do it. I hear he’s been looking for work. It will be interesting to see the former creep of a veep put something together for a change, as opposed to blowing it apart.
PR or no, it was a good gesture to make to millions of Americans who are struggling financially to make ends meet.
“You’re always on the ball guitarman”
I second that. And boy, you sure konw how to play that guitar!
Peace out.
http://indie-american.blogspot.com/
Excellent work my friend. I should have thought of that!
Hey skwguitar, I did not mean to suggest you are not doing a fine job. Simply that the “class” Obama showed has more political value than few bucks he spent. My hat is off to your efforts and the work you do, my divergent perspective of the meaning of those events is not withstanding, even if others would suggest otherwise.
Respect