First Lady Michelle Obama's Pleasure Trip to Spain Sparks Outrage Over Security Detail, Transportation Costs

First Lady Michelle Obama under fire for her pleasure trip with friends to Spain at the taxpayers' expense for security detail & transportation.

I don't want to come across as a hater, but I do have a problem with the cost of First Lady Michelle Obama's trip to Spain, considering we are in a recession and people are still losing their jobs and their homes. I wouldn't go as far as calling her a modern-day Marie Antoinette, but I am disappointed that they could spend thousands on the taxpayers' dime for her 68-strong security detail, her personal staff - and the use of presidential jet Air Force Two. I must add, they are footing the bill for their personal accommodations. This certainly does not send the right message. Considering the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom flew on a commercial plane during his visit to the U.S. recently.

In good economic times, I would have just shrugged my shoulders to her pleasure trip abroad, but these are tough economic times for just about everyone on Main Street and this just sends the wrong message, especially in light of the fact that the family has taken a few vacations lately. According to the U.K. Daily Mail, by the end of the summer, Mrs. Obama will have enjoyed eight vacations since her husband took office.

The cost of accommodating the secret service team runs at around £172 each a day which amounts to nearly £60,000 for the length of the summer break.

Use of Air Force Two, the Air Force version of a 757, comes in at £91,900 for the round trip. This does not include time on the ground.

The American public will also cover the cost of the only official part of the holiday, a visit to the Spanish royal family on the island of Majorca. A conservative estimate puts the total amount at around £150,000. Source

Of course I don't expect the Obamas to fly by JetBlue or Delta, but the elitist label is sticking like glue to them. I recall President George W. Bush being called out many times for his many vacations. I am not attacking Mrs. Obama, I am just questioning the rationale behind this trip.