Sunday, July 18, 2010

Obamas Vacation in Maine, Not Gulf Coast

The Obama are weekending in Bar Harbor, Maine. Good for them. The group includes staff, like best pal Valerie Jarrett, and also Bo, the family pooch. It was noted in the aforementioned link that Bo traveled in the second private jet, accompanied by staff and friends.

Let's get this out of the way - there is nothing wrong with the President of the United States enjoying a road trip with the family for some rest and relaxation. No matter the job held, everyone needs that. Get out of your personal bubble and regroup with a change of scenery, meet some new people, learn something new. It's all good.

This year, there is a gusher of an oil spill belching in the Gulf of Mexico. It may be contained but the clean up is ongoing. The tourist industry is vital to the Gulf coast. Tourists and area residents enjoy the beautiful beaches and family friendly getaways. President Obama finally mentioned that people should not be afraid to continue on with plans to vacation on the Gulf coast, as he visited briefly three weeks ago. And, it is noted he said it from the panhandle of Florida. Better late than never, we said. Yes, encourage people to support our Gulf coast.

So, what is the President doing himself? He goes to Maine for his very well publicized family getaway. True, it is undeniably beautiful and peaceful. Having had the pleasure of a month's stay in the Portland area a few years back, I can personally vouch for the area. Our little family enjoyed a fabulous July 4th there that summer and stuffed ourselves with fresh lobster to excess. The husband was commissioning an oil drilling rig at the shipyard and our son and I were able to join him there. It was great.

Can you imagine the impact a presidential family vacation would have on tourism on the Gulf coast? It couldn't hurt.

This again makes the words of the President look hollow. He must learn to lead by example. Whether it is his frequent photo op lunches eating hamburgers and fries as the First Lady preaches about healthy nutrition programs or making vacation suggestions to ordinary Americans, words and actions must mesh.

It is reported that a second family vacation is planned for Cape Cod. There is still time to change that. Will they?

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