Who's the boss? Seems country ought to be able to recoup vacation costs

It is shocking enough that any president facing this kind of mounting debt would even consider an unnecessary $100 million expenditure.

But what is even more disturbing about the president and first family's trip to Africa is that he does not seem to care that many people -- including his usual base of supporters -- think it is a gross misuse of funds and power.

Chalk it up to lame duck or simply look at it as the result of a president whose approval ratings have fallen so much that he does not really care whether or not anyone is upset over his summer vacation.

But we should be.

And there should be some sort of way to make sure there is not another round of unnecessary Obama entertainment bills in the next 12 months.

A trip to Africa for the president is fine, as long as it is justified and necessary as part of the business of the country.

But to load up your family, along with a posse of security and limousines, and to head overseas is wrong -- and we should not have to pay for it.

The Obamas have taken advantage of many perks during their time in office. And this is just one more.

But it is time to say enough -- before the bill gets even higher.

Published in Editorials on June 24, 2013 10:39 AM