The New York Times, July 9, 2001, reported on a President's first summer vacation as president:

"On Friday, as new unemployment figures painted a newly troubling portrait of the American economy, Mr..... placed himself in the same scenes--golfing and fishing in a New England paradise....

Simply amazing."



Here's the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, dated July 6, that "painted a newly troubling portrait of the American economy":

The unemployment rate was little changed at 4.5 percent, five-tenths of a percentage point higher than the average for 2000.


As Barack Obama embarked on his first summer vacation as president last week--also in a "New England paradise," Martha's Vineyard--the most recent unemployment rate was 9.4%, more than double the summer 2001 figure.

Covering the Obama jaunt, the Times offers no hint that there's anything wrong with a president taking a vacation during a time of genuine crisis. Indeed, it offers this justification:

Mr. Obama, whom aides described as being amused by all of the gloom-and-doom prognosticating over his health care agenda, did not even consider skipping his vacation. Last year, he talked about the importance of taking a break to avoid "making mistakes."

--------------------------------------------------------------

What a difference a day makes...........

Come on Pale. On a percentage basis, the unemployment increase was much worse from 2000 to 2001 than from 2008 to 2009.

::hands straw his bullhorn::

You forgot this...

oops, thanks Bobby. Ahem, now then ...

That was a 12.5% increase in unemployment 2001 over 2000.

And we have here a doubling.....

give me that bull horn!

I thought cutting and pasting of articles was frowned upon...

In their entirety, yes.

We had this discussion in some other thread, yesterday, with Andy Z.

it is?

Cut and paste the pertinent sections, add a link and I think you're fine.

<<<<----- Likes Martha's Vineyard.

That was my takeaway also. Complete C&P of articles is frowned upon.

I personally don't see why him taking a week's vacation is such a big deal.

^^^^^^^^likes anyplace with a vineyard

because he's Obama. That's why. ::eye roll::

Of course you don't, dear.

That is makes you so enduring!

:slaps forehead:

Silly me. I must be really evil for taking a week to go to BIRI and another week in Dec in Turks/Caicos... My bad.

Also likes Otto's Tap, Poor Richards Liquor Depot, Club Tap, Discount Liquor, Consumer's, Danny's Corner Tavern...

Your point?

Point! Sox.

::slaps down, junior::

Go to your room, little man...

Translation:

Here little man ::cough, cough:: momma give you some more quarters ::cough hack cough:: for the pinball machine and a candy bar and soda.... now leave momma ::hacking hiccupcough:: 'lone while she makes nice with Mr. ::cough wheez cough:: Mr. Tanqueray here...

can avoid many mistakes ^^^^^^ even when a year older

DQ, has Obama done anything that you're not happy with? Just curious....

Actually, I have not been happy with his healthcare reform, nor his over-regulating the banking industry. That said, there is still no reason why the guy can't take a freakin' vacation.

Fair enough, was just curious.

How about his budget-busting spending? Does that ruffle your feathers?