Many of the talking heads are now commenting on President Obama’s10 day trip to Asia. The purpose of the trip is to attempt to open up jobs in countries like Indian, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, etc. The president is taking a business entourage with him on the trip
Already misinformation is spreading about the cost of the trip. One rumor that surfaced and went viral is the the trip will cost $200 million per day which includes presidential protection. This figure is being vehemently denied as outrageous. The report that 34 war ships are accompanying him is also being denied by the Pentagon. News sources all report the disclaimer by the Pentagon spokesman:
“I will take the liberty this time of dismissing as absolutely absurd this notion that somehow we were deploying 10 percent of the Navy, some 34 ships and an aircraft carrier, in support of the president’s trip to Asia,” Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said. “That’s just comical. Nothing close to that is being done.”
The Sun News reports that both Glenn Beck and Michele Bachmann spread the cost rumors as fact. The foreign press is adding to the rumor mill. Bachmann, in particular, should be held accountable for spreading misinformation. Beck, we expect no better from.
Other critics are up in arms that during a recession, the president would leave the country again. Many feel he should be staying home (and off the golf course) and tend to domestic business.
Leaders in the last century and in the 21st century have traveled abroad. Teddy Roosevelt was the first president to leave the country. Presidents should be able to set their own agenda and as long as they are doing the business of the country, this travel should without criticism and certainly without government officials lying about the cost. Good will and jobs are excellent goals to seek.
