Obama Family Costs U.S. Taxpayers $1.4 Billion Per Year

What is wrong with this picture?

If the book by Robert Keith Gray, "Presidential Perks Gone Royal", can be believed, Barack Obama, Michelle and their two kids cost the American taxpayer far more than what the British taxpayer is paying to maintain the British Royal Family.  And there are many more of them to take care of than Obamas in the White House. Brit Royalty cost just under $60 million per year, whereas the Obama family costs approximately $1.4 billion every year to maintain.  Yes, that includes their $4million vacations in Hawaii, their 54 Christmas trees , and their 2012 Hawaii Christmas holiday that will probably cost more than $4 million, since they are staying there longer.

Granted, much of that $1.4 billion is security and necessary staff, but that security wouldn't be so costly if our president took shorter vacations.

Gray's book (the full title: Presidential Perks Gone Royal: Your Taxes Are Being Used For Obama's Re-election) - a tad useless since he won re-election - was obviously geared towards trying to persuade voters why it wouldn't be a good idea to give him another four years.

Although security is necessary for a president, Gray lists some not so necessary expenses that the taxpayer is saddled with:

When the President travels around the country on campaign, he is obliged to take Air Force One.

His party reimburses the taxpayer with the cost of a first-class air ticket per passenger - but this is far from the full cost to taxpayers.

It also provides a President running for re-election with a national transport network which is unavailable to his challenger.

Moreover, much of the money spent on Mr Obama's family goes to perks such as entertainment and household expenses.

For example, the White House contains a movie theatre which is manned by projectionists 24 hours a day in case one of the family feels like a trip to the cinema.

And even the Obamas' dog Bo costs the taxpayer thousands of dollars - his handler is reportedly paid over $100,000 a year.

Another huge presidential outgoing, according to Mr Gray, comes in the form of staff members who can be appointed by the commander-in-chief at his own personal discretion.

226 members of Mr Obama's staff are apparently paid over $100,000 - and the President can increase their salaries at any time.

For a man who is supposedly so concerned about the poor and middle-class, one would think he would be far more conscientious about how he spends the taxpayer's money. A projectionist 24 hours a day? $100,000 for a dog handler?

Shameful.

H/T Glenn Beck