I just heard about Mrs. Obama's grocery trip

It's a very good thing to support but when we are in such trouble financially is it really necessary to have 36 cars to escort her?! I can see the point you're making and it's a good one but there's so much of our tax dollars being wasted in DC that it nearly makes me physically ill.

IF 36 cars is the security (and don't forget media) protocol, then that's what it is. Michelle Obama had no control over the particulars of her visit to this Farmer's Market and, really, if you want to nit pick about the cost of gas, it was probably less than $50 total considering the proximity of the Farmer's Market to the White House. Are we that poor as a nation that we can't afford the expense attached to our First Lady visiting the opening of such an important local event? Should we also look at the salaries of the Secret Service agents? Should they be paid to stand around and do nothing or should they only be paid when the First Family's safety is in danger?

yeah i think that it is good that Mrs. Obama is for healthy living and organic vegetables. But i think lots of Americans are health conscious already but she does send a good message to people in promoting a healthy living.

Starving those farmers--and the world that they help to feed--for the sake of a minnow is beyond ridiculous. It was refreshing to read your ranting and know someone shares my feelings!

Spalladino replied above with a good point. Mrs. Obama is promoting healthy eating and maybe her appearance will encourage kids and parents to improve their diets. But 36 cars?! I think that's overkill. Especially from an administration that wants cap and tax made law.

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I hope it has nothing to do with organics either. As far as I know, it's local produce that is not normally available to the residents of the city.

I still think it's overkill.

I don't agree with the president on hardly anything but I pray for his safety and that of his family every night. I can't imagine why anyone would want to harm him and I say that in all sincerity.

I agree entirely. However, you were implying that Michelle was wanting this huge entourage - I am quite certain that isn't the case. I never cease to be amazed how much energy is expended to save energy!

yeah though that is very large entourage but she is no ordinary person specially there are many people who seem to have obama. and so tighter security is very much needed for her. we don't know if there are some crazy around just waiting for opportunity.

I'm sure she didn't ASK for the entourage, but when states are declaring bankruptcy, I kind of think the financial cuts need to take place WITHIN the government - since they are the BIGGEST WASTE OF MONEY THAT DOESN'T EVEN EXIST.

If none of the states were bankrupt and in the red, sure, I'd say send 36 cars with her to the farmer's market. As it is, she should be able to jaunt down to the farmer's market on foot alone. Sorry but I see no reason why not. Otherwise, she could always send ONE person who works for her to the farmer's market, and if they were interested in being 'green', the employee could WALK.

I would be okay with 4 cars or with your scenario. With yours, nobody would know she was there so she'd be in little danger. Of course, she'd be recognized but there wouldn't be any warning for someone who had bad intentions as there was with 36 cars!

You Canadians must think we're insane when you hear of stuff like this.

Not just Canadians...try 'rest of the world'

The Secret Service does not operate on the whims of a president or a First Lady. They have standards for security that must be maintained. Sorry, but one operative who is a crack shot is not enough eyes according to the standard. The President of the United States and the First Lady will not be put in harms way in order to set an example. The stakes are too high.

But 36 cars?!

I wouldn't want any harm to come to her or any of her family but I think it's a bit of overkill. It's almost an invitation for some crazy who sees the motorcade.

I don't think so at this point. Mrs. Obama seems genuinely interested in children and setting a good example for them and the community. It's just that setting that example is proving to be very expensive at a time when there isn't a cent to spare.

Thanks for sharing! A lot of people were deceived about the president we have now.

They shouldn't be spending ANY of the public's money. If they want to be a good example, they ought to be taking care of all of their own wants and needs on their own, not by spending money taken from US. Otherwise, I deserve a 36 car motorcade and security everywhere I go, and I should get to take money from the public to pay for it.

Of course I would never do such a thing. Even if I could. Even if I were supposed to. It's morally wrong... and my nose isn't THAT HIGH in the air.

It's all about the publicity and screw the public's tax dollars!

The hypocrisy is astounding. Like Al Gore, the "global warming" king, with his huge houses and private jets.

On one hand, I agree with you that she should not have to have her life restricted. But she and her husband knew the restrictions when he applied for the job. He pledged to cut down on government waste. Surely she can stand 4 years of limited movement while they supposedly try to get the country back on its feet?

(I don't think they are trying, they're destroying the country financially and very deliberately, but people will catch on if they continue this type of behavior)