The First Family depart the White House, April 29. They are traveling to Alabama to survey damage from tornados before heading for Florida for a space shuttle launch.
I hope that the people of Alabama know that the American people have them in our prayers and that the President and first family will do all they can to help them recover from this tragedy.
AREN’T THEY PRECIOUS…WHAT A DAY THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE…THIS IS A ‘COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS’ TRIP…WE CAN’T COMPLAIN WHEN WE SEE PLACES LIKE ALABAMA…TOTALLY REMOVED FROM THE SOIL…WE CAN’T COMPLAIN WHEN WE SEE SOMEONE LIKE GABBY GIFFORDS…A VICTIM OF VIOLENCE WHO IS MOVING FORWARD WITH HOPE AND CONVICTION! THE OBAMA DAUGHTERS ARE GETTING QUITE AN EDUCATION…THINGS THEY WILL NEVER FORGET…THEIR COMPASSION WILL GROW LIKE THEIR PARENT’S.
Very well said, Sue. Your comments are quite appropriate for today’s somber occasion–a definite learning experience for all who are involved. I am from Alabama, and have relatives (on my husband’s side)whose homes were hit by the violent tornadoes (no injuries, thank God). We live about an hour from the devastation in Tuscaloosa and about two hours from Birmingham (where I have two syblings whose families were not harmed). It is almost unbelievable what parts of Tuscaloosa (University of Alabama college town) and the metro Birmingham area (Pratt City, Pleasant Grove, Hueytown, Fultondale and others) look like after the storm.
Way back when I was a child in the 1970s, my home was hit by a tornado. So I can recall vividly the freightening experience of hearing a tornado pass over one’s home. My kids are now learning first hand that we, indeed, can’t complain, we can only count our blessings.
It would be nice if someone would talk to Kathleen Sebelius Secretary of Health. When she was Governer of Kansas we had a tornado in Greensburg that totally leveled the town, nothing left, nada. She rebuilt the entire town all green. Everything from the buildings, power,etc. It is a model city that many professional have visited to see how it all works.
I am so happy that the girls get to go and agree with your comments about the learning experience it will be and also get a up close and personal idea of what their daddy does. I’m sure that their parents don’t discuss all of his responsibilites but this one will have an impact. I just love the way POTUS and FLOTUS raise Sasha and Malia.
I imagine they will be separated from the crowd and so will Gabbie. She has not had any pictures taken of her except the one of her holding her husbands hand. Just think he gets to go up and see his twin brother. I hope they take a picture of them together. I’d like to see one,in space no less. Wow!!
At first I thought the President and the First Lady were slighted by not being invited to the royal wedding, but I no longer think that. I am glad they are not in England today. Today they will be right where they need to be, in Alabama and by the side of Gabby.
I agree (except I don’t think they were ever to upset about not getting invited). I’m glad they are in the states watching the shuttle launch, visiting Alabama families, and the Prez speaking at the Miami-Dade graduation.
Sorry, I look at my comment and it sounds negative. They have a protocol for Royal Weddings that has to be followed. Kate and William did imvite friends, families of officers he served with who died in Iraq and Afghanistan and also people from all the charities he sponsers. A homeless woman was invited. That is a big one along with several charities in Africa that William is very involved with. They requested donations to their charities in lieu of gifts.
OK, I’ll stop talking about the wedding…..this is The Obama Diary not the Kate and William Wedding. 😆
The notion that the Obamas were “slighted” by not being invited to the wedding is again another media manufactured nontroversy designed to put the President and his family in a negative light. With very few exceptions, it is customary to not invite political heads of other countries (except those in the commonwealth)to Royal weddings in Britain. As barb indicated, the President of France was not invited to the wedding either.
Having said that, if the Obamas were to attend the Royal wedding, the event would have been about them and it would have been a major embarrassment for the bride/groom and loved ones, to have people yelling and shouting “Obama! Obama!” while the horses and chariots are going by. Not to mention that level of security required would have been ridiculous.
two things:
1. Love the term “nontroversy”- so true, it was absolutely ginned up by Douchebags Inc.
2. “Obama!” “Obama!” would so totally have happened 🙂
Thaat is so true! Obama is VERY popular here in the UK. At first I was puzzled as to why they were not invited but it WOULD have been about them and the security would have been a total nightmare. At least we have his State Visit to look forward to – I am counting the days!
Yes hopefruit2, I totally see and completely understand that now. It does make me try to remember though if any famous Americans went to Charles and Diana’s wedding? Anyone? I do not recall at all.
m, here is the scoop from factcheck.org of royal wedding invitations of US Presidents in the past, etc (including the whole history of how this made up “Obamas-not-invited” rumor got started)
thanks so much hopefruit2. Ugh, did you see that tripe about Michelle being enraged at being snubbed? Gross, but it was interesting to see the president who, over the years, have been invited and those who weren’t. My guess is, if it was any other American president except PBO, (one who wasn’t as popular), we would have totally gotten invited. This sounds so bad, but the only royal I’ve ever really, really liked was Diana. I’m sure her sons are fine, but they don’t engender in me the love and respect I had for their mother. I’m not killing myself to watch William get married. I don’t get the obsession with his fiance and the ridiculous ways the press tries to twist and bend itself all over, under and around in order to try to make comparisons between Kate and Diana. They are two compeletly different people, and Diana’s shoes can never be filled. Plus- though I appreciate the history of the monoarchy, in 2011, I don’t get it. Using $32 million pounds (approximately $53 million US) of tax payers money, when several months before students were rioting and attack Charles’ car because of tuition hikes and crazy austerity measures, just doesn’t seem square to me. I respect them in the context of history, but I just don’t get them.
It’s impossible to keep them completely off limits because I wouldn’t be able to say “nice shoes Sasha or nice shirt Malia.” I think you’re coming on too strong. I’ve been on this website for a long time and I’m a big fan of the First Family. I never make disparaging comments about the girls and my original comment was in a jokingly, harmless manner.
I agree Jessica. How can we only talk about Obama and leave out his family. They are in the public eye at times but not oftem and when they are I like to talk about how tall or how cute at the Easter Egg Roll. Things like that.
I believe they are not going to do any family interviews. They did one and decided it would be best to not expose them to questions. So interviews are off limits.
I do believe your comment about “playing hookie” from school was not intended to be negative at all. I think the defense and protection of the girls came in because we can see some wacko looking for something to complain about might claim the girls were playing hookie in a mean disparaging way without seeing the richness of what this day will hold for them out of school today and the incredible learning experience they are embarking on alongside their parents.
This girls are a national treasure. Won’t it be something to see them all grown up someday and to hear their stories of these days. God bless them and god bless us all.
It wasn’t a joke about Malia and Sasha, it was a joke out them not being in school to watch the shuttle launch. Did you even see it. And it was hardly even a joke, more of just an observation.
Hey Jessica, how’s your day been? I hope well. I didn’t see the original comment, but I from what I’ve read from other people’s comments, the reactions may have been overblown. Everyone of us here knows that each of us deeply loves and cares for the First Family and would never say anything to slight any of them. I think people are still a bit raw from what happened with the prez and that cheese-ball douchebag, and in our oversensitivity we are being a bit overprotective when no protection is warranted on this site because we are not only a community, but a family. Disagreements and misunderstandings happen in families, but I don’t think there is any fault with what was said, in fact, when I saw them leaving I thought to myself:”Oh, they’re missing school. I wonder if they have their make-up work with them? I bet Michelle is going to make them do it on Airforce One.” I hope we haven’t put a damper on your day, we love you and we know you love us and we all love the First Family.
I think both girls are in different ways! This family is just perfect including Mrs Robinson! Glad the first granny is going to, safe flights and all the best Obama Family!
Ooookaaaay, is anybody as lost as I am? ……..
Morning all!!!! I hope we’re all having a great day so far! I just can’t wait to see all the videos and photos of the First Family today and I know you all can’t wait either! Peace and Love to each and everyone of you 🙂
Obama White House.gov
The Obama Diary 
I hope that the people of Alabama know that the American people have them in our prayers and that the President and first family will do all they can to help them recover from this tragedy.
AREN’T THEY PRECIOUS…WHAT A DAY THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE…THIS IS A ‘COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS’ TRIP…WE CAN’T COMPLAIN WHEN WE SEE PLACES LIKE ALABAMA…TOTALLY REMOVED FROM THE SOIL…WE CAN’T COMPLAIN WHEN WE SEE SOMEONE LIKE GABBY GIFFORDS…A VICTIM OF VIOLENCE WHO IS MOVING FORWARD WITH HOPE AND CONVICTION! THE OBAMA DAUGHTERS ARE GETTING QUITE AN EDUCATION…THINGS THEY WILL NEVER FORGET…THEIR COMPASSION WILL GROW LIKE THEIR PARENT’S.
Very well said, Sue. Your comments are quite appropriate for today’s somber occasion–a definite learning experience for all who are involved. I am from Alabama, and have relatives (on my husband’s side)whose homes were hit by the violent tornadoes (no injuries, thank God). We live about an hour from the devastation in Tuscaloosa and about two hours from Birmingham (where I have two syblings whose families were not harmed). It is almost unbelievable what parts of Tuscaloosa (University of Alabama college town) and the metro Birmingham area (Pratt City, Pleasant Grove, Hueytown, Fultondale and others) look like after the storm.
Way back when I was a child in the 1970s, my home was hit by a tornado. So I can recall vividly the freightening experience of hearing a tornado pass over one’s home. My kids are now learning first hand that we, indeed, can’t complain, we can only count our blessings.
It would be nice if someone would talk to Kathleen Sebelius Secretary of Health. When she was Governer of Kansas we had a tornado in Greensburg that totally leveled the town, nothing left, nada. She rebuilt the entire town all green. Everything from the buildings, power,etc. It is a model city that many professional have visited to see how it all works.
I am so happy that the girls get to go and agree with your comments about the learning experience it will be and also get a up close and personal idea of what their daddy does. I’m sure that their parents don’t discuss all of his responsibilites but this one will have an impact. I just love the way POTUS and FLOTUS raise Sasha and Malia.
I imagine they will be separated from the crowd and so will Gabbie. She has not had any pictures taken of her except the one of her holding her husbands hand. Just think he gets to go up and see his twin brother. I hope they take a picture of them together. I’d like to see one,in space no less. Wow!!
At first I thought the President and the First Lady were slighted by not being invited to the royal wedding, but I no longer think that. I am glad they are not in England today. Today they will be right where they need to be, in Alabama and by the side of Gabby.
I agree (except I don’t think they were ever to upset about not getting invited). I’m glad they are in the states watching the shuttle launch, visiting Alabama families, and the Prez speaking at the Miami-Dade graduation.
Only heads of states were invited. President Sarkozy wasn’t invited either.
Sorry, I look at my comment and it sounds negative. They have a protocol for Royal Weddings that has to be followed. Kate and William did imvite friends, families of officers he served with who died in Iraq and Afghanistan and also people from all the charities he sponsers. A homeless woman was invited. That is a big one along with several charities in Africa that William is very involved with. They requested donations to their charities in lieu of gifts.
OK, I’ll stop talking about the wedding…..this is The Obama Diary not the Kate and William Wedding. 😆
Thanks for sharing. Good info.
The notion that the Obamas were “slighted” by not being invited to the wedding is again another media manufactured nontroversy designed to put the President and his family in a negative light. With very few exceptions, it is customary to not invite political heads of other countries (except those in the commonwealth)to Royal weddings in Britain. As barb indicated, the President of France was not invited to the wedding either.
Having said that, if the Obamas were to attend the Royal wedding, the event would have been about them and it would have been a major embarrassment for the bride/groom and loved ones, to have people yelling and shouting “Obama! Obama!” while the horses and chariots are going by. Not to mention that level of security required would have been ridiculous.
two things:
1. Love the term “nontroversy”- so true, it was absolutely ginned up by Douchebags Inc.
2. “Obama!” “Obama!” would so totally have happened 🙂
Huh. Didn’t even realize I didn’t identify myself. It’s me, lisa
Thaat is so true! Obama is VERY popular here in the UK. At first I was puzzled as to why they were not invited but it WOULD have been about them and the security would have been a total nightmare. At least we have his State Visit to look forward to – I am counting the days!
Yes hopefruit2, I totally see and completely understand that now. It does make me try to remember though if any famous Americans went to Charles and Diana’s wedding? Anyone? I do not recall at all.
m, here is the scoop from factcheck.org of royal wedding invitations of US Presidents in the past, etc (including the whole history of how this made up “Obamas-not-invited” rumor got started)
http://www.factcheck.org/2011/01/obamas-not-invited-to-royal-wedding/
thanks so much hopefruit2. Ugh, did you see that tripe about Michelle being enraged at being snubbed? Gross, but it was interesting to see the president who, over the years, have been invited and those who weren’t. My guess is, if it was any other American president except PBO, (one who wasn’t as popular), we would have totally gotten invited. This sounds so bad, but the only royal I’ve ever really, really liked was Diana. I’m sure her sons are fine, but they don’t engender in me the love and respect I had for their mother. I’m not killing myself to watch William get married. I don’t get the obsession with his fiance and the ridiculous ways the press tries to twist and bend itself all over, under and around in order to try to make comparisons between Kate and Diana. They are two compeletly different people, and Diana’s shoes can never be filled. Plus- though I appreciate the history of the monoarchy, in 2011, I don’t get it. Using $32 million pounds (approximately $53 million US) of tax payers money, when several months before students were rioting and attack Charles’ car because of tuition hikes and crazy austerity measures, just doesn’t seem square to me. I respect them in the context of history, but I just don’t get them.
oh interesting hopefruit2. thank you for the link. 🙂
May I suggest Jessica that you back off the kids?
Still, keep the girls out of it, they are kids and ought to be completely off limits. It is extremely uncomfortable for some of us.
It’s impossible to keep them completely off limits because I wouldn’t be able to say “nice shoes Sasha or nice shirt Malia.” I think you’re coming on too strong. I’ve been on this website for a long time and I’m a big fan of the First Family. I never make disparaging comments about the girls and my original comment was in a jokingly, harmless manner.
I agree Jessica. How can we only talk about Obama and leave out his family. They are in the public eye at times but not oftem and when they are I like to talk about how tall or how cute at the Easter Egg Roll. Things like that.
I believe they are not going to do any family interviews. They did one and decided it would be best to not expose them to questions. So interviews are off limits.
Jessica,
I do believe your comment about “playing hookie” from school was not intended to be negative at all. I think the defense and protection of the girls came in because we can see some wacko looking for something to complain about might claim the girls were playing hookie in a mean disparaging way without seeing the richness of what this day will hold for them out of school today and the incredible learning experience they are embarking on alongside their parents.
This girls are a national treasure. Won’t it be something to see them all grown up someday and to hear their stories of these days. God bless them and god bless us all.
“Jokes” about 9 and 12 year olds no matter how “harmless”, not cool!
It wasn’t a joke about Malia and Sasha, it was a joke out them not being in school to watch the shuttle launch. Did you even see it. And it was hardly even a joke, more of just an observation.
Hey Jessica, how’s your day been? I hope well. I didn’t see the original comment, but I from what I’ve read from other people’s comments, the reactions may have been overblown. Everyone of us here knows that each of us deeply loves and cares for the First Family and would never say anything to slight any of them. I think people are still a bit raw from what happened with the prez and that cheese-ball douchebag, and in our oversensitivity we are being a bit overprotective when no protection is warranted on this site because we are not only a community, but a family. Disagreements and misunderstandings happen in families, but I don’t think there is any fault with what was said, in fact, when I saw them leaving I thought to myself:”Oh, they’re missing school. I wonder if they have their make-up work with them? I bet Michelle is going to make them do it on Airforce One.” I hope we haven’t put a damper on your day, we love you and we know you love us and we all love the First Family.
Let’s keep the now overtaken Mrs O website mentality off this wonderful place.
I THINK SASHA IS TRUELY A DADDY’S GIRL!!!
I think both girls are in different ways! This family is just perfect including Mrs Robinson! Glad the first granny is going to, safe flights and all the best Obama Family!
Ooookaaaay, is anybody as lost as I am? ……..
Morning all!!!! I hope we’re all having a great day so far! I just can’t wait to see all the videos and photos of the First Family today and I know you all can’t wait either! Peace and Love to each and everyone of you 🙂
Sorry, the first sentence is in relation to the conversation below, but either way, I hope we are all doing well this morning.