The
Mumbai Mirror, is reporting breathlessly how many hotel rooms President Obama will require on his upcoming trip to India:
"
After the election, the Obamas are taking off. To ensure fool-proof security, the President’s team has booked the entire the Taj Mahal Hotel, including 570 rooms, all banquets and restaurants. Since his security contingent and staff will comprise a huge number, 125 rooms at Taj President have also been booked, apart from 80 to 90 rooms each in Grand Hyatt and The Oberoi hotels. The NCPA, where the President is expected to meet representatives from the business community, has also been entirely booked.
"The officer said, 'Obama’s contingent is huge. There are two jumbo jets coming along with Air Force One, which will be flanked by security jets. There will be 30 to 40 secret service agents, who will arrive before him. The President’s convoy has 45 cars, including the Lincoln Continental in which the President travels'.”
So, that would be 570 rooms + 125 rooms + 80 rooms + 90 rooms = 865 rooms.
I would not want the President to become a shut-in, be unsafe, or be unable to go visitng, but this number of rooms (assuming it is correct) is amazing. Doesn't the USA have a nice little secure apartment in the Embassy which might meet the Obama's needs?
Americans are becoming a little disillusioned over what sometimes seems to be a family aspiring to royalty when they thought they were voting for a man of the people. It's no wonder the following is making the rounds . . .
"Obama is the shepherd I did not want. He leadeth me beside the still factories. He restoreth my faith in the Republican party. He guideth me in the path of unemployment for his party's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the bread line, I shall fear no hunger, for his bailouts are with me. He has anointed my income with taxes, My expenses runneth over. Surely, poverty and hard living will follow me all the days of my life, And I will live in a mortgaged home forever."
We would note that Buckingham Palace has 19 state rooms, 52 principal bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms.
UPDATE: The Obama in India story is starting to receive greater coverage, and in
this article about the Obama family vising the Taj Mahal, this Commenter appeals to the Indian People: "
Can the people of India show their solidarity with US and keep Obama and all his cohorts in India for the rest of his term as President. He is a likable fellow and has a lovely family. He's made a couple million since he has been in office so he should not be a burden. It would sure help us out over here. Thanks in advance."