SALARY FOR FIRST LADIES

President Obama has just said that First Ladies should be paid for their services.  Now let me see if I understand.  The taxpayer who is trying to keep his home after having no job for at least 99 weeks of unemployment is to ante up a little more so Moochelle and her successors get paid a salary for theiir service.

Mr. President, I agree.  However, you may wish to maintain the status quo.  I propose giving the First Lady a salary equal to 50% of the President's salary.  However, the First Lady would pay her own way on vacation trips to Spain, Great Britain, Hawaii, Vale, the Hamptons, and all other destinations not involving specific First Lady "duties."  And those "duties" would consist almost entirely of representing us a funerals for foreign dignitaries.

And the First Lady would pay for lodging at the destinations for herself and her friends and family.  The Secret Service contingent would be funded by the taxpayers.  And the First Lady would pay the $80,000 or so per hour for the Air Force jet on which she rides, not the economy class fare often used for reimbursement by government employees.

This would serve two purposes.  It would keep the First Lady from being frivoulous with taxpayer dollars, and it would keep her close to you for her invaluable service in advising you on the economy.