The “Weekly Standard” reported on March 22 that Vice President Joe Biden stayed one night in Paris, at the five-star Hotel Intercontinental Paris Le Grand, during his first European tour of his second term. The hotel bill was $585,000.50. He and his traveling party then lodged the next day at the Hyatt Regency London, which cost the taxpayers $459,388.65. Biden, his wife, Jill Biden, and his entourage spent three days in February traveling Germany, London and Paris.
The Justification and Approval For Other Than Full and Open Competition, Price Justification(JOFOC) form was approved by Jeanne F. Bull, Director of Presidential Travel Support, on January 28, 2013. This document notes that the vice president’s group required “approximately 136 hotel rooms for 893 room nights.” Based on these figures and the total contract price, each hotel room at the Hyatt Regency London cost us, the American taxpayers, approximately $500 per night.
Has this man ever studied leadership? Alternatively, did his parents ever teach him anything about leadership or ethics?
A leader never asks his or her charges to do what he or she cannot do. Also, a leader does not eat, travel, etc., in a fashion superior to that of his or her men and women. Biden is not a leader! He is a parasite, and he never will garner the respect of the self-reliant men and women of the United States.
I believe, after studying Mr. Biden’s tax returns for the years 2008 through 2011, he would not pay this amount for his hotel accommodations if he was spending his own money. Remember, Biden said in a September 17, 2008 interview with Good Morning America, “… paying more in taxes is the patriotic thing to do for wealthier Americans (those earning over $250,000).” He explained his statement, “We want to take money and put it back in the pocket of middle-class people.” However, let’s see how freely he spends his money to benefit others. Below are excerpts from Mr. Biden’s tax returns. His charitable contributions, which include contributions to his church (he claims to be Roman Catholic), have been less than 2% of his adjusted gross income. So, it appears that he is quick to tax American taxpayers and spend our money for his lavish trappings. Nevertheless, he is not so quick to voluntarily give his money to help others reach their God given potential. Seems to be a paradox of actions and words!
It is a sad commentary considering the privileges we have inherited as a result of our fore-fathers’ sacrifices that we, the American taxpayers, are too apathetic to hold these elected officials accountable. John Q. Adams, the second president of the US, said: “I must study politics & War that my sons may have the liberty to study math & philosophy in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry & music.”
Patrick Lynch is an assistant professor of accounting and can be reached at [email protected]
On The Record is a regular column open to all Loyola faculty and staff. Those interested in contributing can contact [email protected]
