Newcastle — Just what is the tab for the taxpayer when the president decides to jet away from the District of Columbia?  It's hard to pinpoint an exact number, but rest assured that any trip with Air Force One, however short, costs more than you will make in your lifetime.  It is unbelievably expensive.

It wasn't always this way.  The chief used to travel by horse-drawn vehicles.  Cost was not an issue. It was during William Howard Taft's presidency when a budget was first set aside for transportation ($25,000).  Theodore Roosevelt was the first president to travel abroad, as transportation became faster and simpler.  Even so, Franklin Roosevelt's 1943 air trip to Casablanca to meet with Winston Churchill took 3 days.

As with everything in government, travel expenses seem to escalate exponentially with each new administration. John Kennedy was the first president to have an air plane at his disposal; a Boeing 707.  Much too humble!  George the First upgraded to the current, specially modified Boeing 747 widebody.  According to the Air Force, this costs $100,219 an hour to operate. According to a different source the cost is $36,000 per flying hour with a fuel bill of $2,800 each hour. (This sort of small discrepancy is de rigueur in government finance; and isn't it fortunate that the president doesn't get trapped in holding patterns?)  Whatever the bill, the plane carries 2000 meals, has 85 secure phones, and a 26 member crew.  Our leader does not travel alone.

Unfortunately, after the 1901 assassination of William McKinley, Congress directed the Secret Service to protect the president.  This has greatly escalated travel costs which must cover cargo planes used to fly in armored limousines, helicopters, staff and other equipment, as well as the Secret Service agents.  $$$$  Sometimes this hasn't worked out so well.  President Kennedy rejected the Secret Service idea to put a bubble bullet-proof top on the parade car when he was visiting in Dallas, Texas that fateful day.  Oops!

The Daily Herald  (heraldextra.com) tells us of a trip taken by President Clinton in 2000. "A total of 77 other aircraft were used on one multi-country trip to Asia, according to the Air Force Times, including 14 C-17 Globemasters, 12 C-5 Galaxys, three C-141 Starlifters and two C-130 Hercules. ABC News at the time estimated the cost of that trip at $50 million."  I wonder; did that include Monica's fare?

I have two personal stories to relate on this subject.  I was at the South Bristol cottage when President Kennedy decided to spend a weekend on John's Island.  What a commotion.  The air hummed with activity for days before his arrival.  There was even a special secure telephone communication to the island set up.  Young as I was at the time I found this pretty silly.

The other story involves my late wife.  Her aunt had a farm in Frederick MD where she visited.  She recalled watching the presidential motorcade pass by on the way to Camp David.  One time Ike even waved to her.  This I have no problem with.

The current incumbent is extremely fond of traveling, be it to hobnob with foreign dignitaries or to address local fan clubs throughout this country.  It is reported that his ceaseless international travel has improved the "image" of the United States abroad (if not winning us an Olympics or bringing Global Warming to heel).  That's a good thing; possibly worth the odd billion.  I'm not so sanguine about the persistent flitting about the states.  He's made five trips to the Gulf since that awkward oil thing happened.  What has this accomplished?  Probably nothing; it's naked posturing, pure politics.  On his last excursion he declared the Gulf "Open for Business!"  That has just a bit of the ring of "Mission Accomplished!"

The president recently visited Portland ME, and the public was invited to stand in line for tickets to this momentous event.  I can't remember why he came, but that's neither here nor there.  A friend of mine attended.  He reported that the chief descended in a Black Hawk helicopter, one of three that were circling the area.  Three?  That's to confuse the odd terrorist who might be ready to shoot the president down. $$$$

Mr. President, would you be good enough please to stay in Washington and try to make progress in straightening out the mess we have?  I realize that there is almost nothing you can do given the Congress, soon to return from recess (the word is SO appropriate for that bunch of squabbling children), but give it a shot.  Feel free to motor off to Camp David to escape the heat and pollution, but let's leave Air Force One in the hanger.

A last note:  President Carter auctioned the presidential yacht.  Good for you Sir; I've long appreciated your thrift.