Average Joe' Biden Rents $4 Million Home
By: Chris Gonsalves
Joe Biden may portray himself as a lunch-bucket Democrat with working-class roots, but when it comes to the holidays, the vice president-elect parties like a Kennedy.
Biden and his family caused a stir Wednesday aboard the high-speed ferry from Hyannis, Mass., as the Delaware senator made his way to his traditional Thanksgiving getaway, a rented $4 million home on the eastern end of trendy Nantucket Island.
"We always go over for Thanksgiving the last 33 years," Biden told the Cape Cod Times as he made his way to the ferry dock, a stone's throw from the famed Kennedy compound in Hyannisport.
Biden said he typically traveled to and from the island retreat unnoticed. But all of that has changed since the election.
"There was a lot of state troopers and Secret Service involved in this with bomb-sniffing dogs," Philip Scudder, vice president of Hy-Line ferry told the local newspaper.
A Coast Guard cutter followed the ferry for the one-hour trip to Nantucket. Meanwhile aboard Hy-Line's Gray Lady ferry, the senator's handlers kept him separated from other passengers in a small section on the ferry's upper deck.
Popping the collar of his tweed jacket, the 66-year-old Biden read the newspaper, took family photos, and sported iPod earphones for much of the trip, according to the Cape Cod Times.
Once on Nantucket, the Bidens will celebrate Thanksgiving at a 5,280-square-foot home on scenic Polpis Road near Sesachacha Pond. Biden rented the house from local builder Larry Maury, son of well known Nantucket entrepreneur John Maury.
According to Forbes Magazine, Nantucket boasts the highest median property values in Massachusetts. In addition to its quaint and historic waterfront villages, the island is also famous as a seasonal playground for the rich and famous. Some of Nantucket's notable part-time residents include NBC's Chris Matthews, comic-couple Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, heiress Teresa Heinz and husband Sen. John Kerry, Google CEO Eric Schmidt, designer Tommy Hilfiger, and retired GE CEO Jack Welch.
About 30 miles off the southern coast of Massachusetts, Nantucket is adjacent to the island of Martha's Vineyard, another popular, high-end New England getaway and a favorite haunt of former president Bill Clinton.
On the campaign trail, Biden rarely failed to bring up his working-class, Roman Catholic roots and the hard times his family faced. Biden, who grew up in a tough part of Scranton, Pa., helped the Democrats reach blue-collar workers in traditionally Republican areas where President George W. Bush clinched previous elections.
But if the pricey vacation seems, to some, discordant with the vice president-elect's work-a-day background and sensibilities, to other island regulars his trip seemed positively ordinary.
"It's nice to see he's your average Joe," said Dan Lyons of Orange, Conn., who was traveling to Nantucket with his family for an extended holiday retreat. Lyons then cajoled his 6-year-old daughter into saying Biden's name.
http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/biden_nantucket_holiday/2008/11/27/155858.html?s=al&promo_code=722E-1
So what is the point?
Uh, unless you're on Mars, I think the point is that this new administration got elected on the promise of "change you can believe in"...I think all I'm believing at this point, with all of the examples that this incoming adminstration has been setting (Super O daring to stand at a podium bearing the sign "Office of the President-Elect", Biden doing his usual way spendy activities, the Black Widow Spider putting their kids into trendy, expensive private schools, etc.), is that what we're seeing is more of the same. And, the day that our press begins to skewer this idiot that keeps making these unbelievable gaffs in public...the idiot that our good public elected...I'll begin to believe that change is actually in the air.
Unless you've been on Mars, you surely don't believe anyone in Washington politics live in the same manner as most of us or live on the same income as we do. It is a fact, deal with it.
No, I am not sophomoric enough to believe that anyone in DC lives as we do...but I DO expect people to live up to the campaign promises they ran on...which, I realize, is unrealistic, given the amount of deceit and double-speak the politicians use...so, yes, the process of 'dealing' comes into play.
I think the article says that the family has rented this house for several years now. It doesn't take much of a house in that part of the world to be worth 4 million, and the vacation was not a 'gift' from a lobbyist ala Keyton Five.
The school that the Obamas have enrolled their children in also had as students Chelsea Clinton and the George W. Bush twins. Hmmmm.
I for one am happy that the incoming administration is keeping us apprised as to what is going on as people are being vetted and hired to work for we the people, and I am certainly happy that Senator Obama is pointing out that he is not yet the president. He is having regular news conferences to try and pump some life in this failing economy. Our sitting president has not had a news conference since August.
We'll see if Obama can pump enough life into the economy. How long will it be until he quickens the tax and spend process to inject money to the so-called failed economy?
When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.
-Benjamin Franklin
Quote from: sixdogsmom on November 29, 2008, 12:27:55 PM
I think the article says that the family has rented this house for several years now. It doesn't take much of a house in that part of the world to be worth 4 million, and the vacation was not a 'gift' from a lobbyist ala Keyton Five.
The school that the Obamas have enrolled their children in also had as students Chelsea Clinton and the George W. Bush twins. Hmmmm.
I for one am happy that the incoming administration is keeping us apprised as to what is going on as people are being vetted and hired to work for we the people, and I am certainly happy that Senator Obama is pointing out that he is not yet the president. He is having regular news conferences to try and pump some life in this failing economy. Our sitting president has not had a news conference since August.
Well renting a 4 million dollar house is a far cry from a average joe.
Also, guess the public school system isn't good enough for obamas kids now! Hmm speaks volumes about our government schools.
T
[ Our sitting president has not had a news conference since August.
[/quote]
Our President has had numerous news conferences...I have watched them personally on MSNBC, CNN, etc...it's just our mainstream media that seems to have a real news black-out on the man. Hmmmmmmmm.
CW, there is a difference between a news conference and a prepared statement. President Bush has delivered many prepared statements in the last few months but has not had a news conference since August. I have seen just about every one of these prepared statements on CNN.
Steve, I suspect that school choices had to be coordinated with the secret service just as a choice of churches was. These days are a far cry from the days of Jimmy Carter and public school for Amy Carter. Even then I'll bet that the secret service was fit to be tied over that choice.
Quote from: sixdogsmom on November 29, 2008, 12:27:55 PM
I think the article says that the family has rented this house for several years now. It doesn't take much of a house in that part of the world to be worth 4 million and the vacation was not a 'gift' from a lobbyist ala Keyton Five.
The school that the Obamas have enrolled their children in also had as students Chelsea Clinton and the George W. Bush twins. Hmmmm.
First..... 4 million for a holiday rental ?? Come on... I don't care where you live.. 4 million dollars to shit, shower and shave for a few days is WAY over anything that is standard...
There isn't a weekend house anywhere that warrants that kind of wasteful cash. But that is the point. He can afford it.. and that's fine.. but don't set back with that fake used car salesmen phony grin on and tell the people that he understands their financial problems. Bull Butter. !!!
Amazing that "it is just normal for his family.. as this is what they have had for several years. " Soooo..... dear good ole' boy Joe.. don't you dare stand up in front of me and tell that is normal and try to make the people beileve that you are "just like us".. You are not! Second... Yes.. that is where the other girls went to school... BUT.. and I say this LOUD.. BUT.... George Bush and Billy Clinton did not try to take that "personal choice matter out of the parent hands like dear ole' Obama is trying to do.
So what he is showing by HUGE example is .. it is okay for me and the income class that I am in to have the freedom of making the choices of public or private schooling for my girls.. but people and family's of lower income class and everyone else can not have that freedom. He has said time and time again. " I" am going to fix the public school system.. You as parents will not have to worry .. The government will make those decisions for you ..
So while he is pushing to take it out of the parents hands and while he is spouting his empty promises of ending the Bush administrations policy that ''parents know what is best for their kids'.. his girls will be in a safe and private environment. Because HE was able to make that choice. But he wants to take that same choice away from you.
I do not begrudge the Obama's for their choices of school for their girls. .. but DON'T tell me that I can't have those same choices. Do as I say and not as I do??! To hell with that!
THAT is my big problem.
He didn't pay 4 million for the rental; that is the value of the home. (sigh)
And anybody can educate their children in a private school that can afford the tuition or can get a scholarship to one. I don't think I understand your point here. Nobody has said you cannot send your children to a private school. Where did that come from?
Hang in sixdogsmom! I think I'll head back to Mars where we deal in facts.
Quote from: sixdogsmom on November 29, 2008, 07:02:46 PM
He didn't pay 4 million for the rental; that is the value of the home. (sigh)
And anybody can educate their children in a private school that can afford the tuition or can get a scholarship to one. I don't think I understand your point here. Nobody has said you cannot send your children to a private school. Where did that come from?
What about the homeschoolers? He refused to answer questions asked of him about homeschoolers by the homeschooling foundation.
So what about the home schoolers?
Quote from: sixdogsmom on November 29, 2008, 09:02:46 PM
So what about the home schoolers?
Their always a target of the democrat party. Its always some liberal that thinks they have to interfere with parents decisions on their children.
I am certainly scratching my head here. I simply do not understand what you are talking about. Exactly what is it about home schooling that you think the dems are after? And what parental decisions are you referring to? I would be interested to know what you are talking about? ??? ???
Quote from: sixdogsmom on November 29, 2008, 10:35:58 PM
I am certainly scratching my head here. I simply do not understand what you are talking about. Exactly what is it about home schooling that you think the dems are after? And what parental decisions are you referring to? I would be interested to know what you are talking about? ??? ???
Look at California just recently, they tried to outlaw homeschooling. It failed thank God due to the efforts of all homeschoolers nationwide. It almost was outlawed though. The government tried to say they couldn't monitor the children properly if they were in a homeschool situation which means, they cna't indoctrinate them to the government standards.
Parents have the right to make all decisions in their childrens lives, including how they are educated. IF you send them to government schools, you lose that right since the government teaches them what you don't want them to learn.
What is the progressive party after? Good little comrads that will vote their party line. Democrats are folks like zell miller, joe lieberman.
{quote}Parents have the right to make all decisions in their childrens lives, including how they are educated. IF you send them to government schools, you lose that right since the government teaches them what you don't want them to learn.[/quote]
Know how I handle this? I teach my children what the GOVERNMENT or any other special interest, doesn't want them to know....I have proof when I teach them the difference between the accepted "acreditized" sanitized, spun to their liking, version.
Well for one thing.....He backs the teacher's unions, which fight education reform...which fights the vouchers for which he is ( or used to be in favor of) for lower class income parents to better help their children in getting a better education.
But let me go into detail ( . if anyone really gives a rats ass what I believe..which I doubt..but I'll say it anyway. ) but for those of you who are wanting to go back to Mars, don't let me make you late for your trip.. LOL
You know.. I realize that because of security etc.. Obama feels that the Washington public schools are inadequate to instruct or indoctrinate his two precious daughters. That is commendable on his part. .
And some say that as he stated in his campaign.... 'vouchers' ( something now he has kind of backtracked on..) was what we needed to have so every child could have the opportunity to go to a private school ...if they wanted to.
So now..he has changed his tune a bit and last stated...he does not support school vouchers.
And for those less fortunate than the Obamas...this will not allow them to obtain a quality education. Seems to me that this is very hypocritical on the part of Obama. But of course with the teachers union breathing fire down his neck...............
Why is it that parents cannot exercise choice in the matter of obtaining quality education better as opposed to the education offered by the teacher union controlled public school system?
Probably because Barack Obama is in the back pocket and beholden to the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation (AFT) of teachers.
Both of these corrupt organizations work to destroy the moral and spiritual fabric of this nation and have propped up political puppets and pawns like Obama.
My personal opinion?...........Return the schools to the churches and to private enterprise. Dismantle the Federal Education Department bureaucracy, eliminate the state departments of education, and break up the worthless teachers' unions, the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Return control of the schools to parents. Get the government out of the education business. It sure seems that whatever government touches its screws up. A reverse Midas touch, perhaps? The Founders of this nation had reason to try to keep government limited. What has happened to our schools is illustrative of government intervention or interference at its worst.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Alliance for the Separation of School and State........ Here is what they said about the video, ". . .
This six-minute clip exposes brilliantly - and hilariously - the arrogant presumptions of those who regard parents as being unqualified to make educational choices for their children (and who regard politicians and bureaucrats as being worthy to be trusted with such choices.)"School choice is really the only thing that will save our miserably failed educational system. The socialist and secular humanistic approached to education has proved totally unacceptable. I advocate the total elimination of the useless bureaucratic nightmarish maze of federal and state departments of education and the breaking of the monopoly of the teachers unions. "Only the Brits could create such a cutting -- and accurate -- argument for school choice:"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As far as Biden goes.........
Not saying that most of us wouldn't possibly take advantage of it if we had the chance, but I've never represented myself different than I am either.
Not the first time he represented himself as something else....heck he even portrayed himself as an author when he was plagerizing. This is not surprising.... you know, everyone makes mistakes...end of Kum-ba-ya....
people who are sorry for what they've done, are repentant towards a dirty deed they did, are OK in my book.
The only thing Greasy Joe Biden was ever sorry for was getting caught...I'm not OK with him....
OH yeah, except that he's just sorry in general. But, isn't it kind of strange that this is one of the two guy's that were poking fun at Mr. McCain and Mrs. Palin for their possessions?
As far as a 4 million dollar home to rent for a nice weekend.. actual cost or value.. ( whatever) ::)
I still stand that it is an over kill.. but most of what politicians do and government IS a wasteful overkill.. The government and their elite continue screwing the common man.. sooooo life goes on..
Made it on time. Thanks.
This is gonna cause a hmstorm but I say keep the churches out of it also....anybody who is in "control" tries to keep what they don't want people to know out of education. The only way to get a "GOOD" education is to do it yourself by looking at more than one source...side...point of view...etc. What constitutes a "good" education? Learning the "accepted" version of any entity that is in charge or goin outside the box and searchin out the truth instead of the accepted version of the truth. Only learning english just because that's what your parents and their parents spoke or expanding your mind and learning spanish or french, german or mandarin just to learn? Learning about all the horrors of war or only learning that your government was "right" and the other side doesn't matter.
In my opinion a good education contains warts and all, because I have faith in the ability of people to filter it for themselves and realize what was done and why. But that's just me, it's also the way I tried to educate my kids and will most likely educate my grandchildren.
As for Biden and Obama....I really don't give a (insert your own word here :)) what they spend or where they send their kids to school, they are rich...rich people do things like that....that's their normal. I'm pretty sure I had just as good a time over my holiday and my kids did and are gettin a decent education LOL hell if I had 4 million dollars to screw offf I might do the same thing ( not really but it made a good story :P)
I must say Pam, that I agree; in my opinion, a 'good education gives the student the tools to educate thenselves. That is open the mind and posess the tools such as reading, writing and cipher(how's that for an old fashioned term), resolve problems, and instill a curiosity for knowledge. Should religion be important to you and you want your children to become educated about religion, then send them to, no take them to the church of your choice; speak about religion in the home, and further that education by home study and practice. I would not want my children taught about the ways of Fred Phelps, Pat Robertson, or many other leaders of various religous sects. Neither would I expect for your children be forced to be educated in my religion of choice.
Usually what is taught in the schools is a curriculum chosen by a states' school board. Therefore it is important for a parent to know who is on the state board of education and what they stand for. Often it is difficult for a parent to evaluate a candidate for those positions as they are not often campaigned for in a statewide fashion. So it is up to the voter to educate themselves as to those members. I must agree with Teresa, even though I know the teachers on here will be disapproving; NEA has not done much for the students IMHO. I find it a little odd that about the only effective unions these days are the ones that deal with government. Makes a person go HMMMMM-----! Enough! Enough! Even though we do not know how much a weekend in a four million dollar home costs, the number did exactly what it was intended to do. Most people who read that article think that he paid four million to rent that home, rather than the value of the home being four million. I don't really expect most to read this far, we will see----.
Quote from: pam on November 30, 2008, 04:09:59 PM
This is gonna cause a hmstorm but I say keep the churches out of it also....anybody who is in "control" tries to keep what they don't want people to know out of education.
Pam, I agree...I love the bumpersticker that reads, "When the Church ruled the world, it was known as the Dark Ages." So true!
I Personally agree about churches left out of the school system...
but..
I have friends ( haven't seen them in a long while) that ..without a doubt.... were so hell bent ( excuse the term) on making sure that their children were in a Catholic school that they are on the verge of obsession.
We went round and round about it.....I think kids need experiences in all areas. ( as long as they are in a safe environment) .. and no way would I even want a Catholic rhetoric or any organized controlled religion being taught to my kids... but....... they wanted their religious background inside the school system for their 3 kids.
But even though they agreed with me on some issues... they STILL wanted their certain religion to be amongst the curriculum of their children..
And that is their right.. 100% their right.
So even though I believe it should be kept separate... it still matters to some people. But if that is the case.. then I believe that there should be schools that are of a specific religion that people can send their children too if that is what they deem fitting. And keep the bible study etc out of the public schools.
But we are back to ... it is the parents job ( not the government to decide what is best for their kids. )
Separation of church and state...
The First Amendment of the Constitution guarantees that all people have a right to worship or not worship the Creator, however they see fit. Whether they are Christians, Jews, Buddist, or even Atheist the government should have no place in that worship.
The First Amendment says..."Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment or religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"... but what did that mean?
The first Amendment was designed to establish a separation of church and the national State. This separation was to be ensured by denying to Congress the constitutional authority to pass legislation providing for the formal and legal union of any single church, religion, or sector.
. . .
What happened was they got carried away in lots of areas...., They pushed states and educators to start participating in the "character education" movement – a push to teach moral values in schools. They did stop forced prayer and Bible reading – Then there was no one claiming such as unconstitutional.
For more than 200 years, the First Amendment has protected our religious freedom and allowed many faiths to flourish in our homes, in our work place, and in our schools.
They have said that with prayer in schools tests have shown a decrease in violent crimes, divorce, teen pregnancy, and increased SAT scores.
The separation of church and state has been a long and difficult process. It grants American citizens their rights to live in a democracy, and will continue to affect the lives of Americans everyday.
To take a higher supreme being totally out of the classrooms altogether..hmmmmmmm..somewhat scary..
I know that my family was very standard when it came to religion.. Saying a prayer before we ate at school didn't hurt us one bit and certainly didn't lead me any more astray than some think I am ... LOL
But I must remember that "back then" we only said our prayer to God.
Today with the many different religions and muli cultures that are in the classrooms..there seems to be a bit of confusion on what prayer should be said and to whom...
What is wrong with a minute of silent prayer.. to talk to your personal God before you start your day?
I see nothing threatening about this.....those who choose to ..can set quietly and allow those who need to connect with God..Buddah..Goddess... for a minute can do that.. in whatever language they want or need to.
The groups of people rejecting separation of church and state believe that if there was prayer in school, the government would dictate which prayers would be said, and this would be unconstitutional.
And I am also heavily on this side of the ship... so I don't know the answer...
If I had to vote to make the decision.. and knowing and distrusting the governmental meddling much as I do... I would have to vote no ..on 'open" prayer in school.. because of this reason alone.
Just have to tell my kids to say their silent prayers to God themselves.. cause God hears you anytime and anywhere.
( if people think that there isn't prayer in schools.. they have never been around at test time) ;D
I think I didn't get very clear about what I meant by keepin church out of the schools......nother case of what I was thinkin not clearly makin it to my fingers :P I meant keep them from CONTROLLING what is taught in the school. They have their OWN pet agendas about what you should or shouldn't be allowed to know is what I was gettin at. Don't care about em teachin it, just don't think it ought to be the only thing taught.
I don't think you CAN ban prayer in school because it doesn't have to be done in a loud public manner, you CAN"T take God Goddess Creator whatever you call it out of anything by banning them because they ARE everything, it's the utmost arrogance to think they can lol. I don't think morals or "GOD" or ethics are the schools place to teach....it's our responsibility as parents. I know there are a lot of parents out there who HAVE no morals or ethics etc. so I can see why people would think that would be a good idea for school tho.
There are a BUTTload of people in this neck of the woods who send their kids to church school because they want to limit what their kids are taught but personally I think that is kind of stupid and extremely shortsighted of them. There is a LOT of valuable knowledge they are denying their kids just because it doesn't fit their narrow world view. Had a person tell me one time that only a fool turns their nose up at knowledge just because of where it came from........think that is a true thing that.
You are talking about keeping the teaching of morals and ethics out of the schools. Who, then, is going to teach the children that it is wrong to cheat on tests? Shouldn't that be taught where it happens? Morals and ethics should be taught in every phase of a child's education, be it home, church or school. After all, cheating at sports is heavily frowned upon, isn't it?
If it were ever determined that morals and ethics were a strictly Christian value; that is no other religion or standard taught those values, then Christianity should by all means be taught in the schools. However, I do believe that Christianity is definitely not the lone holder of these values. Is it not possible then to teach the values without teaching the religion? Cheating at sports is not the same as going to heaven or hell IMHO, neither is winning a game or being popular.
I didn't say keep teachin morals and ethics out of schools I said it is the parents responsibilty and it's time parents start steppin up and doin what they are supposed to instead of leavin it to somebody else to do. And that I realize some parents don't do that so I can see where it's needed in schools. I said I didn't think church would be any better of a decision maker when it comes to deciding what to teach than the government is. They BOTH have their pet agendas and and things they want to limit knowledge of.
GOD! What's in my head and what people hear are two different things so often I'm startin to wonder if I oughta just shut the hell up and not say anything.........
No doubt the gov't has an agenda in the gov't schools. Don't know how anyone could believe that a community can create or make a better government school. With vouchers, it would be another gov't deal into private schools and that's not desirable.
If Christianity be not the lone holder of values, then what organization is it that is an equal in values? Are we content with diluting our American culture in favor of a world culture which our forefathers desire was to separate from them?
I just can't help myself............................ :P which american culture would that be? The one that was already here or the one the europeans brought with em? Sayin there is no other culture with morality other than christianity so we ought to deny it is throwin the baby out with the bathwater...........even Ben Franklin knew that was bull, but the predominate culture at the time was fundamental christian so that's what the EUROPEANS went with. There was already a very moral culture in place here that was stomped, disrespected, condemned and still they couldn't keep it dead...it's still alive and well.
But this is gettin way off base of the thread and into a minefield even I ain't stupid enough to walk into blindly.....although I just did :-\.....so just carry on y'all...I'll just be over here mindin my own beeswax. :-X 8)
;D ;D ;D.... beeswax... hahahaha
haven't heard that term since 5th grade.. LOL
Quote from: Teresa on December 01, 2008, 04:23:32 PM
;D ;D ;D.... beeswax... hahahaha
haven't heard that term since 5th grade.. LOL
Woo hoo speaking of beeswax, i think i have enough money to buy the wood to build me a couple beehives this month. I am soooo hoping i can get my hives going by march.... :D I can already see honey and beeswax to make candles with!!!