By virtue of the billions of dollars spent on travel equipment, technology, and the hundreds of support personnel including scores of guards that accompany him to protect him, the prize for “the most hated man in the world” goes to the the U.S. President.
Foolish Americans take pride that the government spends millions on every excursion the Obamas (both the president or his wife) take from the White House. Perspective is an odd thing. In the eyes of American patriots this horrendous expense can be viewed as luxury and proof of importance. But a normal person would ask, “Why is so much investment needed to protect him?” Why is there such a threat?
The government obviously thinks the president is a target. The fact is, people tend to view others from their own perspective. In other words, a man (or group) who threatens the world will also see the world as a threat … and not completely without reason.
The astounding expense spent to protect this man is epic in proportion.
A multi-million dollar entourage of 500 staff, a fleet of decoy helicopters and amour-plated limousines typically accompany Air Force One when it touches down on a presidential visit to another country.
His White House cavalcade — complete with 200 Secret Service staff and a six-doctor medical team — accompany him on every overseas trip.
Among the staggering mass of hi-tech security equipment is the $1,000,000 (plus) presidential limousine, known as ‘The Beast’.
It is fitted with night-vision cameras, reinforced steel plating and a tear-gas cannon.
‘The Beast’ has its own respiration system in case of chemical attack. The armored fuel tank fills with foam if the car is hit to stop it from exploding.
It also houses a private phone system, so no matter what country Mr Obama is in, he can direct-dial America.
Air Force One, a Boeing 747-200B, is fitted with its own gym, electronic defence units and shielding to protect its communication devices from the radiation of possible nuclear blasts.
Among the officials on the flight are a military officer carrying America’s nuclear missile launch codes.
A second 747 filled with staff and media flies behind his plane. Cargo planes carrying a fleet of helicopters that arrive a week ahead.
The planes also carry all food and drink for the trip and Mr Obama’s road transport, which includes two, five-tonne, bullet proof Cadillac DeVilles (two “Beasts”) and 30 other motorcade cars.
Mr Obama’s helicopter, Marine One, is fitted with flares that can be fired to confuse heat-seeking missiles and always flies in groups containing several identical decoy helicopters.
While in town, Mr Obama is guarded by more than 200 US Secret Servicemen — easily identifiable by their shirt-cuff radios and Ray-Ban sunglasses.
And should anything befall him, a White House medical unit will be on hand to provide emergency care.
The team consists of surgeons, nurses and other medical personnel, and carries supplies of the blood type AB, Mr Obama’s blood group.
At the same time, Mr Obama is constantly minded by his personal aide, Reggie Love, who dials his BlackBerry and supplies him with snacks and Nicorette gum.
For mealtimes, a team from the White House kitchen will travel with Mr Obama to prepare all of his food.
No other man on earth is as expensive as the U.S. President. No other dignitary or national leader comes close. Even the Pope (considered to be “the Beast” and “the Antichrist” by millions, and has power over the largest and richest religious organization in the world) comes from Italy to America and drives around in a little black Fiat.
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