White House to Public: Closed, Go Away

Meet the Prez ~ Michael Ramirez

Despite the White House and Cabinet members' best efforts to scare Americans with unfounded fears about budget sequestration, which cut just 2.6 percent from a $44.8 trillion budget, the planes kept flying, boats stayed afloat and firemen fought fires.

But that didn't stop the White House from making a cynical "stick in the public's eye" decision to cancel White House tours "until further notice" due to "staffing reductions."

Meanwhile, the White House's three staff calligraphers continue to earn a combined $277,050 this year to write invitations to State dinners.

Is it any wonder this administration doesn't know how to budget and live within some notion of means like everyone else? But they do know how to fundraise. Organizing for Action sets a new precedent for selling access to the oval office and president, and signals the perpetual campaign will continue, even in a second and final term.

This latest lesson in White House churlishness contrasts with our last tour, arranged by a friend with connections. We were privileged to get an evening tour of the West Wing by Mike McCurry, then press secretary for the Clinton administration.While talking in his office after the tour, he asked our then nine-year-old son, "Do you know whose house this is?" Upon hearing the answer "President Clinton's," McCurry replied, "No, it's yours, it's the people's house."