Kinda Tacky

From The Guardian, this article describes Obama's impending visit to the UK ass a small invasion force.

More than 500 officials and staff will accompany the president on his tour this week - along with a mass of high-tech security equipment, including the $300,000 presidential limousine, known as The Beast. Fitted with night-vision camera, reinforced steel plating, tear- gas cannon and oxygen tanks, the vehicle is the ultimate in heavy armoured transport.

In addition, a team from the White House kitchen will travel with the president to prepare his food. As one official put it: "When the president travels, the White House travels with him, right down to the car he drives, the water he drinks, the gasoline he uses, the food he eats. America is still the sole superpower and the president must have the ability to handle any crisis, anywhere, any time."

Personally, I think this is a bit tacky and over-the-top and I wonder if previous Presidents have travelled with such ostentation before.

If yes, for shame. If not, for shame on Obama.