Inspir.es

Citibank’s recently purchased this $50M corporate jet with the $45BILLLLion they received from the bailout.  Obama’s people found out about Citi’s new jet and, late yesterday, called the execs and told them to, quote, “Fix it.”  Badass.

Citibank’s first mistake?

Paying $50,000,000 for a jet with squigglies all over it.

- via noteworthy

I understand why people are outraged over the Citibank jet fiasco. We, the taxpayers, gave Citibank money…we “bailed them out.”

We saved your butts, Citibank! Now do your part and give us home loans at low interest rates regardless of our qualifications!

But before we get hot and bothered about yet another corporate jet scandal, think about this: Obama has a plane. Every president since FDR has had a plane.

It’s not wasteful. It’s common sense.

Why?

1. The President of the United States needs to travel all over the world.
2. The President’s time is extremely valuable.

I know there are other reasons the President doesn’t fly coach: national security being the most obvious. But the above reasons are more than enough justification.

The press loves Joe Biden for taking Amtrak home every night. It’s a classic blue-collar story. But what if taking another mode of transportation allowed Biden to spend 30 more minutes per day writing legislation, working with foreign leaders and doing whatever else it is that US Senators do?

How much is 30 minutes a day worth to Biden?

How about to the United States of America?

Citigroup is currently valued at $19 billion. And before the financial collapse, they were worth as much as $300 billion. Is it better for Citibank to spend $50 million (over several years) on a corporate jet or have their top executives stuck in traffic or waiting in line at the airport for hours a week?

Besides, I don’t want to get stuck next to a Citibank executive on my next flight.

“Do you have almonds?”

“I can’t figure out my recliner.”

“My assistant doesn’t do it that way.”

“Where’s the sauna?”

“Blah, blah, blah, blah”

Just let ‘em have the jet!