There's currently a bit of a kerfuffle in the news about the cost of providing security and bodyguards for NZ's prime minister coming in way over budget.
John Key's security for the year cost $4.8M NZD, or $3.8 million US. And it looks like this. Seriously, there's like just one guy in shades who kinda follows him around. I've heard first-hand accounts from people who have spotted Mr. Key in the airport just going about his business apparently all on his own. Shaking hands with citizens who approach him, nary a one getting tackled and hauled off for interrogation.
People are upset because the NZ Security Squad came in roughly half a million over budget this year (in US dollars). Now admittedly, half a million is an awful lot of taxpayer dollars. But let's put it in context, shall we? The US Secret Service spent $107 million protecting Mr. Obama in 2007, and it looks like this.
John Key's security for the year cost $4.8M NZD, or $3.8 million US. And it looks like this. Seriously, there's like just one guy in shades who kinda follows him around. I've heard first-hand accounts from people who have spotted Mr. Key in the airport just going about his business apparently all on his own. Shaking hands with citizens who approach him, nary a one getting tackled and hauled off for interrogation.
People are upset because the NZ Security Squad came in roughly half a million over budget this year (in US dollars). Now admittedly, half a million is an awful lot of taxpayer dollars. But let's put it in context, shall we? The US Secret Service spent $107 million protecting Mr. Obama in 2007, and it looks like this.
3 comments:
But Honey, it makes him look IMPORTANT! Don't Kiwis want an important-looking Prez? And what cool sunglasses! I'M impressed.
Remember Stevie's interesting adventure?
Wonder what that cost me?
Nuff said.
Dunno, Dad, but maybe similar to the $32,000 security cost for a two-hour town hall meeting in Green Bay?? Plus of course overtime pay for the men in the black SUV.
http://www.taxpayertreasurehunt.com/index.php/U.S._Secret_Service#Green_Bay_Town_Hall_Style_Meeting
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