Escape to Martha’s Vineyard

Connie Lawn’s Column – August 27, 2009

Escape to Martha’s Vineyard, and Death of Edward Kennedy

President Barack Obama takes a walk on the beach with his daughters Sasha and Malia

This is supposed to be a Presidential holiday but it was overshadowed by the death of Edward Kennedy. It had been expected, since the Senator was battling brain cancer for 15 months. We knew the situation was grave, when the White House said President Obama had no plans to visit Senator Kennedy at his family compound in nearby Hyannis Port Massachusetts. President Obama received the grim news shortly after one in the morning, Eastern U.S. time. He telephoned the Senator’s wife, Vicky, and then released a prepared statement. Later in the morning, President Obama expressed his sadness in a brief appearance from his rented farm in Martha’s Vineyard. He said he and his wife were heartbroken over the death of their dear friend, Ted Kennedy. He also said, major pieces of legislation over the past 40 years existed because of Senator Kennedy.

Despite this sad death, President Obama, his wife, daughters, and dog managed some vacation time. They spent a week on a huge, private farm on the New England island of Martha’s Vineyard. The farm is renting for $25,000 for the week. But, the Government and the Secret Service split the cost with the Obamas. The guards have separate cottages, and give the family as much privacy as possible.

So far, at this writing, Hurricane Bill did not blow the holiday away, and the weather is magnificent. It is good weather for sport and swimming, with heat but little humidity. Martha’s Vineyard gained popularity over the decades as people of means used it to escape the intense conditions of the cities in the summer. In addition to catering to famous and influential people, Martha’s Vineyard became a retreat for wealthy African Americans. It was one of the first resort areas in the East to cater to blacks and whites, and they mingle in friendship and equality.

President Obama never escapes the responsibility of office, and this week is no exception. He receives his daily security and economic briefings. He made a brief statement, to re-nominate Ben Bernanke as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. The President gave an assessment of the economic picture – the good, the bad, and the ugly. He also had to deal with issues involving the intelligence community, and the interrogation of prisoners. And, the deadly violence in Iraq and Afghanistan continues.

After all this, President Obama retreated back with family and friends, to swim, golf, play tennis, and work out. It is no wonder his family looks so good. The President bears enormous responsibilities. But, this has be a more joyous year for him and his family than the previous two, in the midst of the grueling Presidential campaign.

The good people of Martha’s Vineyard also hope to reap a windfall this week, and they deserve it. It is the last real week of summer. It gets blustery and bitter cold in the winter, and even the waves striking the beaches freeze! It is quite an amazing sight. So, if the residents of the island can make money this week, they should do so. The merchants offer a tremendous range of Obama goods. The most popular is probably the Obama brew, with people toasting, “Ale to the Chief.” For the dog Bo, there are Bo Biscuits and Bo Bones. Foods include the Barack-O-Taco. Other drinks include the Obamaritas, the coffee called The O’Bomber Jump Shot Latte, and lots of new ice cream flavors. Add shirts and bathing suits to the mix, and you get the picture!

A bit of silliness is as good thing. When the President leaves the sanctity of the island, he has a world of crises ahead. Much of it will come together at the United Nations at the end of September. President Obama will address the United Nations General Assembly, and meet with some world leaders (observers hope he will as least have a handshake and brief greeting with Prime Minister Key, and maybe that will be even longer). President Obama is likely to avoid the leaders of Iran, Libya and other controversial nations. There will be angry protests and demonstrations in New York City against Libya, Iran, and perhaps even Scotland, because of the release of the convicted Lockerbie bomber.

So, by September, the Martha’s Vineyard vacation, and the other fantastic trips the Obamas have taken, will be a distant memory!

Connie Lawn has a passionate love for NZ. She worked for Radio New Zealand for 20 years, and then for Radio Live for a few years. Connie has covered the White House and the world since 1968. Her other passion is skiing, and she calls herself "the skiing White House reporter." Her ski stories are on dcski.com and other outlets. Connie is also heard on thousands of radio stations, but firmly believes the internet is the future. She can be reached at connie@scoop.co.nz

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