Reign of Pain Update

In a desperate effort to show how badly the sequester is choking the government country, the White House announced that the were proceeding with cancelling the White House tours, despite the pleas of the Iowa 6th graders who were scheduled to visit this week:

In response, students from St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Waverly, Iowa made a video in which they held signs reading, “The White House is our house; please let us visit.” The video went viral Thursday but the White House says the Iowa students, along with all others scheduled for tours after Friday, won’t be accommodated.

“We’re talking about pay cuts and overtime cuts or a choice to suspend tours,” White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said. “And I’m not suggesting it’s a happy choice, but it is one that we had to make.”

However, Fox News anchor Eric Bolling offered to pay out of pocket for one week of extra security (estimated at $74,000) for the White House so that the children could visit:

In a Facebook post on Thursday, anchor Eric Bolling announced that he will offer to personally pay the costs to keep the tours at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue open for a week.

During Thursday evening’s episode of “The Five,” Bolling elaborated. “I will absolutely write the check if they open the doors next week.”

“I’ll make you a deal Mr. President…Let these families take their White House tours next week and I’ll cover the added expenses. Word is it will cost around $74,000.”

Referencing White House press secretary Jay Carney, the Fox host added: “Mr Carney, you know this an offer you can’t refuse. Give me a call.”

Not to be overshadowed, Sean Hannity stepped up and offered to spring for another week:

It is not clear at this point if the White House is willing to be so humiliated by it's media enemies opponents, that it would allow this to go forward.

However, the White House did find room in the Secret Service budget to continue the annual White House Easter Spring Holiday Egg Roll, an opportunity for the President to reward some benefactors, civil servents, and get some favorable press as well:

“I would refer both to the East Wing and the Secret Service, but it’s my understanding that as of now, the decision has been made that the Easter Egg Roll will go forward,” Carney said...

Asked why the Easter Egg Roll would continue when tours had been canceled, Carney characterized the decision as similar to “choices you make all the time” about budget issues.

“This is about trade-offs. Because when you have the kind of severe cuts that the sequester represents, you have to reduce your budget accordingly. And then you have to make choices about what you do and what you don’t,” Carney said.

Widows and orphans around the country shook with fear at those remarks.