The State Dinner / White House Crashers

[Branca's Mom]

I have to admit to being very amused by Michaele & Tareq Salahi crashing the party. One of the things I really enjoyed when I was younger was seeing if I could get next to certain people. It would often take awhile but with enough planning, the right costume, the right attitude and for sure ....... most importantly - a boatload of Chutzpah, I found you can pretty much go anywhere. As long as you look as if you belong somewhere and act the part... Welcome to the Party!

However, while somewhat enjoying their antics, I am also horrified that they have chosen to make such a spectacal of themselves. Why pose for then POST the pictures? Why not just enjoy your accomplishment and keep quiet about it? Had they kept quiet none of this would be happening!!!

And last but not least, whose heads are going to get chopped off due to this? It is doubtful the Salahi's are going to get in any serious trouble unless they can prove that they lied to the SS. The poor SS agents were probably doing what they were told to do. I wonder if we will ever hear the real story as to how they made it past the first entrance? However, my biggest concern is that it is indeed a VERY huge deal that they were able to get next to the President himself and the media is putting it out there in pictures for everyone to see. It only proves to those who might consider doing something like this......... someone with more nefarious intentions how easily it can be carried off......

[Crabtree]

I live out in the sticks, so when I saw this on the TV I gave it no more thought then a couple of puffed up turkeys gobbleing about nothing by the bush.
But your right! I never thought about the potential harm that could be done.
Sure some heads might roll but still, lets say that this was a great fire drill. Maybe now they will be able to close up the security leaks.

[AbbyK9]

This seems like a very well planned stunt. I wonder whether anyone among the security detail was paid off to allow them in, or whether it was in some other way "staged" and not entirely truly party crashing.

If not, then this administration needs to seriously reconsider its security. Like my DH said, "When I was at the White House, that would have never happened!" (DH worked White House detail with the US Army Old Guard under Bush senior and Clinton.)

[Sashmom]

I wasnt amused/ I couldn't believe it. NO good security there if those people got in. Is someone sleeping on the job????

[Branca's Mom]

Originally Posted By: HistorianThis seems like a very well planned stunt. I wonder whether anyone among the security detail was paid off to allow them in, or whether it was in some other way "staged" and not entirely truly party crashing.

I can not believe even for a moment that SS was paid off. Does your husband actually think that this is a REMOTE possibility?????

[Smith3]

IMO: The USSS is taking the "fall" for the issue. What makes more sense is they knew someone that got the USSS to "cave" - once they played their game and posted the pictures online, who would want to be blamed for that within the Administration? Easiest choice was to point fingers at the USSS.

Reason being, USSS doesn't "play games" - they don't "let people in not on the list" - they place extreme importance on maintaining the security for the POTUS. They don't make "exceptions" to rules for nobodies.

Plenty of people are screaming "jail time!" but I don't see what laws were broken.

[DnP]

In 100% agreement w/ the USSS taking the fall, but mistakes WERE made by the agents/uniformed division that let them in. Strict rules on who gets by and who doesn't.

HOWEVER, with that said, the Salahi's were known DC/VA socialites and I'm sure if the right folks were coming in w/ them or were nearby, the USSS agent/uniform may have been pressured to get them through....could have been a whole "timing" thing as in the line was long, the rich and powerful natives were getting restless and wanted to get through the checkpoint. I know there is more to the story than the public will ever be told.

Jail time....well, laws were broken if they can prove the couple lied to the agents at the checkpoint and further on. 18 USC 1001...false statements