Obama tells DC "apply some Chicago toughness."...LOL

Ice storm shuts down Washington; President Obama tells city to "apply some Chicago toughness."

WASHINGTON--This is a region that has never learned how to handle snow and cold, though each winter routinely brings both.

President Obama on Wednesday, learning that an ice storm shut schools and offices, told the city to toughen up and adopt to Chicago standards.

"As my children pointed out, in Chicago, school is never cancelled. In fact, my seven-year-old pointed out that you'd go outside for recess in weather like this.:rofl: You wouldn't even stay indoors. So it's -- I don't know. We're going to have to try to apply some flinty Chicago toughness to this town," Obama said.

Bad weather rarely closes anything in Chicago. The Obama daughters' school cancelled class, triggering Obama to stray from some planned remarks about the economy and telling Washington to learn to cope.

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/01/snowflakes_shut_down_washingto.html

Video of President Obama's comments also at link

to take care of situations like this. DC hasn't had a major snowfall in YEARS.

I've spent a lot of my life in cold climates - even years in Canada and Russia - and this kind of bravado really bugs me.

There's an economic reality here that he really hasn't thought through. Chicago has no choice but to have snow equipment. And schools closing for ice is a direct result of numerous horrific accidents over the years involving children on buses.

Fairly boneheaded remarks.

:P

:rofl:

At least he and Michelle don't have to run out for milk and bread. :P

:evilgrin:

:D

:rofl:

:rofl:

If so, Pres. better apologize to him for that wisecrack! We can't have Roberts' feelings hurt! He's a repig!

We're from Chicago, have our corporate HQ in the DC area, and have been in Northern Virginia when they're expecting snow. You can make fun of it all you want but it's a real fear out there. It's incredible to us that companies would have "snow days" or "late arrivals" but when we were there we were hoping for a snow day just to look around the town. It's amazing how everything comes to a stop. We were told that cabbies can charge double for the fares and delivery (such as pizza) is double the price of the item. What I don't get is that it happens EVERY YEAR; it's not like South Carolina.

In Chicago, you either ignore such weather or use a broom to clean it off your stoops. We were joking about how Obama and his family would react to this kind of weather. Heck, we're happy when the temp is above 0, forget about the wind-chill!

we shut down down completely. LOL

Since I moved here from Pittsburgh 20 years ago. Every time kids have to go home early, the helicopter parents scream because they didn't get the message to pick up Junior. Gods forbid if they actually WALK home!

DC people are serious snow wimps.

"I love you Obama, I voted for you" said one caller, "but you don't be talkin' 'bout DC like that".

:lol:

It was a bad storm, too icy. A wintry mix is the worst. Still, I think Chicago is probably worse then in Southern New England. I will cut him some slack.

Earning your snow legs in Chicago gives you some swaggering rights :P