by James Hirsen

America has been enamored with the life story of Barack and Michelle Obama.

The mainstream media have repeatedly reminded the public of the couple’s humble origins on Chicago’s South Side and how the two remain in touch with ordinary folks, understanding their suffering in these difficult economic times.

However, the change that was promised by Obama is definitely not reflected in the amount of money being spent on the numerous staffers whose jobs are to fawn over the First Lady.

Even pampered Hollywood celebs, who have entourages that include cooks, clerks and cleaning crews, don’t come close to matching the lengthy list of assistants that the First Lady has.

Taxpayer dollars provide a salary pool of $1.6 million a year for 22 staffers who exclusively work full-time for Michelle; this according to FactCheck.org.

Former First Lady Laura Bush’s staff salary totaled $561,325 per year, according to a salary survey published in the Washington Post in 2004. (FactCheck claims the number is $1.4 million if non-designated staffers are included.)

Republicans were criticized in the past for their “excess,” and that was when economic times were rosier.

But no similar criticism is heard about the Obamas, despite their expensive date nights, extravagant vacations and designer clothing tab.

Guess we should be thankful that there’s at least some job creation going on in the country, even if it’s mainly in the East Wing.