Bernie can't use campaign cash to travel to Rome. Uh oh.

[geek tragedy]

See pages 53 and 67-70.

http://www.fec.gov/pdf/candgui.pdf

Trip to attend an explicitly non-political academic conference on Catholic theology, in a far away foreign country, is not a campaign event and thus can't be paid for with campaign funds. Campaign can't even pay for a cab to the airport.

Which means he has to fly commercial, which means no direct flight (last flight leaves before debate is over).

It may not be physically possible for him to attend the conference unless he takes an additional day off the trail to attend day 2.

Genius move.

[PowerToThePeople]

1. All he has to do is

start a page for a trip donation. He will have it covered in style within minutes.

[bjo59]

3. Absolutely!

(Anyway, he wouldn't have accepted the invitation if he wasn't able to go.)

[SoLeftIAmRight]

36. The Clinton foundation is all for better relations between countries

I am sure they will make a grant available for such a noble endeavor.

[kristopher]

62. Pg55 of Geek's reference says it's ok if its related to candidate's Senate duties

And since Bernie's invitation and supporting communications clearly spell out that his invitation is as a representative of a N. American Government to exchange ideas with representatives of certain S. American governments....

Travel Expenses
Campaign funds may be used to pay the costs of travel to an activity that is related to the campaign or to the candidate’s duties as a federal officeholder. (Note, however, that 2007 changes to the statute mandate specific conveyances and payments. See “Certain Air Travel” above and Chapter 10, Section 4 for more information.) Thus, the costs of travel for a candidate (and the candidate’s spouse and minor children) may be used to pay for travel to functions directly related to the campaign or those directly connected to the individual’s official responsibilities as a federal officeholder. 113.2(a) (1); see AO 2005-09.The regulations, however, prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal expenses collateral to travel—either campaign or of ceholder—unless personal funds are used to reimburse the committee. 113.1(g)(1)(ii)(C). See, for example,AOs 2002-05, 2000-37 and 1996-19. See also “Mixed Use” below for trips that involve both of cial/campaign and personal travel.

Pg 57

[SoLeftIAmRight]

63. thanks for the proof

only stupid people did not understand this was possible

[kristopher]

65. It was the first sentence of the first reference the OP provided. It's a set-up, not a mistake.

This will be another lying meme going forward designed by the Clinton campaign to poison the well. Part of a death by 1000 cuts campaign strategy.

[SoLeftIAmRight]

67. the woman has been working on presidential campaigns for 30 years

and she is having trouble with sanders

says much about them both and about their supporters

we have won - she has lost

hope we finish the job

[artislife]

123. This Op writer...has a lot of OPs but perhaps now

should think quality over quantity.

[melro52]

150. Abolutely legitimate.

I was a treasurer on a PAC before. There aren't a lot of limitations to use of campaign money outside of personal use. There are innovative ways to get around spending campaign money. He can't use it personally but it doesn't take much to make the trip to Rome legitimate. He wasn't attending a conference about theology or dogma. He was attending a Vatican "environmental conference." The environment is a huge topic in the campaign. I'm not a Bernie fan, but he's legite on the visit even it was only 10 minutes spent at the meeting. He and his wife's plane ticket, transportation to the Vatican, hotel and expenses surrounding that are covered. Now if he takes a trip to the Tuscan countryside, he has to pay for all of that excursion out of his own pocket. Not too shabby-plane ticket, transportation, hotel COVERED except for an extra excursion here and there. Who wouldn't do that and pay for the side trips only? Oh that's right, someone as honest and socialist as Bernie. Oops, he slipped from grace and became an average opportunist like everyone else.

[DrDan]

92. a handout to a guy who made $200K last year - consistent, however

[SoLeftIAmRight]

148. it will be considered senate business - he will go free

i was poking the stupid H supporters that are clueless to the fact

[geek tragedy]

4. You all should start a GoFundMe page to charter a private jet for him.

Cost us about $100K each way.

http://www.privatefly.com/us/private-jet-charter/estimate-prices?flightSearch=2458054

[JackInGreen]

7. He wouldn't accept it

Maybe a first class seat, but he'd probably trade with someone in coach.

[TheBlackAdder]

34. You are presenting youself like a cat that got locked inside a laser disco ballroom!

.


All the energy, all the effort, and nothing to show for it but a frenzied OP.




.

[840high]

51. Snort.

[kristopher]

64. Pg55 of Geek's reference says it's ok if its related to candidate's Senate duties

And since Bernie's invitation and supporting communications clearly spell out that his invitation is as a representative of a N. American Government to exchange ideas with representatives of certain S. American governments....

Travel Expenses
Campaign funds may be used to pay the costs of travel to an activity that is related to the campaign or to the candidate’s duties as a federal officeholder. (Note, however, that 2007 changes to the statute mandate specific conveyances and payments. See “Certain Air Travel” above and Chapter 10, Section 4 for more information.) Thus, the costs of travel for a candidate (and the candidate’s spouse and minor children) may be used to pay for travel to functions directly related to the campaign or those directly connected to the individual’s official responsibilities as a federal officeholder. 113.2(a) (1); see AO 2005-09.The regulations, however, prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal expenses collateral to travel—either campaign or of ceholder—unless personal funds are used to reimburse the committee. 113.1(g)(1)(ii)(C). See, for example,AOs 2002-05, 2000-37 and 1996-19. See also “Mixed Use” below for trips that involve both of cial/campaign and personal travel.

Pg 55

[reformist2]

98. LOL!

[riversedge]

83. Or at least fare for a regular flight

[MADem]

17. Wouldn't those be viewed as campaign donations, though?

How did Obama handle the speech in Germany?

He can take a military flight over, as a sitting Senator.... if there's an a/c going over to Aviano or Naples or (rare) Fiumicino.

The seats aren't always that hot, and they're loud, but it's roomy enough.

The man makes a ton of money every year. He only paid 13.8 percent taxes in 2014 and took 56K in deductions which remain shrouded because he has not released his schedule A.

He can afford a frigging plane ticket to Europe. Get out the credit card and charge it.

I'm poor as a churchmouse, and I manage to get over there a few times a year.

[PowerToThePeople]

21. I am sure it will not be an issue for him as well.

Just shooting from the hip, that even if there was a difficulty it could be overcome easily.

[roguevalley]

57. it astounds me how people find fault and ABSOLUTE JOY in this whole business. I can't

believe the pettiness and sour grapes. I am delighted that he's going and I will send money. He is speaking about justice for all. I think that separates the Clintonites from the Bernistas. One said is carping with anger and the other is happy, proud and delighted.

[kristopher]

60. Great idea. Pg55 of Geek's reference says t's ok if its related to candidate's Senate duties

And since Bernie's invitation and supporting communications clearly spell out that his invitation is as a representative of a N. American Government to exchange ideas with representatives of certain S. American governments....

Travel Expenses
Campaign funds may be used to pay the costs of travel to an activity that is related to the campaign or to the candidate’s duties as a federal officeholder. (Note, however, that 2007 changes to the statute mandate specific conveyances and payments. See “Certain Air Travel” above and Chapter 10, Section 4 for more information.) Thus, the costs of travel for a candidate (and the candidate’s spouse and minor children) may be used to pay for travel to functions directly related to the campaign or those directly connected to the individual’s official responsibilities as a federal officeholder. 113.2(a) (1); see AO 2005-09.The regulations, however, prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal expenses collateral to travel—either campaign or of ceholder—unless personal funds are used to reimburse the committee. 113.1(g)(1)(ii)(C). See, for example,AOs 2002-05, 2000-37 and 1996-19. See also “Mixed Use” below for trips that involve both of cial/campaign and personal travel.

Pg 57

No wonder Geek is such an ardent Hillary supporter...

[Ferd Berfel]

127. True - Crowdsourced or

or he can whip out the old Visa Card like the rest of us.,


What ever he does he needs to keep it open and above board. The Clintonistas will be lying about it.

[Bonobo]

2. Here we go. Mr. Outrage #1 nt

[CentralCoaster]

5. Mebbe the Pope will pick up the tab, send a car, a nice Town Car, for the Senator.

He's gonna go.

You don't get invited by the POPE and not find a way to get there.

Just ask Hillary! Oh, wait, you can't ask Hillary because THE POPE NEVER INVITED HER!

[MADem]

19. The Pope didn't invite HIM, either. smh. nt

[MADem]

31. Have you seen the Pope's car? It's a beat up Renault, or something.

He's the spit image of my mechanic, the Pope is!





http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pope-car-idUSBRE98B0KI20130912

Pope Francis plans to drive around Vatican City at the wheel of a "popemobile" that is a lot like him: frugal, clad in white, and with a fair bit of mileage.

The 1984 Renault 4 economy car with 300,000 km (186,000 miles) on the clock was given to him by a 70-year-old priest from northern Italy, Father Renzo Zocca, who took the pope for a spin inside the walls of the tiny city-state.

"I think the pope will drive it a bit himself inside the Vatican," the Holy See's deputy spokesman, Father Ciro Benedettini, said on Thursday.

After the pope appealed to priests several months ago not to drive expensive cars but to save money and give it to the poor, Zocca wrote him a letter saying he had used the same car for decades and wanted to give it to the pope as a symbolic gift.

[dchill]

6. Oh wait, his wife is a multimillionaire, right?

She can foot the bill.

[delrem]

8. What a fool! geek tragedy has it covered.

[roguevalley]

59. because he's going to an event he was invited to to SPEAK ABOUT ECONOMIC JUSTICE!? I am so glad I

have bernie. Fool? I guess I now which end of the % spectrum you come from and it ain't the 99.

[delrem]

87. Do just a tiny bit of research into my postings, recs.

Consider that sarcasm is a legit tool.
A tool that works!!

[bjo59]

9. There have got to better things to think about

than how the candidate you don't like is going to get himself to a conference in Italy. Why is this subject so irritating to the anti-Bernie people?

[geek tragedy]

12. It's funny because we're being proven right about him.

Now we know why they wanted the debate on the 12th.

[timmymoff]

23. You haven't been right this whole freakin cycle

he will only win his home state. He will be gone after Iowa. Out by Super Tuesday. Gone by March 15th. Michigan is in the bag. Shit weathermen have a better record than you guys predicting stuff. Be thankful I haven't listed the various policies Her Corporate majesty has gotten wrong as well, that would be an exhaustive list to have to add to your failed predictions.

[tonedevil]

58. The infidels...

will be slaughtered before they ever reach Baghdad.

[Ken Burch]

10. And he wasn't planning to.

He can afford a freaking plane ticket out of his Senate paycheck.

[geek tragedy]

14. No, private jet costs $100k each way

http://www.privatefly.com/us/private-jet-charter/estimate-prices?flightSearch=2458054

It's almost as if someone didn't think this through.

[Ken Burch]

47. He wouldn't have to take a private jet. Bernie's cool with flying commercial.

There's nothing to attack the guy on here.

[geek tragedy]

88. No commercial flight works for his schedule.

the last direct flight leaves before the debate is finished

[Bonobo]

56. You took the time to research THAT too? Busy busy busy! nt

[riderinthestorm]

119. Actually the top rate appears to be $7600/hour for a large jet

Multiply that by 8 hours and you have a little over $60k one way so round trip (assuming they take it back and don't go commercial) is actually a little over $120k.

You can't buy the good press he's getting from this for that amount of money, plus these are issues he's passionate about. As Jeff Weaver said, somethings transcend politics...

How much does it cost to charter a plane?

You can expect to pay, on average, from $1,100 to $1,950 per flying hour for executive turboprops, $1,950- to $2,500 per hour for small cabin jets, $2,500 to $4,600 for mid cabin jets and $4,600 to $7,600 per flying hour for a large jet

http://www.shorelineaviation.net/news---events/bid/55961/What-to-Expect-When-Flying-Private-Air-Charter

..

[geek tragedy]

120. More like 9 going out and 10 going back.

He'd be much better off campaigning in Buffalo.

[riderinthestorm]

122. Alitalia says 8 hours, 15 minutes

http://m.prokerala.com/travel/flight-time/from-new-york/to-rome/

[geek tragedy]

128. You'd have to include the time over 8 hours plus

boarding, taxiing and deplaning.

Plus taxes and airport fees.

[riderinthestorm]

133. Hillary would face the same to CA so just add in those extra fees and time

other than whatever extra taxes Italy charges.

Ireland charges $200 per person so yeah, add on the $400 +/- for Bernie and Jane to the plane charge. SS fees are paid for by the government.

You're obsessed and not in a good way. You do know the campaign has this worked out right? Or they wouldn't have agreed to go...

[geek tragedy]

134. I'm pretty sure Weaver and Devine don't think things through

Like when they told Sanders Hillary said he wasn't qualified based on a headline, without reading the article itself.

[jmg257]

11. Wow you sure Spent alot of time working on all the problems he has.

Dont know how he made it this far without you.

[Bjornsdotter]

44. +1000

Best response!

[TheBlackAdder]

13. Still grapling with this issue, failing to detach.

.


If any one of us were offered a visit to the Vatican, we'd find the way to go there.

I'm not Catholic and I would.


All of thee posts just reek of sour grapes, yet you think they are beneficial somehow.


.

[kristopher]

68. Not sour grapes - character assassination with lies.

And the first sentence of Geek's first reference says it's ok if its related to Bernie's Senate duties. Bernie's invitation and supporting communications clearly spell out that his invitation is as a representative of a N. American Government to exchange ideas with representatives of certain S. American governments.

I'm assuming GT is intelligent enough to read the reference provided, so I'm guessing it's part of a background campaign where a meme is just being passed along and Good ol' Geek the Tragedy hasn't even read the reference provided.

Travel Expenses
Campaign funds may be used to pay the costs of travel to an activity that is related to the campaign or to the candidate’s duties as a federal officeholder. (Note, however, that 2007 changes to the statute mandate specific conveyances and payments. See “Certain Air Travel” above and Chapter 10, Section 4 for more information.) Thus, the costs of travel for a candidate (and the candidate’s spouse and minor children) may be used to pay for travel to functions directly related to the campaign or those directly connected to the individual’s official responsibilities as a federal officeholder. 113.2(a) (1); see AO 2005-09.The regulations, however, prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal expenses collateral to travel—either campaign or of ceholder—unless personal funds are used to reimburse the committee. 113.1(g)(1)(ii)(C). See, for example,AOs 2002-05, 2000-37 and 1996-19. See also “Mixed Use” below for trips that involve both of cial/campaign and personal travel.

Pg 55

[beam me up scottie]

15. LOL!

[roguevalley]

61. from the commentary, I think some are good with economic slavery for the many

[Fumesucker]

78. Good with economic slavery? Hell, they're highly pissed we might possibly escape

Look at the sheer madness that's been here for the last day or three, they are losing their minds.

[cyberswede]

16. Since it's not a campaign-related event, of course campaign funds can't be used

Duh. Did the Sanders campaign say they would use campaign funds?

[geek tragedy]

22. How did they plan to get to Rome for a conference that starts

four hours after the debate ends? No commercial flights out of NYC after the debate is over.

Maybe a rich patron will lend him a private jet?

[cyberswede]

27. I have no idea. Charter a plane?

[geek tragedy]

28. $200k plane trip, round trip

Private intercontinental jet travel is expensive.

[cyberswede]

35. I have no idea how much a plane to Rome costs.

I also thought everyone decided Sanders is a closet millionaire.

[geek tragedy]

42. No idea about his net worth.

This whole thing is bizarre.

Plane landing time in Rome would be (in terms of time of day) about 15 hours after time of lift off in New York (6 hour time difference plus 9 hour flight).

I think they wanted the 12th for the debate for a very good reason.

They probably cancel within 48 hours. Just won't work.

Objectively speaking, this is really fucking weird. Never seen anything like it.

[thesquanderer]

90. re: "$200k plane trip, round trip"

Okay, you said "no commercial flights out of NYC after the debate is over" but that doesn't mean he can't fly commercial on the way back, right? Cuts the expense almost in half...

(Not that it matters. You've gotten numerous responses here showing how the "problem" can be overcome regardless.)

[geek tragedy]

91. Possibly. But no late return flights either

Probably an 8:00 flight in the morning which would get him back to the US in the afternoon of the 16th.

So another day lost off the campaign trail.

I just don't see what he gains from 4 hours at a private conference where he will be listening rather than talking.

[thesquanderer]

104. re: "I just don't see what he gains from 4 hours at a private conference where he will be listening"

First, there is contradictory information about whether or not he will have the opportunity to speak. We'll know a week from now, though, whether he spoke or not. So maybe that's a criticism to hold until then. In the mean time, maybe he's been told that he will have some opportunity to speak; maybe he isn't sure, but is hopeful of the opportunity; maybe he feels it's worth going either way.

To that last point, not everything has to be about "what is to be gained" in terms of the election. It's possible that he simply sees this personally as a unique opportunity, the ability to be part of a conference at the Vatican, with numerous other people of note. He could see it as being a special day in his life, and he doesn't want to let it pass him by. And he hopes that one day more or less of local campaigning is not going to make the decisive difference in the primary. If I had such an opportunity, I'd sure want to go. (As for the exact number of hours, we don't know that it's four. As you said, we are "not sure when he would be leaving" and there may be additional opportunity to "hobnob" outside the official hours of the conference.)

Regardless of any of that, I'd say he's already gained. Whether political benefit factored into his decision to go or not, the fact is, IMO, he already has gotten a political benefit. He has gotten substantial additional media coverage. And whether it was part of the calculus or not, this particularly publicity may indeed have some extra impact among the Catholic vote, which is significant in New York. The combination of those things may actually already have been more beneficial to his campaign than one extra day of retail politicking would have been.

Anyway, a week from now, it will be over, and we'll all know what happened. He'll speak, or he won't, he'll meet the pope, or he won't. We don't have to guess or get worked up about it, whatever will happen will happen, regardless of all these posts. And either way, I expect he will feel he had a once in a lifetime experience.

[Luminous Animal]

18. What a bizarre post. Did he say he was going to use campaign cash? I know you won't answer.

[geek tragedy]

24. How will he get there in time to catch any of the conference? nt

[Luminous Animal]

30. With his own money.

[geek tragedy]

33. He has that kind of money lying around?

[Luminous Animal]

38. To fly to Italy? How much do you think it costs? Perhaps you are confusing a flight to

Italy with a flight to the moon.

[geek tragedy]

43. No commercial flights to Italy that get him

there to catch 1 minute of the conference.

[Luminous Animal]

45. One of your cohorts already platted put that doable trip. Keep up.

[hollysmom]

49. I think he is going to teleconference - so green.

and way cheaper

[TheFarS1de]

32. Did you ask ?

Or is your first go to to panic ? There are multiple ways there , the Pope often charters planes for church business so more than likely they may fly him there . Best person to ask is the Sanders campaign .... but we know that isn't the point of your OP .

[geek tragedy]

37. I'm guessing he cancels. nt

[TheFarS1de]

39. Guessing ?

Sounds like a solid answer .

[senz]

71. lol! You're PRAYING he cancels.

No need to worry, geek tragedy. If he needs it, hundreds of thousands of people can and will chip in.

[Fuddnik]

74. More like Fantasizing

[GeorgiaPeanuts]

20. How long did you spend researching this...

Good Lord y'all sure are spending countless amount of time trying in whatever way possible to discredit this whole Vatican thing. It is very pathetic.

[Fawke Em]

25. You took the time to go search for flights to see what time they leave?

Obsessed much?

[geek tragedy]

26. Takes 15 seconds on kayak.com

Better question: why didn't his staff?

[Fawke Em]

40. Best question: Why do you care? eom

[fighting-irish]

108. Kayak.com doesn't cover all flights

There are quite a few flights that can go from New York overnight to Rome.

My guess he'll just do a videoconference. Saves a lot of time, and he doesn't have to leave the U.S.

[geek tragedy]

109. Does the Vatican do that sort of thing?

Also, it's an academic discussion on Catholic theology.

[fighting-irish]

111. Good question. Remember the AIPAC conference?

Bernie offered to videoconference in when AIPAC allowed it in 2012. Not this year.

I'm hoping that the logistics for Bernie works out so that he doesn't have to lose time. The technology is there, they just need to use it. Vatican is quite adept in technological matters too.

[ThePhilosopher04]

29. I'm sure Bernie will be just fine, but thanks for the concern.

[beedle]

41. Are you

Hillary's new white noise machine I'v been hearing about?

[ViseGrip]

46. Oh oh...what's that? Like a lawyer can't buy a ticket. This is like a sandbox.

[morningfog]

79. More like a litter box.

[Fawke Em]

48. BTW, if he's going there in his capacity as a senator, then he can request a military flight.

So there.

[kristopher]

53. Geek the Tragedy is, as usual, Wrong. >>> Pg55 REF. Text says ok if related to Senate duties

Travel Expenses
Campaign funds may be used to pay the costs of travel to an activity that is related to the campaign or to the candidate’s duties as a federal of ceholder. (Note, however, that 2007 changes to the statute mandate specific conveyances and payments. See “Certain Air Travel” above and Chapter 10, Section 4 for more information.) Thus, the costs of travel for a candidate (and the candidate’s spouse and minor children) may be used to pay for travel to functions directly related to the campaign or those directly connected to the individual’s official responsibilities as a federal officeholder. 113.2(a) (1); see AO 2005-09.The regulations, however, prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal expenses collateral to travel—either campaign or of ceholder—unless personal funds are used to reimburse the committee. 113.1(g)(1)(ii)(C). See, for example,AOs 2002-05, 2000-37 and 1996-19. See also “Mixed Use” below for trips that involve both of cial/campaign and personal travel.

Pg 57





Campaign funds may be used to pay the costs of travel to an activity that is related to the campaign or to the candidate’s duties as a federal officeholder.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

69. Of course he can use campaign cash.

If anyone from the When the HRC campaign snitches, all he has to do it print out all the blogs, newspaper columns and forum posts whining about Bernie using the trip as a campaign stunt.

Ipso facto. The end.

[thesquanderer]

93. Yup. "It will help with the Catholic vote." "It's not a campaign related expense." Can't claim both. (n/t)

[karynnj]

84. It would be easy to justify as it would help the US to have

More officials with decent relations with Latin America.

[thesquanderer]

105. Good point. Probably ANY time a Senator or Presidential candidate meets with foreign officials...

...it can be seen as part of the "business" of being a Senator or a Presidential candidate.

[Lil Missy]

54. I'm sure he knows that. What a dumb post. n/t

[Lodestar]

55. He's getting Mexico to pay for it.

They love the Pope.

[URL=.html][IMG][/IMG][/URL]

[geek tragedy]

99. Maybe 10,000 song birds will carry him on their backs. nt

[Autumn Colors]

66. Here's a thought

Maybe he has a friend who owns a plane or who is a pilot who could take him there. Any celebrities out there with a plane want to give Bernie a lift to Rome?

As someone else posted, he wouldn't have accepted if he didn't have a way to get there.

[pacalo]

70. This invitation really got to you.

You've been posting one sad OP after another like a jilted hanger-on.

[pat_k]

72. Oh No! Might be "off the trail" from Fri afternoon to Sun afternoon!

Oh the humanity!!

Gee Wiz. Get a grip. What does it matter to you what his travel plans are?

As others have pointed out, he wouldn't have accepted if he hadn't nailed down travel plans.

Just speculating, but Alitalia has the nonstop flights that would get him to Rome 6:45AM Sat and get him back to NY 1:25PM Sun. It would run about $2000 round trip.

The campaign can certainly survive with him "off the trail" for 48 hours.

And I think he could swing the $2000 out of personal funds.

[elana i am]

75. wtf? his itinerary is none of my business.

what makes you think it's yours? what are you? a creepy stalker?

[JTFrog]

94. He is a public servant.

Your personal attack is completely inappropriate.

[myrna minx]

76. This has to be the weirdest obsessive post about the Vatican visit yet. Wow.

[m-lekktor]

77. jesus what in fuck is wrong with you?

[Enrique]

80. this was a trap set up by Hillary

she's brilliant!

[TheFarS1de]

82. Yep .

....brilliant

[DemocracyDirect]

81. Your Cynism is Tragic

I hope you find some peace after this is all over.

This primary is not worth destroying your health over.

[CentralMass]

85. At a quick glance I saw trips from New York to Rome starting at $500

I'm sure it want break the bank.

Btw, on a separate note speaking of spending campaign money on air travel, back in October Hillary had already spent ~$560,000 on private jets.

Bernie flies commercially.

[geek tragedy]

89. What time do those flights arrive at FCO? nt

[CTyankee]

86. Bernie also needs to have an up to date passport, not one expiring within 6 months of trip.

little details like that...

[geek tragedy]

97. that would be too funny. nt

[CTyankee]

118. Not funny when you have your passport stolen as I did...it helps to be in a copital

city as you can just go to the U.S. Embassy for an emergency passport. I had to get on a train and go to Milan to our consulate there and it takes several hours to process. I was also sick with a virus and always darting into places where I could use the bathroom. Never carry your passport around; leave it in the hotel safe and take some xeroxes of the face page. Tape one to the inside of any checked luggage, leave another at home; carry the third one.

You live and learn...

[geek tragedy]

121. I once was barred from boarding a flight because my passport

was set to expire within 3 months.

[CTyankee]

142. what did you do?

[geek tragedy]

143. Puerto Rico. nt

[CTyankee]

145. d o you mean that you didn't need it in PR?

[geek tragedy]

146. yes, original plans were for Honduras for a week, switched plans and flew

out to Puerto Rico the next day.

Part of the US of A, so no passport needed.

[CTyankee]

147. good. glad it worked out.

Going to an embassy or consulate for an emergency passport incurs a charge. Mine was $100 (probably more now, this was over 10 yrs. ago) in U.S. dollars -- no checks, no credit card, no Euros) which is why I always carry a more dollars than I need when I'm going to Europe.

[ibegurpard]

95. Lol so what?

He may not be be a billionaire but he's not a pauper.

[geek tragedy]

96. Transatlantic charter jets are extremely expensive.

Like 100x more expensive than buying a commercial ticket. At least.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

132. After factoring in the tickets for the press, secret service, etc, ...

... a charter could be affordable.

I would wonder, how would Clinton travel to Rome, if she was invited?

[azurnoir]

100. Thanks I can see the hashtags now

#howdhepay

#whosmoney

[geek tragedy]

101. Maybe George Clooney could fly him out. nt

[azurnoir]

103. No I hear he and Hillary will be doing the posh then ya know exclusivity

perhaps they could invite a few Honduran and Iraqi orphans for dinner or something to prove just how concerned they are

[berningman]

102. I really can't wait until Bernie is in Rome at the Vatican talking to the Pope.

You fools have got nothing

[hrmjustin]

107. Pope will be in Greece at the time.

He is going to Lesbos.

[berningman]

115. you keep telling yourself that

[geek tragedy]

113. The Pope will be in Greece while Sanders is in Rome. nt

[AgerolanAmerican]

106. That's no problem

The Sanders Foundation will cover all the expenses. Some random foreign country will pay for it all in exchange for nothing at all I promise because they are just that nice.

[tymorial]

110. Now That's What I Call scraping the bottom of the barrel

Eom

[polly7]

114. That's digging underneath it. The bottom been scraped so hard it fell apart long ago. nt.

[BainsBane]

112. Oops

[SidDithers]

116. Jury results coming in a minute...

Yes, your post was alerted.



ETA:

On Sat Apr 9, 2016, 09:54 AM an alert was sent on the following post:

Bernie can't use campaign cash to travel to Rome. Uh oh.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511687572

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

Blatantly nasty post.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Sat Apr 9, 2016, 10:01 AM, and the Jury voted 1-6 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: What I learned is that you can rec a thread being juried, from within the jury system. Cool!
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Although it is an utterly stupid post I don't see where it merits a hide/lock
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: I am not sure what the alerter thinks this violates? it is sniping at a candidate which is unfortunately what we do in GDP. its an opinion.
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: While it is a ridiculous post I don't see how it violates any rules and I'm a Bernie supporter. Bernie's supporters should be able to take care of this drivel.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: I'm not seeing the nasty part. Leave. Ohio Joe
Juror #6 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: Pure shit-stirring of the type that drops the collective IQ of this place by about 50 points. Turning the chronic disruptors loose worked about as well as one would expect.
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

.

Sid

[Logical]

125. LOL, he has 12 already. What difference would 13 mean? nt

[geek tragedy]

138. This place should be interesting next Tuesday.

Presumably Bernie will be back stateside to watch the results.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

117. A little creative accounting, maybe a shoot for a campaign video ...

... a little "vote for me" speech at the colosseum, and yeah, the campaign pays for it.

"Junket" business trips are not unusual.

[geek tragedy]

129. He won't be able to do that unless he skips the conference.

Doesn't look like they put a lot of thought into this.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

131. He could do both.

Anyone on a business trip can do stuff other than "business".

Or, he's still a Senator, right? If you squint the right way, a conference on poverty etc could be paid for by government funds.

[geek tragedy]

135. Ok. Conference is normal business hours.

The earliest it would be physically possible to arrive in the city of Rome would be 4:00 pm local time, assuming he has a private jet waiting for him at JFK.

What does he get done while there?

[Logical]

124. Hey, Its 12 hides guy! nt

[AgingAmerican]

126. He doesn't need to

He is a senator.

More anti-intellectualism from Hillary land

[BeyondGeography]

130. How to become a cartoon caricature

Blow through wads of cash to deliver a self-promotional speech about the idolatry of money.

[seattleite]

136. The things you're posting are getting more ridic by the day.

Keep it coming!

[geek tragedy]

137. We'll see if he winds up going. nt

[seattleite]

141. I don't care if he does or doesn't. I think it's hysterical that you people are obsessed with this.

[Zen Democrat]

139. You are grossly uninformed. Uh oh.

[geek tragedy]

140. Brilliant response. nt

[Vinca]

144. Well, Hillary "supporters" keep pointing out he's a secret millionaire,so it shouldn't be a problem.

[frylock]

149. This is tearing you up. Have some soup. Get some rest.

[boomer55]

151. I know too bad it was Clinton she could just pull from petty cash and buy a jet.....

[DemocracyDirect]

152. Actually the Clinton Foundation would pay for her first class flights or jet rentals.

No need for her to use her own money.

Better to use tax-free money!

[silvershadow]

153. Who said he used campaign cash?

[northernsouthern]

154. Please stop, this is embarrassing.

This is not vetting, this is being ignorant of policy, you make our party look bad when you spout out disinformation. The point of the primaries is to choose a candidate and to vet them...we need serious vetting on actual issues not cherry picking one visit to the Pope by one of the lowest paid members of congress like he is living it up in some lavish lifestyle. I am not sure if people are getting paid per attack post, but perhaps they should do a bit more research and try and find relevant issues. The fact he may have to pay his own way, if this were not just a completely falsehood??? What are you even thinking? Why the hell would it matter? He can pay. You attack serves as nothing more than a spite brag about someone having to cover the bill for what was a great trip, and makes democrats look like weak self serving nitpickers.

[Gothmog]

155. The FEC is worthless and can take no actions due to the split

Sanders can do this because the FEC is unable to enforce the campaign finance laws.