Barack Obama angers US boatbuilding industry
- Thu, 4 Feb 2010
US president Barack Obama has angered the US boating industry after making some rather disparaging comments about buying boats in a speech in New Hampshire.
"When times are tough, you tighten your belts. You don't go buying a boat when you can barely pay your mortgage," the president said in the speech announcing his Small Business Lending Initiative.
"You don't blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college. You prioritise. You make tough choices. And it's time your government did the same."
President Obama has already apologised to a Nevada politician about his Vegas comment and now the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the US recreational boating industry's largest trade group, has written him a letter asking him to "clarify" his remarks about boat buying.
In it, the NMMA says, "By associating buying a boat with irresponsible spending, you send a very negative and unfortunate signal to boatbuilding workers, marine dealers, marina owners, marine suppliers and the thousands of marine industry employees in the United States.
"We cannot over emphasize how important it is to fuel American middle class recovery and growth with confidence and through responsible spending, rather than calling out an industry that is trying to work alongside your administration to support job growth and US manufacturing."
As far as we know, the president is yet to reply.
Have your say!
Latest comments
February 05 23:10
Ralph Williams
He should have said "dont spend money on unnecessary luxuries when you are struggling to pay your mortgage"
February 06 18:30
William
It would appear that the NMMA are a bit silly...
February 07 11:59
jr
Boats are a Luxury - In 1974 in the UK, the then Labour government put a 25% tax on boat sales which decimated the UK boat yards.Most of those yards are now luxury apartment and marinas housing little used boats bought on credit. So Obama used a phrase which may not please people. But if you have a good product,a good business model and sound finances you will make money. If you are greedy and rely soley on your reputation and spin - then your get what you deserve. People say things. Deal with it...
February 10 17:41
Peter Machin
Like Blair Obama works his mouth before his brain!