MM's spending habits criticized

[Cloaked]

I wonder if she paid for the bracelet or if it was gifted to her? It is alot of money for such a simple piece of jewelry but if its within the CP's budget IMO its their business what the spend the money on once its in their bank account. I haven't heard stories of Haakon and MM blowing their budget like Fred and Mares so they must be able to afford MM's expenses.

Not if it's taxpayer money. If it is taxpayer money it is the business of hte public and I don't think MM brought thousands upon thousands wiht her into her marriage ot spend on what she likes. If it is her husband's money, it is his business. President Obama is getting crucified on a daily basis for his antics in regards to spending taxpayer money like it's his in his own right and there is no reason that he should expect to stay in office in 2012. If blowing thousands on stuff like this or Valentino couture or is at all spending money on designer shoes, she has no business not expecting a backlash. You cannot say she had enough money of her own to spend on Valentino before her marriage.

Should every civil servant publish his/her personal purchases paid with their salaries (i.e., taxpayer money) ?

In my country, yes. Every civil servant has to publish his/her spendings and salary every year and every time he/she spend or receive more thyan 5000 euros in cash, counts or gifts. I thought this come along with EU regulations but I undersund ...not?

I work at a state university.  Every professor and administrator's salary and benefits are a matter of public record.  For example, I know that the president of the university earns $450,000 USD per year, and the football coach earns $2.6 million per year (don't get me started on that nonsense ); the chief of cardiology at the medical school on our campus earns $700,000 and the student workers get about $10.00 an hour.  I think that this is the fair thing to do, since they are all government employees.  We are all prohibited from accepting gifts or bonuses from outside sources, and if we do get some kind perk, it must be publicized and approved.  If this can work for my university (and there are a few thousand employees at this school), then there's no reason why it shouldn't be done for the royals.  Their tax-payer funded benefits and salaries should absolutely be public knowledge.  Royals owe it to their subjects to be open and up-front about how they are using the taxpayer's money.

Pixiecat,
Do the President and Football Coach etc. then, once having had their income published and while following protocol of declaring any perks etc. also have to explain where they spend their earned salaries?  Or is that their private business? (- assuming that they are not doing anything illegal with their investments or such.)

I would have thought that the income earnt by most royals is very much already transparent and available to the public. Are you suggesting that any perks should also be absolutely declared or declared under a different system?

[pixiecat]

I wonder if she paid for the bracelet or if it was gifted to her? It is alot of money for such a simple piece of jewelry but if its within the CP's budget IMO its their business what the spend the money on once its in their bank account. I haven't heard stories of Haakon and MM blowing their budget like Fred and Mares so they must be able to afford MM's expenses.

Not if it's taxpayer money. If it is taxpayer money it is the business of hte public and I don't think MM brought thousands upon thousands wiht her into her marriage ot spend on what she likes. If it is her husband's money, it is his business. President Obama is getting crucified on a daily basis for his antics in regards to spending taxpayer money like it's his in his own right and there is no reason that he should expect to stay in office in 2012. If blowing thousands on stuff like this or Valentino couture or is at all spending money on designer shoes, she has no business not expecting a backlash. You cannot say she had enough money of her own to spend on Valentino before her marriage.

Should every civil servant publish his/her personal purchases paid with their salaries (i.e., taxpayer money) ?

In my country, yes. Every civil servant has to publish his/her spendings and salary every year and every time he/she spend or receive more thyan 5000 euros in cash, counts or gifts. I thought this come along with EU regulations but I undersund ...not?

I work at a state university.  Every professor and administrator's salary and benefits are a matter of public record.  For example, I know that the president of the university earns $450,000 USD per year, and the football coach earns $2.6 million per year (don't get me started on that nonsense ); the chief of cardiology at the medical school on our campus earns $700,000 and the student workers get about $10.00 an hour.  I think that this is the fair thing to do, since they are all government employees.  We are all prohibited from accepting gifts or bonuses from outside sources, and if we do get some kind perk, it must be publicized and approved.  If this can work for my university (and there are a few thousand employees at this school), then there's no reason why it shouldn't be done for the royals.  Their tax-payer funded benefits and salaries should absolutely be public knowledge.  Royals owe it to their subjects to be open and up-front about how they are using the taxpayer's money.

Pixiecat,
Do the President and Football Coach etc. then, once having had their income published and while following protocol of declaring any perks etc. also have to explain where they spend their earned salaries?  Or is that their private business? (- assuming that they are not doing anything illegal with their investments or such.)

I would have thought that the income earnt by most royals is very much already transparent and available to the public. Are you suggesting that any perks should also be absolutely declared or declared under a different system?

The President lives in the President's residence, which is paid for by the university (or really, the state).  All expenses related to the residence are published.  She is also provided with a vehicle; all expenses related to her travel are public.  Her personal expenses (clothes, makeup, prescriptions, etc) are not publicly disclosed.  Her salary does not come with a budget.  She pays for whatever she needs (clothes, etc) out of that salary.  She doesn't ask for a raise.  Her gifts, perks etc are publicly disclosed.  The same thing holds for the football coach.  He is not given a residence, but he receives an insane amount of perks-all of which must be publicly disclosed (many American universities have gotten in big, big trouble when their VIPs don't disclose perks, gifts, etc; scandals have arisen because of this, and athletic programs and coaches have been severely punished-see Reggie Bush, Ohio State, USC, etc.).  I am glad that we have this expectation of disclosure, and I believe completely that it is fair.  I personally think that the football coaches make waaaay too much money, but that's a whole other story.   

I don't necessarily feel that the royals' personal expenses (clothing and other personal items) need to be disclosed to the public-UNLESS they go over their budgets and start asking for a raise, a la Fred and Mary.  When they go over their budgets or start asking for more money, that's the time that the public needs to take a hard look at how they're spending their already generous allowances.  It should be highly public and the people should have a say in whether or not their royals get a raise. 

MM's spending is ridiculous, but at least she's staying within her budget.  Now, if she starts asking for more money, then I think that the Norwegians should tell her to find a better way to deal with the salary she already has.  Shamballa bracelets, for example, are completely frivolous, but if she's staying within her budget and not complaining about money, then that's her business, I guess. 

[Clara]

I wonder if she paid for the bracelet or if it was gifted to her? It is alot of money for such a simple piece of jewelry but if its within the CP's budget IMO its their business what the spend the money on once its in their bank account. I haven't heard stories of Haakon and MM blowing their budget like Fred and Mares so they must be able to afford MM's expenses.

Not if it's taxpayer money. If it is taxpayer money it is the business of hte public and I don't think MM brought thousands upon thousands wiht her into her marriage ot spend on what she likes. If it is her husband's money, it is his business. President Obama is getting crucified on a daily basis for his antics in regards to spending taxpayer money like it's his in his own right and there is no reason that he should expect to stay in office in 2012. If blowing thousands on stuff like this or Valentino couture or is at all spending money on designer shoes, she has no business not expecting a backlash. You cannot say she had enough money of her own to spend on Valentino before her marriage.

Should every civil servant publish his/her personal purchases paid with their salaries (i.e., taxpayer money) ?

In my country, yes. Every civil servant has to publish his/her spendings and salary every year and every time he/she spend or receive more thyan 5000 euros in cash, counts or gifts. I thought this come along with EU regulations but I undersund ...not?

I work at a state university.  Every professor and administrator's salary and benefits are a matter of public record.  For example, I know that the president of the university earns $450,000 USD per year, and the football coach earns $2.6 million per year (don't get me started on that nonsense ); the chief of cardiology at the medical school on our campus earns $700,000 and the student workers get about $10.00 an hour.  I think that this is the fair thing to do, since they are all government employees.  We are all prohibited from accepting gifts or bonuses from outside sources, and if we do get some kind perk, it must be publicized and approved.  If this can work for my university (and there are a few thousand employees at this school), then there's no reason why it shouldn't be done for the royals.  Their tax-payer funded benefits and salaries should absolutely be public knowledge.  Royals owe it to their subjects to be open and up-front about how they are using the taxpayer's money.

Pixiecat and ssassi, I don't think you understood me. I wasn't talking of their benefits, the official presents received, making the amount they receive as a salary public...
I was talking of demanding that every civil servant (and you're one too pixiecat) discloses their private spendings, i.e., how they spend their private salaries, how much does MM spend on tampons, how much they spend on medicines, on food, on clothes for the children, on gas, on the   car's insurance...That's ridiculous and that seems to be what some people want. I agree that spending like MM does on clothes (hardly working but showing up on a State Visit to smile, chit-chat and have dinners and luncheons for two days and wearing three different and new Valentino outfits is excessive) but blaming her for spending like it's water (it's their private salary, they can do whatever they want with it, another thing it's what they should do with it), especially when Haakon may be spending much more on his clothes and jewels (cufflinks, watches...) but will never be criticised for that, that's unfair.

[Little_star]

I must confess myself somewhat divided on this subject. Whilst I agree in theory that the money they are given is theirs to spend as they see fit I do believe there is a stronger principle at play too.

These are not private individuals, they are paid representatives of a country and if the average citizen of a country is struggling financially (I am ignorant of Norways current economic clime) then it is nothing short of offensive for one of its paid representatives to flaunt ostentatious material possessions.

There is a time and a place in royal life for wearing expensive clothes, expensive jewellery and having spent a good deal of money on hair and make up. The problem is, as I see it, the current crop of princesses do not appear able to distinguish when that time is and when the time for wearing good quality but not instantly recognisable designer clothes/accessories are.

That's exactly how I feel. 

[hanzo1]

They are public people who dare to present themselves as a model for their people so of course they should be held accountable they meant to be symbolic and therefore needs to do the walk too

[fairy]

I must confess myself somewhat divided on this subject. Whilst I agree in theory that the money they are given is theirs to spend as they see fit I do believe there is a stronger principle at play too.

These are not private individuals, they are paid representatives of a country and if the average citizen of a country is struggling financially (I am ignorant of Norways current economic clime) then it is nothing short of offensive for one of its paid representatives to flaunt ostentatious material possessions.

There is a time and a place in royal life for wearing expensive clothes, expensive jewellery and having spent a good deal of money on hair and make up. The problem is, as I see it, the current crop of princesses do not appear able to distinguish when that time is and when the time for wearing good quality but not instantly recognisable designer clothes/accessories are.

That's exactly how I feel. 

I think the biggest problem is that you simply go blind on your status after a while. Compared to about 80 % of the world we live in luxury, do we acknowledge this? Do we feel pampered by the fact that we can afford stuff? Do we even think twice before we throw our favourite bath soap and shampoo into the shopping cart, just because we like it and it smells good, although there are 10 products that are much cheaper and should do the trick too?
I think that after a while those royals and celeb and wags do not even notice the price tags. A bracelet looks cute, they buy it with as much consideration to the $6000 tag as we would for a $60.
We allow them, we actually want them to be that way...and than we rake them over the coals for not being down to earth. I think they just can't, they just lose their connection.

[pixiecat]

I wonder if she paid for the bracelet or if it was gifted to her? It is alot of money for such a simple piece of jewelry but if its within the CP's budget IMO its their business what the spend the money on once its in their bank account. I haven't heard stories of Haakon and MM blowing their budget like Fred and Mares so they must be able to afford MM's expenses.

Not if it's taxpayer money. If it is taxpayer money it is the business of hte public and I don't think MM brought thousands upon thousands wiht her into her marriage ot spend on what she likes. If it is her husband's money, it is his business. President Obama is getting crucified on a daily basis for his antics in regards to spending taxpayer money like it's his in his own right and there is no reason that he should expect to stay in office in 2012. If blowing thousands on stuff like this or Valentino couture or is at all spending money on designer shoes, she has no business not expecting a backlash. You cannot say she had enough money of her own to spend on Valentino before her marriage.

Should every civil servant publish his/her personal purchases paid with their salaries (i.e., taxpayer money) ?

In my country, yes. Every civil servant has to publish his/her spendings and salary every year and every time he/she spend or receive more thyan 5000 euros in cash, counts or gifts. I thought this come along with EU regulations but I undersund ...not?

I work at a state university.  Every professor and administrator's salary and benefits are a matter of public record.  For example, I know that the president of the university earns $450,000 USD per year, and the football coach earns $2.6 million per year (don't get me started on that nonsense ); the chief of cardiology at the medical school on our campus earns $700,000 and the student workers get about $10.00 an hour.  I think that this is the fair thing to do, since they are all government employees.  We are all prohibited from accepting gifts or bonuses from outside sources, and if we do get some kind perk, it must be publicized and approved.  If this can work for my university (and there are a few thousand employees at this school), then there's no reason why it shouldn't be done for the royals.  Their tax-payer funded benefits and salaries should absolutely be public knowledge.  Royals owe it to their subjects to be open and up-front about how they are using the taxpayer's money.

Pixiecat and ssassi, I don't think you understood me. I wasn't talking of their benefits, the official presents received, making the amount they receive as a salary public...
I was talking of demanding that every civil servant (and you're one too pixiecat) discloses their private spendings, i.e., how they spend their private salaries, how much does MM spend on tampons, how much they spend on medicines, on food, on clothes for the children, on gas, on the   car's insurance...That's ridiculous and that seems to be what some people want. I agree that spending like MM does on clothes (hardly working but showing up on a State Visit to smile, chit-chat and have dinners and luncheons for two days and wearing three different and new Valentino outfits is excessive) but blaming her for spending like it's water (it's their private salary, they can do whatever they want with it, another thing it's what they should do with it), especially when Haakon may be spending much more on his clothes and jewels (cufflinks, watches...) but will never be criticised for that, that's unfair.

     I'm sorry, Clara, I did misunderstand you.  I don't believe that every civil servant should disclose their private spending UNLESS they are earning a very large salary (like the football coach) AND they are asking for MORE money-like Fred and Mary.  There's no reason for royals to go over their budget and ask for more.  When Fred and Mary did this, the government should have started auditing them.  There's no reason for those two to overspend and ask for more.  They already live rent-free, they enjoy many, many perks and free things.  I don't really follow the NRF, but IIRC, MM hasn't asked for more.  It's totally stupid that she spends so much, but if she's staying within her budget and not asking for more, then I guess that's her business. 

The Danish government on the other hand, should have demanded a thorough audit and investigation into F&M's spending habits when they started asking for more money. 

[ssassi]

I wonder if she paid for the bracelet or if it was gifted to her? It is alot of money for such a simple piece of jewelry but if its within the CP's budget IMO its their business what the spend the money on once its in their bank account. I haven't heard stories of Haakon and MM blowing their budget like Fred and Mares so they must be able to afford MM's expenses.

Not if it's taxpayer money. If it is taxpayer money it is the business of hte public and I don't think MM brought thousands upon thousands wiht her into her marriage ot spend on what she likes. If it is her husband's money, it is his business. President Obama is getting crucified on a daily basis for his antics in regards to spending taxpayer money like it's his in his own right and there is no reason that he should expect to stay in office in 2012. If blowing thousands on stuff like this or Valentino couture or is at all spending money on designer shoes, she has no business not expecting a backlash. You cannot say she had enough money of her own to spend on Valentino before her marriage.

Should every civil servant publish his/her personal purchases paid with their salaries (i.e., taxpayer money) ?

In my country, yes. Every civil servant has to publish his/her spendings and salary every year and every time he/she spend or receive more thyan 5000 euros in cash, counts or gifts. I thought this come along with EU regulations but I undersund ...not?

I work at a state university.  Every professor and administrator's salary and benefits are a matter of public record.  For example, I know that the president of the university earns $450,000 USD per year, and the football coach earns $2.6 million per year (don't get me started on that nonsense ); the chief of cardiology at the medical school on our campus earns $700,000 and the student workers get about $10.00 an hour.  I think that this is the fair thing to do, since they are all government employees.  We are all prohibited from accepting gifts or bonuses from outside sources, and if we do get some kind perk, it must be publicized and approved.  If this can work for my university (and there are a few thousand employees at this school), then there's no reason why it shouldn't be done for the royals.  Their tax-payer funded benefits and salaries should absolutely be public knowledge.  Royals owe it to their subjects to be open and up-front about how they are using the taxpayer's money.

Pixiecat and ssassi, I don't think you understood me. I wasn't talking of their benefits, the official presents received, making the amount they receive as a salary public...
I was talking of demanding that every civil servant (and you're one too pixiecat) discloses their private spendings, i.e., how they spend their private salaries, how much does MM spend on tampons, how much they spend on medicines, on food, on clothes for the children, on gas, on the   car's insurance...That's ridiculous and that seems to be what some people want. I agree that spending like MM does on clothes (hardly working but showing up on a State Visit to smile, chit-chat and have dinners and luncheons for two days and wearing three different and new Valentino outfits is excessive) but blaming her for spending like it's water (it's their private salary, they can do whatever they want with it, another thing it's what they should do with it), especially when Haakon may be spending much more on his clothes and jewels (cufflinks, watches...) but will never be criticised for that, that's unfair.

I totally agree with you, Clara  . Sorry, but I reffered strictly at a civil servant as you put it in your question...
I don't expect Mete-Marit appear at 5 galas with the same dress or jewelles (alas that is one reason I follow them - to see what they wear ) but still... to wear only Valentino, Pucci, Loboutins and so on when you work so little it is  for me. But if she pays with her money (according her budget) and Norwegianne people has nothing to comment ... show me what you heave baby

[Kuei Fei]

I wonder, if MM had to spend her own money and such, how much would she spend in stuff like diamond bracelets on a string? I wonder if Haakon had to make his own way and not be able to rely on the taxpayers, would he be so indulgent? If they weren't funded by the government, would Haakon really be okay with so much being blown on a diamond on a string? Would any of these princes let them end up blowing so much on Valentino?

[Snow Queen]

If Haakon and MM were independently wealthy in their own right they would most likely buy the same items. Take Marie-Chantal of Greece for example, independently wealthy = wears lots of Valentino and designer clothing. MM beautiful young woman, she's not going to go around wearing a neck-to-toe sack cloth. Men want their wives to look nice, I'm sure Haakon is no different. His suits, clothes and hobbies are equally expensive. If you can afford a purchase and its within your budget that doesnt mean the money is "blown". Most women have discretionary income that they use to buy clothes, accessories, makeup, get their hair done, decorate the house and just enjoy life with. MM is no different, she's a Princess not a Nun.

[Little_star]

When thousands, if not millions, of women face utter misery and in many cases death because of the whole dowry issue I find it astounding that anyone could be calling for its return

http://english.pravda.ru/...933-india_brides_dowry-0/
http://www.youthkiawaaz.c...em-in-india-then-and-now/

I can´t tell you how this breaks my heart. I actually think about this a lot, and have thought about what I can do to help and support these women, but it seems so overwhealming. Do you know about any international organizations that work against this? I would so much like to help in any way I can.

Honestly, I'm afraid I don't.  Most of the time my family donates directly to the poor via relations in Pakistan. For example when my Uncle's cook married a few years ago my cousins put together things for her dowry like household utensils, food supplies for the first year or so etc. Her husband was a very decent man and didn't actually ask for anything but they wanted her to have some things just in case.

It's not exactly the same thing and it isn't based in India but the Edhi Foundation helps abused women, single mothers etc in Pakistan. They're a VERY reputable organisation. We often donate to them. 
http://www.edhifoundation.com/

Thank you, I really appreciate it. 

You're welcome. Theres currently a campaign that would like Abdul Sattar Edhi to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
http://www.nobelprizeforedhi.com/about-edhi.htm

[Blue Bird]

Are we sure MM actually purchased this bracelet or did maybe Ingrid make it for her one rainy Saturday?   

[Cloaked]

I must confess myself somewhat divided on this subject. Whilst I agree in theory that the money they are given is theirs to spend as they see fit I do believe there is a stronger principle at play too.

These are not private individuals, they are paid representatives of a country and if the average citizen of a country is struggling financially (I am ignorant of Norways current economic clime) then it is nothing short of offensive for one of its paid representatives to flaunt ostentatious material possessions.

There is a time and a place in royal life for wearing expensive clothes, expensive jewellery and having spent a good deal of money on hair and make up. The problem is, as I see it, the current crop of princesses do not appear able to distinguish when that time is and when the time for wearing good quality but not instantly recognisable designer clothes/accessories are.

That's exactly how I feel. 

I think the biggest problem is that you simply go blind on your status after a while. Compared to about 80 % of the world we live in luxury, do we acknowledge this? Do we feel pampered by the fact that we can afford stuff? Do we even think twice before we throw our favourite bath soap and shampoo into the shopping cart, just because we like it and it smells good, although there are 10 products that are much cheaper and should do the trick too?
I think that after a while those royals and celeb and wags do not even notice the price tags. A bracelet looks cute, they buy it with as much consideration to the $6000 tag as we would for a $60.
We allow them, we actually want them to be that way...and than we rake them over the coals for not being down to earth. I think they just can't, they just lose their connection.

Fairy 
I think that what you say here makes a lot of sense.

[Laprincess]

I have mixed feelings about MM's, or any royals', spending habits. Yes, the parliament agrees to give them a certain amount. If they stay within their budgeted amount, their spending shouldn't be anyone's business.

HOWEVER, if they wear exobitantly expensive items while visiting the homeless or the misfortunes, that annoys people. Or if they urge stressed taxpayers to be generous to charitable causes they promote while they wear jewelry and outfits worth thousands without donating any money themselves, that's the kind of hypocracy I can't stand. 

As for F&M, they take the cake since they've been over-spending the allowances they're given. In that case, I think the partiament should demand an accounting of their spending in order to judge whether they really need extra money.

[Cloaked]

I have mixed feelings about MM's, or any royals', spending habits. Yes, the parliament agrees to give them a certain amount. If they stay within their budgeted amount, their spending shouldn't be anyone's business.

HOWEVER, if they wear exobitantly expensive items while visiting the homeless or the misfortunes, that annoys people. Or if they urge stressed taxpayers to be generous to charitable causes they promote while they wear jewelry and outfits worth thousands without donating any money themselves, that's the kind of hypocracy I can't stand. 

As for F&M, they take the cake since they've been over-spending the allowances they're given. In that case, I think the partiament should demand an accounting of their spending in order to judge whether they really need extra money.

  Laprincess