It's the small things that the leader of the free world cannot do, and though you would think that the most powerful man in America could do as he pleases, but, as fate would have it, they can't do the things most of us take for granted.
But, if you think about it, then, in some small, ridiculous way, you are more powerful than POTUS himself. So next time you feel powerless against the chains of capitalism, remember that you are free in small ways.
1. Go To The Movies
Christ Alone Church
Going to the movies for Presidents is generally not the norm. They don't get to go to the huge screens and big buckets of buttery popcorn that the public movie theater has. Instead, they get the home theater with a few seats and the movie is brought to them. What a sacrifice, right?
2. Go Out To Dinner
Kirkland Chamber
Though this is not impossible, the Secret Service will need a heads-up in the restaurant that the Presidential family wants to eat in order to make everything secure and safe for them. And, rumor has it, that an official "food taster" is present to make the food is not contaminated (a.k.a poisoned) .
3. Call/Video Chat
Wikimedia Commons
The Secret Service goes to great lengths to plan, coordinate, and secure all of the president's activities, and, in order for the President to have a normal FaceTime call it has to be done over a secured line (according to Matt Pinkser, a Homeland Security professor at Virginia Commonwealth University) . Though, us peasants, only have to get out our phones and dial, the President must notify the Secret Service before he does any chatting.
4. Drive
Wikipedia
According to Pinsker, driving is definitely not an option. And, when the President is being driven, they have to be in a highly secured vehicle with a highly trained official that is prepared for any kind of emergency. However, at places like Camp David and personal properties, the president is able to take a walk, ride a bike, or do other simple tasks.
5. Use Personal Technology Unmonitored
Flickr
As technology continues to advance, the Secret Service has to be aware of all new security threats. They are advised to stop or at least heavily curtail their usage adder assuming office. And, recently, it was reported that the president cannot block people on social media because it goes against the First Amendment. Though social media is a place where people can freely share ideas, but not when you're the leader of the free world.
6. Open the Windows
Flickr
Former First Lady Michelle Obama told Stephen Colbert, "I wasn't to do little things like, you know, open a window," as she was anticipating the end of her husband's term. For security reasons, no windows can be opened in the White House or the car. It's freedoms like these that us "normal people" often take for granted.
