When US President Barack Obama left Hawaii and landed in Washington on Thursday, much of the east coast of the United States was being battered by thunderstorm, snow and even tornado. More than 1,000 flights were canceled on Wednesday alone.

After spending five days relaxing with his family, such a greeting should have served as a reminder of the harsh reality the nation faces. The golf and relaxation must have seemed surreal once he was back in the White House, especially when looking east toward Capitol Hill, less than two miles away.

In many countries, the public would be outraged if their leaders went on vacation with a "fiscal cliff" only days away. But few in the US seem to mind their leaders taking some time off to be with their families at this time of year no matter how bad the situation is.