President Obama...let the party begin. That'll be $150 million, please.
I thought the Obama Era was supposed to be a CHANGE in our political climate. A new beginning. History in the making. Really?
The Associated Press is reporting that the Obama inauguration gala, all told, cost around $150 million, give or take. $41 million of that was raised by President Obama's inauguration fundraising committee. The other $119 million - I suppose you and I pay, hmm?
Now Obama deserves an inauguration like any other president. And I'm not saying his heart and motives aren't true. But I thought he's UNLIKE any other president we've had? That's what he and his supporters have been touting throughout his presidential bid. His platform was based on "CHANGE".
So wouldn't it have been in line with his platform and his campaign to forgo the multi-million dollar celebration (the most expensive, mind you) and spend the $150 million more wisely? On something that would last more than a few days?
Seems to me that Obama - if he really meant everything he said during his campaign - should have backed up his campaign promises and rhetoric and done what FDR did for his 1945 inauguration - FDR made a short speech and served guests cold chicken salad and plain pound cake. Fine - you can substitute something else for the chicken salad and pound cake. During WWI, President Wilson didn't have any parties at his 1917 inaugural, saying that such festivities would be undignified. The thinking was that, with the nation at war, excessive celebration was inappropriate. Those moves were indicative of how history has viewed both FDR and Wilson.
Obama's inauguration committee says it is mindful of the times and is not worried people will see the four days of festivities as excessive. "That is probably not the way the country is going to be looking at it," said committee spokeswoman Linda Douglass. "It is not a celebration of an election. It is a celebration of our common values."
Well, that's not the way I'm looking at it, Ms. Douglass. People are tightening the belts. People are losing their jobs. During this "time of CHANGE", shouldn't the new administration set an example? After all, we are all "neighbors", right? While in the midst of an economic hardship we haven't seen in decades, the arrogance that is rampant in U.S. politics rears it's ugly head in the form of a little pomp and circumstance - partly at OUR expense.
Not the way I would've expected President Obama to begin his presidential tenure.
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The hypocrisy already begins. In 2005, when George Bush was being inaugurated, he was being criticized for having a much smaller ball b/c our "nation was at war."
So, are we still at war? If so, then what a nuch of hypocrites.
If we are not at war, then the Democrats have to admit that we won the wars.
Sounds like they're caught between a rock and a hard place but we all know the media won't attack them like they did Bush.
PS...Where's my free house and free gas???
Look at a theater production, Jeff... let's say it costs $5 but through ticket sales and donations is only able to recoup $4. What many folks fail to recognize are the revenue streams that the arts and entertainment create for the community - restaurants, hotels, parking, transportation, etc.
I think the inauguration is a similar situation. Yes, $150M is a lot, but the math is a bit more complicated than you or the AP are acknowledging. Nearly 2 million people traveled to DC (on larger planes than usual). Nearly 2 million people lodged, ate, parked, and otherwise supported the local economies. I'm eager for the revenue reports on the inauguration to come out. I would venture that it comes close to at least making up the difference.
And Scott, bitter is not a good color on you.
funny, michael - i discussed your exact point over coffee today with a theater buddy of mine.
i would love to see the final figures on the revenue brought into Washington DC over the duration of the event. i'm guessing it's significantly more than the $150 million spent on the event.
that being said, i guess my issue is one of "principle". i suppose you could say, 'hey, if you can spend money to make money - for your own city - than that's a good thing. but how does the money taken in by the city of Washington D.C. help me out? or my parents? how does it help the theaters i worked at in IA? or the arts scene in LA?
honestly, i would have stood up and said, "WOW! this sonofabitch's actions speak LOUDER than his words," had President Obama toned the gala down considerably - like had a public swearing in and a luncheon for the House, Senate, and dignatories (no celebs) and that's it.
Jeff,
This inauguration was no different than any other one. Look at all the money this war has caused us thanks to "Bush"! We need a change and I think we're going to see some good results these next 4 years!! Come on give Barack a chance!
Hey Greendale...I bet you would think this war was worth it if you had someone die in those terrorist acts on 9/11?
Waste of money??? Now our lives, our livelihood, etc. is not worth the money?
Al Qaeda stated they did not expect the response and this war that lefties are SOOOO against allowed us to avoid any more attacks on this soil for 7 years running.
PS...they all voted for the resolution to go to war. Democrats and Republicans, so don't blame Bush. That's irresponsible.
I agree that 9/11 was horrible and I'll never forget it. But it was Afganistan & Bin Laden who we should have gone after right away. Wrong move to go into Iraq. But we're all entitled to our opinions right?? It's always good to discuss things with other people.But there are more people happy that Bush is gone and have hope that things will be better for everyone soon.
Everyone needs to wake up and smell some coffee or opium or something... 8 years have passed.
Perplexed - I'm terribly sorry if you lost anyone close to you in 9/11. We all lost fellow citizens and my life (and soul) was very directly affected (and still is) as a resident of NYC.
I'm not going to waste my energy arguing the past. It's a new day and we need to learn from our actions in order to not repeat them.
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