at over $150 million, most expensive inaugural in US history

I wonder how much of this has to do with security? Also, is it all government funded or is some of it financed privately?

 

Hum, let's see.. it's the first time ever a black man has been POTUS...

There are a ton of people that would rather see him dead than POTUS....

Obama wants the event to be as open to anyone....


There are a ton of reasons this will be more expensive than others. I am not saying it's right or wrong, but you have to admit there are good reasons behind why it's expensive.

Also, why didn't you complain last week when Bush opened up 15 million dollars to this event when he called for it to be listed at a State of Emergency so they could have more funds?

Besides, the way the government has and will continue to treat us, what is 150 million?


Jamie

 

And your point is?

 

Sounds to me like money well spent!

 

If you can't gather what the point was, then it's too hard for me to explain.. If you're just trying to start something.. that won't work.

Jamie

 

Knowing he is the first black President this country has ever had, I agree.

Now, if they didn't want all this money spent, maybe they should have voted for someone else to be in the Primary instead of McCain.. You know, all the people that said Ron Paul was crazy, that Huckabee couldn't win, that that that...

Picking McCain was a bad move in my opinion... Ron Paul doesn't sound soo cooky now to some I bet!!

BTW, I gladly and proudly voted for Ron Paul! I believed and still believe he would have made a great POTUS and would have helped, not hurt this country.

Jamie

 

Well it it was much much less and a Republican wardrobe now that would be a different story.

 

Also, one can find this article in the American media...

http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/16/news/economy/inauguration_costs/index.htm

Jamie

 

Uh..the link IS CNN.

 

Allllrighty then. :laugh:

 

A sign of things to come, even more governement wasted money then ever before.

 

The country is in the middle of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, which isn't stopping rich donors and the government from spending $170 million, or more, on the inauguration of Barack Obama...

...
The actual swearing-in ceremony will cost $1.24 million, according to Carole Florman, spokeswoman for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
It's the security, parties and countless Porta-a-Potty rentals that really run up the bill.
The federal government estimates that it will spend roughly $49 million on the inaugural weekend. Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland have requested another $75 million from the federal government to help pay for their share of police, fire and medical services.
And then there is the party bill.
"We have a budget of roughly $45 million, maybe a little bit more," said Linda Douglass, spokeswoman for the inaugural committee....




...Among the expenses: a Bruce Springsteen concert, the parade, large-screen TV rentals for all-free viewing on the national Mall, $700,000 to the Smithsonian Institution to stay open and, of course, the balls, including three that are being pitched as free or low cost for the public.
But there are plenty of rich donors willing to pick up the tab.
"They are not the $20 and $50 donors who helped propel Obama through Election Day," said Massie Ritsch, communications director for the Center for Responsive Politics. "These are people giving mostly $50,000 apiece. They tend to be corporate executives, celebrities, the elite of the elite."...




http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Inauguration/story?id=6665946&page=1

 

What do you want them to do, send all the people home or close the city and not allow them in? I am sure these cities can ask for volunteers and get enough staff to support all the events. Volunteer service is the theme.

One notable difference this statement doesn't say, Obama limited donations to $50K and refused all lobbyist money. Normally these events are financed by corporate executives and lobbyist which in turn seek favors for their donations. Obama is the first president to limit the favor to $50K and told the lobbyist "thanks but no thanks"...

Having said that I agree this is one expensive event. It parallels his campaign which was also by far the most expensive in history. It is ridiculous what costed to elect the first African American to the oval office and ridiculous how much it is costing to inaugurate him. This of the hotel money we could have saved if Bush would have let him stay in the Blair house and think of the money Obama saved the tax payers by taking the train into town...

 

Security Doesn't Matter....

They'll have to pay for security no matter who is POTUSA....Obama is WASTING a lot of money to lift his presidency up.....

 

I don't think all this chicken *&%# is worth shine boy's tip.

 

If we're really as concerned about things as we let on, Mr. President-Elect, why don't we just swear you in, have some tuna fish sandwiches and Ruffles, and get on to work? That might be a little cheaper! And I'm not just saying that because it's Obama... I've been saying that for years for lots of presidents!!

 

I have to admit, you cracked me up... :laugh: :wavey:

I think the main reason is the movers need 6 hours to switch all the belongings...