$40 million celebration...........

[Saucy Ria]

while we are at war..............while our young men and women are dying on foreign soil..........

how embarrassing :oops:

[Phoenix McHeit]

What, what? Is there a link or something? What's happening NOW???

[Drea Beth]

My guess would be the inauguration and it's many festivities.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/11/politics/main666182.shtml

[Phoenix McHeit]

Oh geez... Its That Time already? I haven't been paying much attention lately, I guess. Y'all know my feelings on Him & His Reign. But then again, as a sometimes-wise-woman said "If you stick your head in the sand, your butt is in the air"

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

Sure, it's grossly inappropriate and a Bush inaguration should rightfully be a day of mourning, but the $40 mil is all private money so really, who are we to tell them how to spend it? If there was even a penny of public funds going towards this, I'd be the first one to pick up a pitchfork and light up a torch.

At least it's good for the economy... all that trickle-down and all.

[MaryDane]

Grab your pitchforks!
There are costs you don't see in that. Tomorrow is a *Federal Holiday* for federal employees in the DC Metro Area. You are paying them to NOT show up for work so that the traffic won't bring the district down. And if you're not familiar with DC ... there's a LOT of feds there ;-)

[AllieSutherland]

Grab your pitchforks!
There are costs you don't see in that. Tomorrow is a *Federal Holiday* for federal employees in the DC Metro Area. You are paying them to NOT show up for work so that the traffic won't bring the district down. And if you're not familiar with DC ... there's a LOT of feds there ;-)

Well, they *do* have to have a day for hangover recovery. :) Let's be generous. ;)

[MaryDane]

That would be for Friday - which most of my associates are either taking annual leave or comp. time to avoid the left over chaos on the streets. Thursday is the holiday (DC only).

Which means Thursday and Friday are almost useless to Federal Employees in various outposts across the country who rely on DC to be operational to accomplish their own jobs (self included). I'll spend Thursday getting caught up on stuff and then I'm taking Friday off... might as well.

Oh yeah ... might as well light those torches, too. I understand the government has already positioned sharp shooters on top of most of the building along the Mall. Fighter Jets have even been practicing drills over the Mall (No Fly Zone) just in case - ya know. Seem the sight of low flying jets in that neighborhood put many of my co-workers under their desks out of fright.

Mind you ... these sharp shooters are already on the payroll. No added costs - well ... maybe some OT.
Oh trust me ... that $40 million isn't all private.

[Saucy Ria]

It's still an embarrassment! Plus, just imagine all of the comforts that 40 million would buy for our troops.

[Saucy Ria]

It's still an embarrassment! Plus, just imagine all of the comforts that 40 million would buy for our troops.

[cyd]

Sure, it's grossly inappropriate and a Bush inaguration should rightfully be a day of mourning, but the $40 mil is all private money so really, who are we to tell them how to spend it? If there was even a penny of public funds going towards this, I'd be the first one to pick up a pitchfork and light up a torch.

At least it's good for the economy... all that trickle-down and all.

Grab your pitchfork.

Not only is tomorrow a government holiday, so all DC metro federal workers will be staying home, but DC itself is being footed with the bill for all the extra security that is necessary since 9-11.

I don't object to it being a government holiday, since just GETTING to work in DC when they shut it down for inauguration is abysmal, and we would waste more money in time and gasoline for people to get back and forth to work than we're wasting by not having them go in.

I DO object to them making the city pay for all the extra security, when that money was slated for homeland security and shoring up multiple sections of homeland security throughout the city for long term, not to be blown in one day on something they've never had to pay for before.

Feh.

And the vast majority of that security isn't for the inauguration itself... it's for all the pre and post parties.

Feh.

[Pathos]

Well...I'd agree it might be a bit too opulent but let's face it...in this day and age ANY gala event is going to cost multi-millions. It's just the world we live in. You could always make the argument the money would be better used elsewhere. We could rag on Clinton for spending 20+ mil on both his inagurations while we still have homeless people and hungry kids. Where does it end?

We're going to have the Oscars in a few months and that will involve big bucks with the stars flaunting their jewels and million dollar dresses. We could say that's inapproriate as well but we won't...even though that's largely paid for by public funds. Someone will get up on stage and dedicate their award to the troops and we'll all say..."Oh how nice!" and everyone will be happy.

I hope this doesn't come across as hostile. I pretty much agree with everyone but I just see where this comes from.

[Dmitri]

Heard about this on NPR this morning. There is no more PUBLIC money being spent than if it was John Kerry being sworn in... the difference of the $40mill is for the 9 Balls and various parties and those are being held by private citizens and that's none of our business how they spend it...

I agree that the money would be better served eleswhere. Grab your pitchfork all you want, but we would've still had to pay the same amount if the other guy had won.

[Jessa]

http://www.notonedamndime.com/boycott/
I'm not sure if it will really send a message or not, but it can't hurt.

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

Tomorrow is a *Federal Holiday* for federal employees in the DC Metro Area. You are paying them to NOT show up for work

I consider that money well spent. :)

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

we would've still had to pay the same amount if the other guy had won.

A) I believe the objection is on principle and not based on the particular person being inaugurated (althouh I never understood the point of a big gala for a second term, Dem or Rep. It's just a continuation, not a "beginning")

and

2) We'd probably pay less for security... not as many protests. :wink:


The whole thing though really does show a remarkable disconnect from reality.

[MaryDane]

It's not a matter of who won to me. You're so right. Either political party would do the exact same thing with only slight variation (Blue steamers instead of Red). It's just a matter of society's priorities sometimes. You know - "It's good to be the King!"

Taking a little 15 minute break from the job, sitting in a Herman Miller Aeron chair, listening to Andrea Bocelli CD, staring at a flat panel monitor playing on the internet while rubbing African Shea Butter into the cuticles of manicured hands, it's hard to remember that there are more people that we could ever comprehend (in our country as well as others) who can't even actualize the first tier of Maslow's Hierarchy of Need - Physiological: hunger, thirst, bodily comforts.

A few minutes of 'official ceremony's, then several hours of celebration contrast to the amount of aid +$40million could bring - it is amazing. I realize many of the contributors to this DO support many charities. It's still amazing, though. Makes me stop and count my blessings.

[MaryDane]

*sniff* *sniff*
OUCH!
:hmm:

[Magdalene]

http://www.notonedamndime.com/boycott/
I'm not sure if it will really send a message or not, but it can't hurt.

Check out http://www.snopes.com

Not to mention, in my humble opinion, that's a lame-ass way to protest. "Oh, we're not going go to work/go shopping/whatever on Thursday?"

People will just end up going shopping on Friday for the things they didn't get on Thursday. People will still have to go to work on Friday.

What a lazy way to protest.

[Pathos]

What a lazy way to protest.

It's supposed to be really cold in DC tomorrow so I'm waiting to see how many of these protesters are going to stand outside all day just so they can turn their backs on Bush. That's a lame protest also in my opinion.

[Magdalene]

What a lazy way to protest.

It's supposed to be really cold in DC tomorrow so I'm waiting to see how many of these protesters are going to stand outside all day just so they can turn their backs on Bush. That's a lame protest also in my opinion.

Not sure I'd do that, but at least they're out there letting the world see them protest--standing up and being counted, y'know?

[Pathos]

Not sure I'd do that, but at least they're out there letting the world see them protest--standing up and being counted, y'know?

Yeah but to what end? Do they really think "Hey...we'll show him. We'll stand their with our backs turned." It makes no sense. The only thing they'll accomplish is possibly getting their pictures in the paper. And that's what it's all about...isn't it?

Just like the idiots (sorry if anyone here was involved) who chained themselves together and lied down in the streets of NYC during the Republican convention. What did that accomplish? They fucked up the commute for thousands of hard working people (many of whom probably voted for Kerry) who were just trying to get to work to make some money to take care of their families. But all those pricks got a big kick outta' seeing their pictures in the paper the next day!

Unfortunately...that's what it's all about. It's not about ACTUALLY ACCOMPLISHING ANYTHING. It's about getting some press that you can milk for awhile and feel like you're a big wheel who's fighting the system. Sad fact is...with the overwhelming influence of the media we all deal with...the press you get for something like that is forgotten in about 3 days. Remember...Brad and Jenn just broke up, THAT will get the cover anyday!!! :roll:

[Captain Stamina]

Here's another perspective, but if you think that the millions spent on the Oscars is necessary, or Soros's BILLIONS are better spent trying to get rid of our president, then don't bother reading.

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/anncoulter/printac20050120.shtml

[Dmitri]

Nice Captain...

[Captain Stamina]

And if you want a cost analysis, this is cheaper than Clinton's second inauguration by 25%. Either way, It's still way to much and the money could have be spent on something else.

http://washingtontimes.com/national/20050119-103531-1062r.htm

[Dmitri]

And if you want a cost analysis, this is cheaper than Clinton's second inauguration by 25%. Either way, It's still way to much and the money could have be spent on something else.

I agree that it's WAY too much pomp... I just wish everyone would look at it in reality rather than fantasy...

[Nevada]

the following balls and parties are usually more for the folks who contributed to the campaign funds than anything....a chance to shake hands with the president and schmooze and network....

[Emrld]

Nevada is right.
These parties are mainly for the people who contrbiuted substantial amounts of money. For the most part you even have to pay for your tickets to events.

It does do some good for the economy. . . .
Women have to purchase new dresses
Jewlery has to be purchased or at least rented
Tux bought, altered or rented (at the vary least cleaned)
You also have the travel expense (airline tickets, taxis, limos, hotel)
Then you have all food not eaten at an event

Basically one of these parties will be thrown once every four years. I personally think that they do have a right to have a party and celebrate no matter if it is their first or second term in office.
Yes millons of dollars is going overboard when their are other things the money could be spent on.
Again it only happens once every four years.
A lot of times the person whom the parties are for don't even really have any say about what happens when and for how much. Their are companies that handle all of that.

If people want a change in the practice then they need to make it known to the people that plan these parties and they need to provide alternatives.

This is also a way that the incoming president is shown to other countries as a respected and supported representative of this country. You may not have voted for him and you may have major issues with whom he is. He did win so the election portion is now over. He will be in office for the next four years.

If you have issues with the way things are going . . . do the research and find the right way to make a change. Don't just sit there and moan that it would be better if it wasn't him. It is too late to do anything about that. It is not too late to make your opionons on specific issues known and find the ways to make change.

[Emrld]

[Emrld]

Nevada is right.
These parties are mainly for the people who contrbiuted substantial amounts of money. For the most part you even have to pay for your tickets to events.

It does do some good for the economy. . . .
Women have to purchase new dresses
Jewlery has to be purchased or at least rented
Tux bought, altered or rented (at the vary least cleaned)
You also have the travel expense (airline tickets, taxis, limos, hotel)
Then you have all food not eaten at an event

Basically one of these parties will be thrown once every four years. I personally think that they do have a right to have a party and celebrate no matter if it is their first or second term in office.
Yes millons of dollars is going overboard when their are other things the money could be spent on.
Again it only happens once every four years.
A lot of times the person whom the parties are for don't even really have any say about what happens when and for how much. Their are companies that handle all of that.

If people want a change in the practice then they need to make it known to the people that plan these parties and they need to provide alternatives.

This is also a way that the incoming president is shown to other countries as a respected and supported representative of this country. You may not have voted for him and you may have major issues with whom he is. He did win so the election portion is now over. He will be in office for the next four years.

If you have issues with the way things are going . . . do the research and find the right way to make a change. Don't just sit there and moan that it would be better if it wasn't him. It is too late to do anything about that. It is not too late to make your opionons on specific issues known and find the ways to make change.

[Alianne]

My main issue is that during other periods of wartime, incoming presidents scaled back the inaugural festivities, making them a) more somber events and b) less costly. This happened during WWII and FDR's administration, for starters.

I don't think anyone is begrudging *any* inaugural festivities, but IMHO, I think the big, gaudy display, no matter who is footing the bill, is inappropriate at this time in our history.

A public swearing-in, followed by a sit-down luncheon, for example, would have been more seemly.

(and just to play 'devil's advocate', we don't know how it would have been handled if Kerry had won -- it was never discussed, and the 'galas' are certainly not mandatory. There still might have been a similar scenario, there might not have been. I don't presume to assume....)

[Eric McTavish]

My main issue is that during other periods of wartime, incoming presidents scaled back the inaugural festivities, making them a) more somber events and b) less costly. This happened during WWII and FDR's administration, for starters.

But the war in Iraq is over (see the Aircraft Carrier with the big Mission Accomplished banner) and the war on terror is planned to be an ongoing policing action...no war is going on right now... :wink:

Of the last four elections, I have been invited to galas at the last three...first two clintons, then the first bush.....

Leah, hun, I love you, but do you think he would NOT have had a Gala?

They all do...it is time to party, to let loose and have fun......so much more money is spent on the "conventions", which are just bigger smooze fests and parties then one night in DC...these last a week...and want to talk of money better spent...I mean they already KNOW who is being nominated....

Used to be that the nominee was decided there, but no longer, now it is an excuse for a party for a week!
Would you respect any party more for not holding one and just giving the money away to charity?

And the 40 million is private money...the total public cost for yesterday was between 15-17 million in taxpayer money and that was all for the security and such that was needed to protect the president (and would have cost the same for Kerry)...

As for the type of person noted above...

Taking a little 15 minute break from the job, sitting in a Herman Miller Aeron chair, listening to Andrea Bocelli CD, staring at a flat panel monitor playing on the internet while rubbing African Shea Butter into the cuticles of manicured hands, it's hard to remember that there are more people that we could ever comprehend (in our country as well as others) who can't even actualize the first tier of Maslow's Hierarchy of Need - Physiological: hunger, thirst, bodily comforts.

All of this describes me except for the chair................
And yes I do know aboutt he hierarchy and respect it, as well as donate to charity, have worked in soup kitchens, volunteered with the elderly, among many other things.....and it is easy to make assumptions about people (especially and entier group of people who you want to sterotype) when you think they all act a certain way...

see aside from doing it to be generous, some donate millions because it gets them a better tax break...is there anything wrong witht hat?
At least the money is going to help people one way or another.....

Muffin

[Saucy Ria]

It wouldn't matter if Bruce Friggin Springsteen were being sworn in as president........ Our soldiers are in a terrible place in constant danger........the kind of celebration that went on for the person that sent them there was obscene and a national embarrassment. ESPECIALLY when these young men and women have to rely on care packages from thier already over-burdened families and friends for the simplest of thier needs........such as a friggin phone card so they can occasionally call home and in some small way re-connect with the people they are seperated from for who knows how long! Our national priorities look screwed up...... kinda hard to argue with the whole "capitalist pigs" statements when this goes on. Shameful :oops:

[Galleywench]

Sure, it's grossly inappropriate and a Bush inaguration should rightfully be a day of mourning, but the $40 mil is all private money so really, who are we to tell them how to spend it? If there was even a penny of public funds going towards this, I'd be the first one to pick up a pitchfork and light up a torch.

At least it's good for the economy... all that trickle-down and all.

Light your torch Cyranno... 17.9 million was funded by our tax dollars, just over half the price tag was private.

[Ysobelle]

Yeah, I don't notice any of the former Kerry-heads around here still talking about how things would be different if it were a Kerry inaguration. Believe it or not, we've actually realised Kerry isn't going to be in the White House this time round. I believe most of us are disgusted at a big, showy celebration in DC when our brothers, sisters, friends, etc. are in the Middle East with sub-par equipment and armour.

Never mind the fact that it's got more than a faint trace of fiddling-while-Rome-burns bad taste about it, too.

But every politician as done this Dem or Rep during war or peace time...

and just intersting little side not...when the bill came out TO send more funding to the troops for safer armour and more bullets and more protection....Kerry voted against it....

and as for sundry boxes being sent over, yeah, they go and they always have...
I know of a good friend who was over there and he had internet access and called his wife and three kids (including a baby) on our tax dolalrs....I see nothing wrong with that....

Sundry boxes have always been a part of our troops....they want pieces of home, this is not valley forge where the guys fighting have no boots, no socks and no blankets in the dead of winter....


and as far as being capitalistic pigs, yeah, and if we were not, what would be be? nazi's, communists? if we were not a capitalistic soceity our lives would not be as good as it is, and even during our darkest moments as a country, we are still the greatest nation in the world...

Muffin

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

and just intersting little side not...when the bill came out TO send more funding to the troops for safer armour and more bullets and more protection....Kerry voted against it....

And that was obviously because John Kerry wanted American soldiers to die. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the unrelated and objectionable amendments that senate republicans tacked onto the bill. :roll:


and as far as being capitalistic pigs, yeah, and if we were not, what would be be? nazi's, communists?

Not to put too fine a point on it, but I don't think the intent of the comment was to disparage capitalism itself so much as to suggest that the gala was an avoidable example of capitalism's ugly side; one that gives ammunition to those who would seek to disparage it.

[Captain Stamina]

While it’s interesting to hear politicians are now complaining about how inadequately prepared the military is, I seem to recall, not to long ago, these are the same politicians who were complaining on how much we were spending on the military and how it should be scaled back further than what it is.

The ‘Cold War is Over’ group decided that the military needs to be reduced in size and doesn’t need money to buy spare parts. So what if you’re equipment your using is 20 year’s old. It was good enough when it was issued to you; we need the money to remove tattoos from gang bangers who want out of a gang. Let’s not worry about national security when we can spend the money enforcing other outlandish social program.

If you want to complain about capitalists, I’ll provide you with one of the first steps to end it. Gather your coworkers together and collectively demand your employer that all of your salaries be put into a common account. You and your coworkers have equal access to that account and can draw whatever amount of money they want from it.

And for those in school, if you’ve been studying hard and got your ‘A’, but your friend has bee goofing off and is going to get an ‘F’, just tell you instructor that you’d like to take donate two of your grades to your friend so that you can both have ‘C’s.