150 mil? kidding right?

[glassfisher]

Addressing the initial topic of the thread, let's assume that the cost of the inauguration bash is not an "apples to apples" comparison.  Even if the cost of the last one was $80 mil (double what's reported) this one still cost more than DOUBLE the last one... You can explain away inflation and throw out a bunch of excuses, but the one thing that can't be explained away is that this country is in much tougher economic climate than 4 years ago.  It is irresponsible to spend MORE on a party for a President that touted as bringing us change.  I made it a point not to watch any of the inauguration as a personal protest to this irresonsible excessive behavior... not that it made any difference, but change starts with the individual.  I know we need to stand by our new President, but this really sends the wrong message to America.  Although I don't usually agree with the far left OR right, I have to agree with the conservatives on this one... Do as I say, not as I do is a fitting description.      

[wvyou]

My apologies if this has been said already...

I'm told this was the largest attended event in the history of Washington DC, with perhaps as many as 2 million people on the National Mall.  I'm sorry folks, but that costs money.  I can only imagine the strain placed on the infrastructure (police, firemen, sanitation, you name it) of the city. 

What inspires me is that millions of people wanted to celebrate the result (like it or not) of the democratic process that has kept us free, and a leader of nations, for the last century.  What do we do...tell them all to stay home?

Maybe this is a kick in the ass that we all need.  Regardless of who's in office, I'm damn proud to be an American.

[Beetle]

Addressing the initial topic of the thread, let's assume that the cost of the inauguration bash is not an "apples to apples" comparison.  Even if the cost of the last one was $80 mil (double what's reported) this one still cost more than DOUBLE the last one... You can explain away inflation and throw out a bunch of excuses, but the one thing that can't be explained away is that this country is in much tougher economic climate than 4 years ago.  It is irresponsible to spend MORE on a party for a President that touted as bringing us change.  I made it a point not to watch any of the inauguration as a personal protest to this irresonsible excessive behavior... not that it made any difference, but change starts with the individual.  I know we need to stand by our new President, but this really sends the wrong message to America.  Although I don't usually agree with the far left OR right, I have to agree with the conservatives on this one... Do as I say, not as I do is a fitting description.      

Nicely said glass.  Everyone likes a good party- but I agree this sent the wrong message in a time of economic turmoil. 

Further- I am so tired of politics, commercialism and Hollywood.  I was fully expecting "The Obama Inauguration" brought to you by Mt Dew.  "The Oath of Office" brought to you by Office Depot.  Are we heading towards an Idiocracy???  Bush did the same thing and I didn't like it then.

Finally- Al Quaeda doesn't give a rats ass that Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and Maroon 5 showed up.....why should we?

[trout_boyII]

Now wait a minute Beetle - you may be on to something.  In fact, you may be a genius!  Maybe all we need to stimulate the economy and pay for the increasing deficit is to do as you suggest.  I bet Mt. Dew and office Depot would be willing to pay big bucks for naming rights! 

And how about:

The United States Food and Drug Administration, brought to you by McDonald's and their new Kona ObamaShake!
The United States Treasury, brought to you by Rotor Rooter - for the best flush ever!!
The United States Supreme Court, brought to you by the Fox Network - for when you can handle the facts!

I'm sure there are plenty of opportunities out there.  I bet you could bring in a billion a year doing that.  That would pay off the predicted deficit in only 1200 years!

Gosh, I feel better all ready!

TB

[glassfisher]

My apologies if this has been said already...

What inspires me is that millions of people wanted to celebrate the result (like it or not) of the democratic process that has kept us free, and a leader of nations, for the last century.  What do we do...tell them all to stay home?

Maybe this is a kick in the ass that we all need.  Regardless of who's in office, I'm damn proud to be an American.

What do we tell them to do?  How about tell them to get to work and help improve our productivity.  Great, we have a new President, but what are we celebrating?  Change... not likely, we are still seeing Washington blow money like they have in the past, here's the first example!   The fact that we have a minority president?  I personally think it'll be a great day when the President's race is not an issue (as a positive or negative).  The great economic condition of the country?   ::) ... yeah  Maybe everyone just wants to stop working and celebrate and blow money, sure, I'd like to do that too, but I can't.  I'm "jes sayin" I would have had a lot more respect for him if he said, instead of blowing money on the inauguration bash, give a donation to ___ charity to feed the homeless, or something positive.

We do agree on one thing, some of us do need a good kick in the ass.