170 million being spent on the inauguration and we are in a recession. What are your thoughts on this?

The Dems were b*tching and moaning about Bush's which was less then half. Now they're all stoned and acting like Romans at an orgy.

In 2005, Reps. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., and Jim McDermott, D-Wash., asked Bush to show a little less pomp and be a little more circumspect at his party.

"President Roosevelt held his 1945 inaugural at the White House, making a short speech and serving guests cold chicken salad and plain pound cake," the two lawmakers wrote in a letter. "During World War I, President Wilson did not have any parties at his 1917 inaugural, saying that such festivities would be undignified."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090117/ap_on_go_pr_wh...

I think that it's too high, but that almost all of it is being paid from private sources. I didn't vote foe Obama, but this is a relatively minor matter to complain about.

Even though Democrats complained about Bush's $40 million inaugural in 2005, I don't think this is worth too much effort. there are other far more important disputes coming up, and I think the Democrats hurt themselves by picking on every little thing.

I'm saving my energy to critique more substantive plans of the Obama administration.

PS I'm having trouble watching all the celebrations - it makes me sad and I can't seem to escape the coverage. But he won, so let him and his supporters have his party. Then when he starts proposing things the real fun begins!

Yeah, a great amount of the funds [excluding record-breaking security] may be "donated" but keep in mind that it was probably to tax-exempt orgs which means that it was written off and reduced donors' taxes hence "costing" the gov't.

Those at the top should led BY EXAMPLE and tighten the belt in ALL areas of spending. After all, "We the People" are having to, right?

I think DC is trying to accommodate millions of people. This has never happened before. They are trying to be prepared for something unprecedented. I think it bothers republicans that their side would not be capable of making history since they want the same old traditions to represent this country. If McCain had been elected, they would need two cop cars and a flashlight, that's about it.

Look into Barry's "donations" for this too. He is using bundling to get tons from special interest and big companies so much for reform and honesty from the empty suit.

That could feed a lot of homeless people or pay the medical bills for a lot of undocumented workers.

And to those of you who say that it is all being paid for by donations, that is not true. There is no LEGAL mechanism for the military, law enforcement and governement agencies to accept political donations. The salaries and overtime for this are being paid for by taxpayers - The District, Maryland and Virginia are asking the Federal government for $70 Million to cover their expensed for this party. The donations are being used to put on the balls and pay for the concerts, not the security, porta-potties and clean-up.

I think its 150 million.

Its funny in 2005 the Dem's complained about Bush spending 42 million. Now we are in the worst financial situation since the depression & its cool to spend 150 million?

I think Obama F'd up big time by not insisting on toning this all down.

AND I dont give a crap if some of it is donated its still a waste of money. And dont belive these idiots telling you that its ALL donated.

it is a historic

day yeah we maybe

in a recession but we still have to spend

money and most of the money paying

for this are private donations

so hey it is life

get over it

We can all power our cars for the next four years on all the crap that will be produced tomorrow. Port-a-potty crap plus Obama's speech.

I just asked a similar question.I Don't understand either.I think it goes to show the kind of spending we are in for when Obama becomes the president