AP: Obama hosting pricey party in a dicey economy "Unemployment is up. The stock market is down. Let's party."
"The price tag for President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration gala is expected to break records, with some estimates reaching as high as $150 million. Despite the bleak economy, however, Democrats who called on President George W. Bush to be frugal four years ago are issuing no such demands now that an inaugural weekend of rock concerts and star-studded parties has begun."
Where are all the tsk-tskers now? Michelle Malkin writes about "The Left's protests in late 2004 before the Bush inaugural. He was bashed for continuing the American tradition in a time of war and for holding parties so soon after the southeast Asian tsunami disaster."
Remember?
"Critics are calling on U.S. President George W Bush to scale back the glittering multimillion dollar parties planned this week in honor of his second-term inauguration, saying lavish festivities are unseemly at a time of war. Bush is to be sworn in Thursday and feted with four days of pomp and party-going at a price tag of about $40 million. But critics insist that with U.S. troops dying daily in Iraq, the tone surrounding this year’s inaugural celebration should be more modest."
But that was the goose. This is The Gander.
Michelle Malkin: "The Obamafest on Jan. 20 will be the most expensive inauguration in American history. President Barack Obama’s inauguration next week is set to be the most expensive ever, predicted to reach over $150m (£102m). This dwarfs the $42.3m spent on George Bush’s inauguration in 2005 and the $33m spent on Bill Clinton’s in 1993."
"Carole Florman, spokeswoman for the joint congressional committee on inaugural ceremonies, told the New York Daily News, which estimated the cost at $160m: “We’re always very budget conscious. But we’re sending a message to the entire world about our peaceful transition of power, and you don’t want it to look like a schlock affair. It needs to be appropriate to the magnitude of events that it is.“
Awww. Of course. Now I get it. Despite economic collapse, rampant unemployment, failure of world trade, countries and states going bankrupt, bailouts, and bank runs, Obama's Inaugural should be WAY more magnitudinous than the previous 44. He's The [only] One that counts!
28 comments:
Bush was not the first black President. Obama is! Millions of people have sacrificed and died and lived in chains in the hope of this great day...and that is why we ARE going to CELEBRATE!
Bush was already a liar, a confirmed war criminal and violator of human rights on his second inauguration. That is why no one wanted to celebrate.
There is no comparison. Obama represents the greatest moment in American history that most of us living today will witness - so, yeah, pretty much everyone except a few sour grapes gripey bloggers will be celebrating this most joyous occasion with music, cheers, laughter and tears of happiness.
The prophecy of the late, great American hero, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. is coming true much, much sooner than anyone ever dreamed possible! Hallelujah!
Oh, I see, in 2004 President Bush was a confirmed liar, so that is why the press griped about his inauguration costs. But in an economy that can't pay our bills and is bankrupting the Capitol, it is OK for Obama to spend three times as much. We are doing our patriotic duty. Thanks for clearing that up. Originally,I thought it was, like, a double standard.
Hang on to that happy feeling. It will disappear sooner than anyone ever dreamed possible. And when it does, you are welcome to come back here and gripe. LOL
Also, the vast majority of Obama's inaugural celebrations are being paid for with private donations, not tax dollars, so what's there to complain about?
Either way, yes, a moment in American history that is as significant as the signing of the Declaration of Independence IS truly worthy of a great celebration for ALL of our citizens, and indeed, all the world!
And, no, I will NEVER gripe that we have crossed the threshold and the Dream is truly made real with our first black President. Obama could be a terrible President and we will ALL still celebrate that we have only now, well over 200 years after the Declaration of Independence was written, actually begun to live out it's promise.
Despite the recession President-elect Obama's inauguration will be the costliest in history — around $50 million. President Bush has declared a state of emergency to free up federal funds to help the district cope with the soaring cost of the event. That is at taxpayer expense.
There has been little outcry over the hefty price tag so far — unlike four years ago when the cost of President Bush's second inauguration provoked liberal outrage. Salon.com described the event, in an piece by Eric Boehlert on Jan. 20, 2005, as "Bush's overblown celebration," the think tank Center for American Progress called it "lifestyles of the rich and heartless." All that has, er, changed.
The price keeps increasing and today it was reported that while Obama has managed to raise $30 million to cover the costs of the affair, other monies will come from private donors, but the American taxpayer will be picking up the bulk of the tab, $50 million dollars.
Bush had to declare a state-of-emergency just to appropriate more funds to cover the soaring cost of increased transportation and security.
Now, how about the carbon footprint? celebrities and bigwigs will be flying into D.C. on their private jets, an estimated 25,320,000 POUNDS of CO2. The very same celebrities and bigwigs who preach that unless we cut back on our emissions our planet will die.
The President-elect forgot to mention that Disa orchids from New Zealand will be flown in for his inauguration.
The total bill for Mr Obama’s inauguration, including cost of the security, which will be paid by the taxpayers, btw, will exceed the $100million. At a global average of 584g of CO2/GDP dollar, the inauguration carbon footprint on cost basis alone would be 58,400 metric tons [MT] of CO2.
As for the additional CO2 created by an estimated 2 million people swarming Washington DC for the ceremony, add another 44,000 MT. By January 21, 2009, the inauguration carbon footprint will have exceeded 102,400 MT of CO2.
But it's OK, because it's all for the sake of threshold-crossing and dancing.
And personally, you think the Declaration of Independence after 233 years is just NOW living up to its promise? Now, just because Obama has been elected? Sad.
Considering that in our lifetimes blacks were routinely LYNCHED, often by LAW ENFORCEMENT dressed in white robes, yes, the Declaration of Independence didn't meant a damn thing to those poor souls having their innocent necks forced into a noose.
The amount spent on Obama's inauguration is less than ONE TENTH of ONE PERCENT of the amount Bush wasted on a war on a country that did nothing to us based on lies that Bush KNEW were lies.
Martin said it best, and I just heard these words performed as part of the ATL Symphony's MLK Celebration at Morehouse the other night (which was ELECTRIC with anticipation of American FINALLY living up to it's promise of equality written into the Declaration):
"We've got some difficult days ahead...But, it really doesn't matter with me now; Because I've been to the mountaintop. I don't mind. Like anybody, I would live. But I am not concerned about that now. I just want to be God's will...and he's allwed me to go up on the mountain, and I've looked over, and I've seen the Promised Land."
And on Tuesday, we ALL will finally see the same Promised Land that Martin saw! It gives me chills and I'm giddy just thinking about it...Hallelujah! This is sooooo much bigger than petty politics...this is when "We Shall Overcome" becomes "We HAVE Overcome!", when "We won't go back" becomes, "There ain't NO going back, now...not EVER!" Hallelujah! Anyone who can't see the historical significance of this for the entire planet, who can't see a reason to celebrate as never before, is someone I truly have pity upon.
I'm lad you're happy, just try to see the double standard for what it is.
Imagine how many people could be fed with the money being spent on one inauguration night in Washington DC. Imagine how many people could be housed, could be given a hand up. Even if Obama used only one tenth of one percent of that 150 million.
I support the Office of my President. I am an American. I hope he succeeds and I am praying he will. I am glad he is inspiring people. But:
Trust me, Obama is just a petty politician. He's not Lincoln. He's not Messiah of the Promised Land (Or Promiseland either). He's nothing different than all the politicians who have come before. Except maybe more evil.
I agree the Declaration of Independence didn't mean much to the free blacks who were lynched, a terrible blot in our history. But to say that the Declaration is "just now" living up to its promise is to deny the voting rights earlier for women who fought for them, to those who did not own property, to the soldiers who fought for these rights...but not to worry. Obama says we need a new Declaration anyway.
Cynicism is easy, hope and happiness are hard. The choice is yours.
You think I have no hope and am unhappy because I disagree with your particular choice of political leader? Interesting. This is going to be a hilarious 4 years.
I did some searching and came up with this explanation.
When calculating the second Bush inauguration, security costs were excluded.
Security costs for the Obama inauguration ARE being included in the cost estimate - although the $160 figure is unsubstantiated as far as I can tell.
It isn't an accurate comparison. To get one, we'd need to add the cost of Bush's security to the (approx.) $40 million spent and then compare it to the Obama figures. (It'd be nice if we knew where those are coming from, though.) It is estimated that the cost of Obama's inauguration, minus the cost of security (which, again, wasn't included in Bush's inauguration cost calculation), is approximately $45 million.
So, for Obama's inauguration to actually hit somewhere in the vicinity of four times as much as Bush's second inauguration (as reported by the site, newsmax.com), the final price tag would have to come in over $600 million.
Oh, right before the Obama inauguration cost fervor broke out, it was reported that D.C. and the federal government spent a combined $115.5 million on Bush's second inauguration. This figure is separate from the $42 million that Bush backers paid for festivities surrounding the event. Altogether, the added cost was $157 million.
thank you so much Christie. This is great information. I love facts. All the better to form an opinion. Thanks for doing more research on it.
OK. We're spending however many million on an inauguration. But we will be saving over 10 BILLION DOLLARS A MONTH by inaugurating Obama who will end this foolishness in Iraq. You do the math.
This is for Anonymous.
You might want to remember that Obama is the president of all people...not just black people. That being said, black people are losing their jobs, retirement accounts, investments and homes at the same rate as white people. This is not about race....as you seem to believe. It is about America. It is about Americans losing everything they own. I believe there should be no inaugural ball at this time. If Obama can get in there and bring us the change he promises, then by all means...renew that oath of office....and then have one hell of a ball. As for black people being lynched in our lifetime...I want to make sure you realize that I did not have anything to do with that. Nor did anyone I have ever met in my life.
Obama is not the greatest moment in American History. I can think of many more....and guess what? I was not part of that either, nor were you...but we are both here to reap the benefits.
Can you please list the private sources of of funds that are paying for the inaguration and inagural ball? I would be interested in knowing that is truth. The truth is, the tax dollars of Americans who are losing everything they have worked for all their lives are paying for the VAST majority of this event. And if the truth were known, there was not even enough of that left to pay for it, so they took it from Tarp funds, and probably just printed more currency to handle it. Oh we are going to get change alright. Not because he is black..but because he is a liberal left winger who will spend us into the final collapse of the greatest country in the world.
And if he were a truly genuine man and leader, he would quietly take his oath without all the hoopla and get to work. Imagine that in the history books? He would be so respected for his dedication to the AMERICAN people, red and yellow, black and white.
Anonymous about Iraq: I'll see your Iraq, raise you one Afghanistan, and double down on Pakistan.
"WASHINGTON, Jan 13: US Secretary of State-designate Hillary Rodham Clinton told her confirmation hearing on Tuesday that fighting terrorism in Pakistan and Afghanistan would be the highest priority of the Obama administration."
Math? I can't count that high.
The first black President is likely the greatest moment of U.S. history most of us will actually witness in our lifetimes. No debate about that.
And Tammy, you claim that "Nor did anyone I have ever met in my life" participate in a lynching.
How would you know this? As the lynchers were often disguised behind masks and protected by the silence of the community? I'm certain we all have met people who have participated in lynchings, many of whom were simultaneously sheriff's or police officer, but we simply do not know their dark secret...only they and their fellow lynchers / klansmen know, and they aren't talking. You have met these people. You just don't know what they have done.
That's recent, VERY RECENT history. Just a few years ago a black man was lynched in Texas by being dragged behind 2 whites truck for no reason other than he was black and walking on the side of the road. That's what Obama was up against. That, and the Republican smear machine. The American people finally stepped up to the plate and saw the true crimes and lies of the status quo and overwhelmingly voted for change and the first black President. Why people want to deny this great, fantastic, world changing event, not just in U.S. history, but in WORLD history is beyond me. NO, the economy is not the number on priority. EQUALITY and HUMAN RIGHTS are far more important, and that is what Obama represents and embodies. I'm happy to be with the overwhelming majority (even George Bush and Dick Cheney and John McCain!) who see this great change as great for America and truly a reason to CELEBRATE as we have never CELEBRATED before! It's great to have some BRIGHT LIGHT shining in these dark days! PARTY AT MY HOUSE IS ON for TUESDAY!
Deb sure there is "debate" about this. No doubt having a half black President is 'historic' but certainly not an ultimate.
The greatest patriotic American moments for me were 1968, moon landing. Fulfilling Kennedy's challenge to this great nation and a testament that no boundaries are too much for us once we put our brains and hearts together.
Geraldine Ferraro chosen for Vp made me pretty proud, and Hillary Clinton making those glass ceilings break was a viable presidential candidate was another historic high.
AIDS vaccine. Civil rights bill. Brown vs. Board of Education. Sandra Day O'Connor on SCOTUS. I could go on. Your continual focus on Obama as the only historic moment there could be is a sad fact of another person falling to the myopia of cult of personality.
This is how I feel about it:
Michelle Malkin and Daniel Libit say it better than I could:
"I respect the historic tradition of inauguration day, not the cult of personality driving the schlock festivities now taking place."
"Pomp and circumstance have been replaced with pimp and self-aggrandizement — all topped with a heapful of double standards."
"I’m not the only one who thinks so. Politico’s Daniel Libit has a piece this morning quoting several conservatives willing to dissent from the Beltway O-Kumbaya. The intro:"
" With Barack Obama’s approval ratings in the 70s and his visage plastered on every shop window and Metro card in Washington, it’s hard to remember that 58 million Americans voted for the other guy."
more here-http://michellemalkin.com/2009/01/18/not-all-conservatives-are-singing-o-kumbaya/
Caught up in the cult of personality, "Anonymous" go celebrate, "Anonymous" but remember, he's only a man. And an elusive, secretive, untested man at that.
Anonymous, you just go celebrate, ok? But ask yourself how many children could have been fed with that money? Ask yourself how many people could have been helped to keep a roof over their heads in these DESPERATE times with that money? How many people could have kept their electric on or heat on?
Obama is not going to be the President for any other reason than the fact that he his black. I do not pride myself on a country that elects for race over qualifications. I would have voted for Colin Powel in a heartbeat. He is experienced. Obama is not.
And I DO know that I do not know anyone who lynched black people. I know who I associate with.....people of all races, who associate with people of all races.
But...if as you say, they were all covered in robes...how do you know they were all white?
Sadly, the most racist people I know...are black. They cannot let go of things that never happened to them. They drive better cars than I do, have more education, better paying jobs.....and yet they refuse to allow America to be United.
Obama is going to have a tough time. He has a lot of promises to fill. I wish him success. Our futures depend on it. I just fear he lacks the credibility and experience that is so necessary...especially in these times.
He was not elected for his ability or experience. This is a fact that is hard to deny.
If a white man had run for office with all the shady associations that Obama had....he would have been lynched. That is a fact. He would never have made more than a week beyond announcing his candidacy.
This election is not about RACE. It is about saving our country. How can it be the greatest moment in American history when he has not done anything?
When he succeeds.....and I sure hope and pray he does.....that will give him his place in American history.
I still believe, he should quietly take office and get to work...and I would have expected the same from McCain or any president elected. We are not in a period of time to justify celebration. Regardless of who was elected.
We need to move out of the entitlement frame of mind...and into working for what you get....and that includes Obama.
"They drive better cars than I do, have more education, better paying jobs.....and yet they refuse to allow America to be United."
Ouch! Tammy, are you even aware that this is a racist statement?
what's racist about it? She is just saying a fact about her socio-economic situation.
Do you know what racist actually means? Racism is the belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.
I hope the next four years of an Obama presidency doesn't mean that every time someone questions, criticizes, or disagrees with leadership decision or policy they will be called "racist". Because that is just wrong.
Anonymous, it was not a racist statement to make note that everyone has the same opportunity in this country. I am so not a racist....I know it, and everyone who knows me knows it. Still, I disagree with Obama being elected on few qualifications.
I will end our little debate with a piece of advice for you:
LEARN SPANISH
Enjoy your celebration! I enjoyed the converstaional debate and I am pretty pleased it did not turn out to be a blood bath....which happens all too often when people disagree these days.
Per your definition: "racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race"
Right. Which is exactly what Tammy has said. "They (African Americans) drive better cars than I do, have more education, better paying jobs"
Her statement fits your given definition of racism. The racial difference is that Tammy is white and referring to African Americans in her statement. The belief that these racial differences result in an inherent superiority is Tammy's belief that African Americans are superior to her because, as she mistakenly believes and applies to an entire RACE, African Americans, in Tammy's racist view, - drive better cars, have more education, and better jobs with better pay.
That's racism per your definition of racism and it's glaringly obvious. There is a lot of embedded racism in the U.S. present in people who, like Tammy, do not consider themselves racist. This is precisely why Obama's election is such a HUGE step forward, as we truly begin to leave behind our divisions and move into the future and, yes, only now begin to realize that all are created equal.
Contrary to refuting the truth of lingering embedded racism, Tammy has only exemplified it and proven it true. This doesn't make Tammy a bad person, on the contrary, Tammy is representative of a huge swath of the population who hold racist views while simultaneously they are blind to their racism. Many of us believe having a black President, saluting a black Commander In Chief, turning on the television to see speeches delivered by a black man seated in the Oval Office, will change the views of these people, and we look forward to welcoming them to Martin Luther King's vision of a Promised Land of equality as their views change over the next few years.
Welcome to the Dream, Tammy, it is alive and made real on Tuesday. We welcome you and are glad you will be living it with us as we all of many colors move forward together united at last. Hallelujah!
Anonymous, you're stretching it. And my patience. Tammy did not say blacks were superior because they drive better cars. She said they drive better cars than her. Period.
if I say that my black friend lives in a bigger house than me does that make me racist? No. It makes me honest.
Get a grip. And if there was a "huge swath" of people in this country that were racist I wonder how a black man got elected with 73% of the vote? Sheesh.
Get ready for imminent criticism of Obama's policies and decisions. If this is equal opportunity country then he should be able to take criticism just like white presidents, eh?
Personally I believe Obama is an incarnated demon or perhaps even the antichrist. Now what do you think? Am I racist? Or should the Antichrist designation be given only a white man? Har.
None of the previous 44 inaugurations have attracted up to FIVE MILLION people to Washington! Bush couldn't even fill up the 30 or so seats at his final press conference the other day. Clearly this historic turnout calls for an historic celebration as we all try to bury the last 8 years of terrible leadership from the man many historians are already calling, "The Worst U.S. President in History."
Five Million...wow...tomorrow is going to be awesome.
No way 5 million are going. For one, the city is left holding the bag on tons of unsold rooms. (USA TODAY: Then today came word that 15,000 rooms still are available in the metro area, 600-plus in the city itself.") Now this from Washington Post:
"Inauguration Day Crowd Estimate Reduced by Half"
"Officials are casting doubt on an early projection that 4 million to 5 million people could jam downtown Washington on Inauguration Day, saying it is more likely that the crowd will be about half that size."
Estimates are 2-5 million. Even if it is only (?) 2 MILLION (wow!) or even 1 MILLION, that will still be the largest gathering in Washington EVER for an inauguration...so, yes, even in an economic depression, MILLIONS of people are ready to celebrate and now more than ever people need some good news to celebrate. Tomorrow, that good news arrives and history is made.
How you get racism out of that comment is beyond me. My point was that they had every opportunity to succeed....and they did. They are not suffering from opression. They are just hanging on to the past which they were not even a part of. Those people keep America divided.
Just because a majority of Americans are happy and elated..and want to celebrate. I suspect the same happened in Germany a number of years ago. Change....yea...they got change alright. Their change was not a good thing. People elected this man for his color, not his qualifications. Obama has many socialist ties, attended a church that not only bashed the whites...but trashed America. Oh change is coming, you can be sure of that. How much freedom are you willing to sacrifice?
Tell me, if you can, what part of Illinois politics are you eager to see in the White House?
Elizabeth, I agree with you. Time is on our side with this one. We are about to see just what Obama is made of. Not because he is black....but because he is a liberal, left winger who will tax, spend and destroy what is left of the country. That being said, I wish him success....because the only thing worse than having Obama in office...would be having Biden or Pelosi. And you just let me know when you have left your division behind....ok? Another question..why must you post as Anonymous? If you so believe your words, use your name.
Still I believe it is all part of a master plan....and not even Obama can save us. Only the mercy of Jesus Christ will save us.
Will it be racisim when the same media that built up Obama to win the election tears him apart because is a failure?
No. It is only racism when you take a standard and apply it to all people of a given race...such as "They drive better cars...they have more education...they____________."
That is racism. The good news is you can still recognize it and UN-DO it, if you choose to do so. Or, you can remain defensive and hold to your views.
Slowly but surely we are moving forward as people recognize and correct the ingrained racism of the past. Obama's inauguration is really helping us make a great leap forward as a society. Interestingly, even staunch conservatives like George Will and Bill Kristol recognize this fact. We are moving towards unity. I and a few billion people around the globe are excited about it.
Anonymous said...
No. It is only racism when you take a standard and apply it to all people of a given race...such as "They drive better cars...they have more education...they____________."
I applied to people I know. Not the entire race. You enjoy your party tomorrow. Later.
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