good points. But this is a tough call.
"good points. But this is a tough call."
Let me help you in your "recovery" Ex-Hippie.
This is NOT a tough call. Inagurations are paid for with PRIVATE funds. While we're honoring and congradulating President Bush and Laura Bush & Dick & Lynne Cheney, it's technically OUR party, paid for by those of means within our society. (Of which there are many, because WE ROCK!)
Were that 40 million not spent on this par-tay, it certainly wouldn't be going to anything else other than a new mansion or a few new beemers by the folks that can afford to PRIVATELY fund this stuff with their DISPOSABLE income. This is a collective "drop in the bucket" when the GDP of your country (mostly generated by those that are funding this par-tay) is in the trillions of dollars each year. Chump Change. Money you find on the sidewalk on any given day, etc.
Apples and oranges. I'll NEVER understand the arguments that state, "Well, if that money wasn't spend on 'A' then it COULD have been spent on 'B'." Life does not work that way. This is how this hard working, priviledged handful of wealthy, successful Americans want to spend their $40 million. I'm just gonna sit back, crack a brewski and enjoy the festivities on their dime. :)
No. If I, a private citizen decide to spend my money on an Inauguration Ball, that's my choice. It's my freedom of expression. If others don't like it, I don't care. I never care what others think. Period.