Oh yes, I agree, but that's not my point. We, the Republicans should be for SMALL GOVERNMENT, and this event is a shining example of the contrary, IF it will be used Federal cash money (and DC's citizens tax money).
Well .. you don't have to agree .. but that's my point. If this was a democrat president this "cost" would not even be a factor .. that's why it's NOT AN ISSUE. The very fact that the govt cannot spend money to celebrate a national election is just beyond lunacy.
And .. you can bet your sweet bippy that the "shove it" person would NOT HAVE PAID FOR HER OWN GOWNS.
I would have great respect for the President if he scaled down the balls and festivities in a time of war and natural disasters.
An inauguration celebration paid for largely by private donations is a fine and shining example of small government, getting out of the people's way and allowing them to enjoy the fruits of their labor (the election of the president of their choice) and a shining example of freedom (actually being able to make a choice involving the leaders of your company) is not only not large government it's a fine reminder to the world of what we are fighting for. Even if some of it will be paid for with government dollars (which is garaunteed) so what, the inauguration of a president is a very important symbolic act in our country. The ceremony of the changing of the gaurd at Buckingham Palace has continued through every crisis England has ever faced, because they understood that maintaining these symbolic traditions is a display of the strength of the fabric of the nation and its people. Never forget that strength can be displayed with joy also.
Thanks for the ping!
Choosing the leader of our country for four years after the use of our vote in freedom is what we are celebrating when a President is sworn in.
We treat it as something special because it is, and if we stop treating the Presidency as special, then it will lose influence and power.
D.C. estimates that they will spend $17.3 million. But how much money is the affair bringing into the city. Consider just what FReepers will be spending to attend the inaugural.
Cities spend more than this to host bowl games...and can justify the benefits of doing so. D.C. is just bitching because we're inaugurating a Republican president. If it were John F. Kerry taking the oath of office, this subject wouldn't even have come up -- from D.C., the AP or anybody in the media.
And, with all due respect, you might be guilty of "thinking small" -- and putting too much stock in the media's opinion.
By the way .. I understand the $40 million being spent on the celebration IS ALL FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS.
So .. your precious public funds are safe.
Don't fret about it too much. Republicans say they're for smaller government but they are a little less socialist than the Dems.