Bush opts for costly bash in wartime - FDR scaled back event, but there's no clear precedent

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 1/18/5 | Edward Epstein

[SmithL]

Washington -- Jubilant Republicans are descending on a nippy Washington for President Bush's second inaugural on Thursday, an affair of celebrations and protest, pomp and a predicted high temperature of 35 degrees.

Beneath the festivities surrounding the 55th presidential inauguration, there is a current of unease. Washington is capital of a nation at war, with 150,000 Americans serving in Iraq and 18,000 in Afghanistan. So far, more than 1,500 military personnel have been killed in the two countries, with more than 10,000 wounded.

Some critics have suggested scaling back Thursday's inaugural, which will cost $40 million in privately raised funds for the parties, parade, dinners and entertainment events. It will cost tens of millions of dollars more in public money for an unprecedented security effort that will involve about 6, 000 people who will cordon off a large chunk of downtown.

"Precedent suggests that inaugural festivities should be muted -- if not canceled -- in wartime,'' Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-New York City, wrote to Bush last week.

[null and void]

He contracted polio in office. After the first two inaugurals

[Mad Mammoth]

Well this proves why Epstein was in Mr. Kotter's class for slow-or-no learners.

[peacebaby]

yada yada yada.

Tux ready, dress packed, tickets accounted for, car gassed up for Washington trip, hotel reserved.

let's roll!

[Bommer]

http://www.startribune.com/stories/384/4645047.html

Not everyone in tinseltown respected the office of commander in chief. In 1940, beloved big screen souse W.C. Fields made no secret of his contempt, referring to disabled president Franklin Delano Roosevelt as "Gumlegs" and faithful First Lady Eleanor as "Torn-pocket."

[YaYa123]

Those who complain now will look stoopid and small after Thursday. This Inaugaration will honor the military, very special events are planned.

[F16Fighter]

If the Republicans "scaled back" the Inauguration festivities to beer and pretzels and a few party balloons, the Michael Weiners of the world would then insist the aftermath would "create a bio-hazard."

Everything is political for these people -- even taking a whiz.

[cvq3842]

I remember reading somewhere, long ago, that FDR's 4th inaugural was in the driving rain, but that he insisted on riding the route in an open car. Every several blocks, he would be driven off the route, placed on the floor, stripped of his wet clothes, given a shot of brandy and re-dressed to go back out. I do not remember the source, but it was not a "right wing" author and the account was very vivid. FDR was dead less than three months later. Sorry, I don't have time to find it.

So, instead of a program the Democrats talk up this nonsense. i don't know what FDR did for his inaugural. We have to be careful not to take the bait and debate this back and forth, although we do have to combat the false impressions left. Maybe the Democrats can show us how austere they would be when and if they ever get one of their own elected. But given their current state, I hope and expect that that's not going to happen anytime soon.

[quidnunc]

When he was inaugurated in 1945 FDR was seriously ill, he died only a few minths later.

Additionally there were significant restrictions on travel — gas was rationed and unessential travel by train was discouraged.

Among the uniquitous war-related posters and advertisments was one asking "Is this trip necessary?"

[Non-Sequitur]

#4 FDR had a HUGE 'bash' for his first inaguration in the very worst depths of the Great Depression.

Actually it wasn't that huge and Roosevelt didn't go. The banking crisis had hit and he was working.

[EagleUSA]

The San Fagcisco Chronicle, the PRIMARY RAG OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST OUTDOOR INSANE ASYLUM. Just more of the same excrement Bush-bashing. I believe if one were to research it, we would find that many Pres's had big bashes, even in times of war. But since the Repub's are paying for it, only the left, desperate for anything to bash about, will print it.

A non-event, just more liberal tripe.

[N. Theknow]

Bush opts for costly bash in wartime - FDR scaled back event, but there's no clear precedent

Yep. FDR didn't even dance at his last inauguration.

[westmichman]

Also, as Rush ponted out, the Hollyweirds didn't tone down their golden globes because of the war and the big wave, and that was not considered a bad thing.

[SoFloFreeper]

WEINER apparently wants the MONEY for the Inaugurals sent to the troops in Iraq?? Let me REMIND EVERYONE of WEINER's vote on the Emergency monies to Iraq (the $87 billion) back in 2003...here is the complete House vote. Try to find how CONCERNED Mr. WEINER was for the troops back then:

ROLL CALL VOTE 601, 31 OCTOBER 2003

WEINER VOTED NO TO FUNDING THE TROOPS!

[Non-Sequitur]

He contracted polio in office. After the first two inaugurals.

Roosevelt contracted polio in 1921, as any biography of the man would tell you.

[Eva]

The only reason that FDR scaled back his last inaugural was that FDR was sick and unable to attend the parties.

[SoFloFreeper]

So according to WEINER, $87 billion wasn't good enough for the troops...just $40 million.

[hobbes1]

Key phrase... in privately raised funds ....Libs love to tell other people what to do with their money.....

Wonder if they ar prevailing upon all those multimillionaires that funded ACT/Moveon, to pony up another 150 mil ......

[PeterFinn]

"Bush SUPPORTERS opt for costly bash in wartime"

[null and void]

Source please? If I'm wrong, I need to know.

Thanks.

[Tacis]

Wouldn't it be just peachy and wonderful if every presidential library took one year's budget and gave it to the needy in Asia? Wille won't even say who his donors are much less what the are getting/got for their cash. Not a whimper from the left wing media!