Inauguration declared 'emergency' ("A State of Emergency")

The Washington Times ^ | January 14, 2009 | Dan Leaderman and Jon Ward

[Red Steel]

Unprecedented action helps D.C. cover costs

President Bush on Tuesday declared the District a federal emergency area, clearing the way for the city to receive federal money to help cover the overwhelming cost of providing security for official inauguration events.

Officials said it was the first time the designation had ever been used for anything other than a national disaster, such as a hurricane or widespread flooding.

More than 100 police agencies from across the country already have been mobilized to help provide security for the Jan. 20 presidential swearing-in of Barack Obama, which is expected to attract 1 million to 2 million people to the District. Authorities will essentially seal off the downtown and prevent motorists from entering the city from Virginia.

"An emergency exists in the District," White House press secretary Dana Perino announced.

White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said Tuesday night that D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty had requested the declaration of the city as an emergency zone last week.

Preliminary planning for the inauguration had not taken into account the likelihood of unprecedented crowds, now expected to run as high as 1.5 million to 2 million people, Mr. Stanzel said.

"Because of this anticipated influx of people, declaring an emergency permits the federal government to provide additional requested support ... to ensure that the inauguration is not only safe and secure

[Red Steel]

In another article of the same news:

-snip-

President Bush has declared a "state of emergency" in the District for Inauguration day, a designation which will secure federal funds to pay for the blockades, air support and checkpoints necessary to secure a crowd that could swell to the millions...

-end snip-

http://www.news8.net/news/stories/0109/585405.html

[screaminsunshine]

Woodstock 11. Yasgar for President. Torn on tune in and drop out. The hippies are back Welcome to the Hog Farm Nation. The USA will suffer the same fate as the Hog Farm.

[Old Sarge]

Officials said it was the first time the designation had ever been used for anything other than a national disaster

Well, I would certainly call it a national disaster - the Annunciation of The One (piss be upon him).

[HereInTheHeartland]

“anything other than a national disaster”

A long term, 4 year one...

[sionnsar]

If it’s an emergency can he invoke martial law?

[Old Sarge]

Why, yes, he can...

[dead]

the first time the designation had ever been used for anything other than a national disaster

Finding new loopholes by which to spend money even faster.

Why not just declare war on Virginia and authorize a couple trillion dollars? We can always print more.

[Enough_Deceit]

I like that, Old Sarge. Indeed, piss be upon Zero.

[gondramB]

While there is humor in labeling the inauguration a state of disaster - it would truly be a disaster for the country to have the new President be subject to even a close attempt on his life, God forbid we should actually fail to protect the President.

I’m sorry for the expense and the inconvenience of overwhelming security but its the right thing to do.

[Jeff Head]

The inauguration of Barrack Hussein Obama is a dire national emergency.

THE AUDACITY OF TRUTH ABOUT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA IN HIS OWN WORDS

[mewzilla]

Bush declares a 'state of emergency' in Washington as cost of Obama's swearing-in ceremony soars to £110m

GBP - USD 1.4666

[Balding_Eagle]

Just like Bush to provide a Bailout for the Immaculate Inauguration.

Long live Barak the Merciful

[ncpatriot]

I cannot believe that Obama would allow so much money to be spent on a celebration when "we all need to give some skin" for the country. He is our leader now but is acting like a party animal like the Clintons did. It's disgusting.

I do believe, however, that it is important that we celebrate his inauguration, I just don't believe he is acting like a leader when the country is supposedly in such dire straights.

[easternsky]

This is one household that will not be celebrating it.

[pepperhead]

I am with you, I won’t be celebrating. And I am sure there is going to be millions of households not celebrating 0bama inauguration either. This isn’t a good day for America. I don’t care what anyone says. He had terrorist friends and went to a fn’ racist church for gods sake.

[Kevmo]

“state of emergency”
***Just another way that zer0bama is making history.

[SunkenCiv]

Officials said it was the first time the designation had ever been used for anything other than a national disaster...

The jokes just write themselves.

[easternsky]

As I walked out of the Va Hospital yesterday,I paused to take one last look at His and Cheney's pictures hanging there knowing that some of them there could not wait to take it down. I clicked my ole heels together and gave the Commander in Chief one last Salute. May God have Mercy on America.

[ScottinVA]

Yep; it’s an emergency alright. No doubt there.

I hope the adoring millions get the nastiest ice storm on record, just to show them their false messiah actually is NOT in control of natural forces.

[ScottinVA]

“May God have Mercy on America”

...as we head into this very dark era in our history...