[cats2dogs]

Would someone please tell me how much of the cost of the
inauguration is paid by the tax payer and how much is from
private donation? I need the facts before I come down on
my Liberal friends. Having a get together Sunday and I know
they are ready to pounce.

[mystery-ak]

I heard last night on Fox that this will cost $40 mil...only $3mil(for security) will be paid by taxpayers....I don't know if it is true or not.

[anniegetyourgun]

Clinton's last inaugural ran about $30M. This one will run about $40M. (With 3% inflation over the last 8 years, that puts them at the same price tag.) The $40M will be paid for by lobbyists and corporations. (The Clinton '97 inaugural fell about $7M short, so money left over from his first inaugural was used to make up the shortfall.)

Lastly, I don't recall anyone on the right complaining about the cost of either of Clinton's bashes. Frankly, I've about had it with these Leftist whiners.

[Timeout]

It's really not even worth your time arguing with them about the cost of the inauguration. They'll never give up their resentment.

Best to graciously say you're sure things were handled according to tradition. And that you're sure the same traditions will prevail IF and when they ever regain the White House.

Be sure to smile when you say "IF".

[OldFriend]

Tell anyone who asks that you'll tell them how much the inauguration of our president costs when they can tell you how much X42's five hundred person trip to Africa cost. How much it cost to go to India for Chelsea's spring break, etc etc etc.

[spectre]

Focus on Clinton's trips out of the country.

The GAO said Clinton's six-nation trip to Africa from March 22 through April 2 cost $42.8 million, not counting Secret Service expenses, salaries of government workers involved and agency planning expenses.
A total of 1,302 government employees from 12 federal agencies or departments, including 16 members of Congress, accompanied Clinton to Africa. The biggest share of the cost, $37.7 million, came from the Defense Department's budget.

It's estimated Clinton spent $500 million on overseas trips in the eight years he was in office.

sw