Bush declares a 'state of emergency' as cost of Obama's swearing-in ceremony soars to $161 million

dailymail.co.uk ^ | 14th January 2009 | Paul Thompson

[Joiseydude]

Barack Obama's inauguration is set to cost more than $161 million making it the most expensive swearing-in ceremony in US history.

The President-elect will take less than a minute to recite the oath of office in front of an estimated two million people in the US capital next week.

But by the time the final dance has been held at one of the many inaugural balls the costs for the day will be a staggering $161 million.

[MooseChic]

I heard on Hannity that Obamas have hired a famous interior decorator that used to work with Hollywood Director Steven Spielberg. They are going to do some makeover on the interior living rooms for Obamas. Add this to the trillion dollar bailout plan.

[dragnet2]

Bush declares a 'state of emergency

Is this code for Bush continuing to spend tax payer money like a drunken lottery winner in Vegas?

[GovernmentShrinker]

I don’t have a problem with this. The $160 million isn’t for the parties — those are funded with private donations. The big bill is for big security, and it’s needed. If you think $160 million is a lot of money, just imagine how much would evaporate from the retirement and other investments of US citizens, if President-elect Obama was killed by some nut during the inauguration. The stock market would instantly start plumemting. $160 million would be gone in the first 5 seconds, and then a few trillion would follow. This money paid for security doesn’t evaporate — it’s distributed as paychecks to workers and payments to providers of equipment. A lot of ordinary working people in the DC area will be putting in extra time and enjoying some extra income as a result of this.

[panaxanax]

>>”Does anyone else find this extremely offensive, with the current state of the economy?”<<

0bama will be strutting around D.C. like a pimp with a new hat......with his Chicago Ho’s in tow. It is beyond sickening how weak the citizens have become.

I actually think I’m developing and ulcer over all this crap. If I were a drinker, I’d stay drunk for the next four years.

[GovernmentShrinker]

Wake up. The money is for security. The parties are paid for with private donations, and I’m sure plenty of Republican inaugural parties have been just as extravagant or more so than the ones that will be held next week.

[subterfuge]

The $160 million isn’t for the parties — those are funded with private donations.

You cannot prove that. If you think some of $160,000,000 isn't going for things other than security, well, you need to change your nic at the least.

[dragnet2]

The big bill is for big security, and it’s needed.

Bullsh*t!

The economy is cartwheeling down range out of control, millions have lost their homes, investments, businesses, and jobs...And this monster government is going to spend hundreds of millions on a GD ceremony?

If this corrupt government had one ounce of responsibility they'd cancel this public parade and inauguration for Obama, due to an economic emergency, and conduct it in a secured environment, indoors, while televising it to the country. Period. No more wasting tax payer money that does not exist in the first place.

This is outrageous. Stop the excuses.

[Aroostook25]

Why does this seem like the coronation of a Russian Czar?

[subterfuge]

I’m sure plenty of Republican inaugural parties have been just as extravagant or more so than the ones that will be held next week.

You have a reading comprehension problem or you simply missed this in the first sentence.

Barack Obama's inauguration is set to cost more than $161 million making it the most expensive swearing-in ceremony in US history.

[TommyDale]

I have a big problem with it. If he wants to secure Washington, D.C. while he parties, he should do it with private funding. The taxpayers would never vote for spending this much for a stupid, meaningless inauguration.

[Centurion2000]

GD disgusting. This is a presidential inauguration not a frakking coronation!!

Are the taxpayers actually have to pay for all this bullsh!t???

[Sig Sauer P220]

When the inauguration is over,the place will make the day after Woodstock look like a marine barracks.

I'm just thinking of what it will cost to wash all the gang signs off the monuments on the mall. And to disinfect the entire place afterwards.

[dragnet2]

The big bill is for big security, and it’s needed.

Bullsh*t! The economy is cartwheeling down range out of control, millions have lost their homes, investments, businesses, and jobs...And this monster government is going to spend hundreds of millions on a GD ceremony?

If this corrupt government had one ounce of responsibility they'd cancel this public parade and inauguration for Obama, due to an economic emergency, and conduct it in a secured environment, indoors, while televising it to the country. Period. No more wasting tax payer money that does not exist in the first place.

This is outrageous. Stop the excuses.

This is just another example of out of this out of control, irresponsible, corrupt government driving this country to the brink.

[Centurion2000]

Why does this seem like the coronation of a Russian Czar?

Stalin was legendary for his parties as well.

[70th Division]

I really wanted to say “Once the trash leaves the trash will still be there.” Will we see pictures. HELL NO!

[softengine]

The only ones who don't, are those Americans whose brains have been sucked out by the evil brain snatchers, and in its place is complete f**ktardedness. Hmmmm....actually, that might be a significant number of people.

[Ol' Sox]

By the light of a kerosene lamp, Coolidge took the oath from his father, Colonel John Calvin Coolidge, a farmer, notary public, and justice of the peace.

A study in contrast...

[Hoffer Rand]

I don't think you could pay me enough to be a LEO trying to keep that crowd under control. Not enough porta potties, everyone is going to have to walk long distances, most will not be able to get as close to the action as they want, weather will be cold. Combine that with the entitlement attitude that most libs have, throw in a few individuals who believe in celebrating by destroying property, and you've got a potential powder keg.

[calex59]

These are the same people who castigate the average person, who raised hell about Palin's wardrobe costing a few thousand, and pissed and moaned over Cindy McCains dress and earrings. The same ones who have a fit if a conservative spends their own money for things they want, the same ones who say we should sacrifice for the "common good"(a commie phrase if I ever heard one!).

If the dimwit base can't see the hypocrisy that is the Democratic party and that Bozo is the head hypocrite, then they have a real problem facing reality.

[dead]

Should be a hell of a wonderful crowd. See if you can identify the commonality:

The Smoking Gun "Mugshots of the Year."