The dolt comment was unnecessary. You must be a dolt if you're trying to miss my point. I am talking about my opinion. In my opinion China was not the best purchase.

Clearly you're having a problem with terminology. When I said art what I meant was something along the lines of paintings, drawings, sculptures (and things of this like). Though I am well aware that China is considered by some to be an art form I do not count China as an art form. If you went to school to study art you probably wouldnt use China as a medium. Paints, clay, charcol, and photography, but not China.

I've explained your first question at least three times. Its not about the actual China (or purchase) it is about the perception of said purchase.

In respect to the underlined sentence I think you might want to talk to your doctor because I think your meds are supposed to do the opposite. Maybe you need a stronger dose.

The bail-out was total crap.

It isn't because someone spent .5mil on CHINA (it applies to the China purchase because as I stated other purchases wouldn't have been a problem). It is because Mrs. Bush spent the money on china that Mr. Bush can seem less credible to some people. These people will most likely be the ones who do not value China as an art form and who consider the purchase money (whether donated or not) wasted in a time where the country is facing economic hardship and cannot afford to waste (that much) money.

Just out of curiousity, if china is a waste of money in your opinion, what about the gazillions of dollars used for all of the Inagural Balls and parties and hoopla in Washington? Do you think Obama should quietly walk in, sit at his new desk with no fanfare, Military marching bands and pomp and circumstance? The inaguration costs a lot more than the china did.

Not really related, but I was thinking about how crazy Inauguration is going to be, and if there will be an accordant rise in petty crime. Someone I know writes for a paper in Alabama, and noted that a lot of people who have never been out of their small towns are heading to DC for Inauguration literally by the busload. Churches are bringing busloads of people as well. These people intend on sleeping in the buses, and parking God knows where! A lot of them have no idea where they're going to stay, etc.

Can a city like DC, which is pretty rough during a normal week, handle all of these country folk who are going to have no clue whatsoever how to handle themselves in a big city? I don't mean to sound condescending, but seriously--I suspect that there will be a lot of purse snatchings, robberies, and small time crime because of all these people not knowing what's going on. Eeep!

Yes, DC can because most of its residents will not be at the Inauguration. I'm 30 minutes from DC and I am not going because: traffic will be hellacious, I don't do big crowds, I don't do walking long distances and I don't do cold. My child and I will be in the house watching it on TV. :)

A lot of these Balls are Unofficial and are held by private entities. And a lot of this is in DCs and the Fed's budget every presidential election year.

Most DC residents may not be at Inauguration, but is everyone skipping town entirely? Probably not. It's not the easiest city to get around, especially if you're from a small town.

I will admit to being entirely biased on the subject of the inauguration fanfare. I do not believe that the money that is being spent is unnecessary or excessive. I have not heard any excessive amounts for parties and things of the like (the hotel costs are excessive though). I definitely do not think that Obama should take office quietly. As the first African American president I believe he should take office with as much fanfare and hoopla as possible! For the most part I think the fact that everyone is throwing a darn party is a bit much, but at the same time there are going to be so many people that all of these parties will be well attended. I see no reason for Barack Obama to take office quietly when none of the other 43 presidents did. The military bands, pomp, and circumstance happen every time we elect a new president so I expect that type of fanfare and that type of expense. This inauguration in particular will cost way more than the China did, but it also has way more significance than the China ever will.

This inauguration should be met with as much fanfare as other inaugurations.

There will need to be a balance between accomodating the nation's recession and the millions of people who will be in attendance (security, etc).

A lot of people are misunderstanding what "historic significance" means and are focused on historic events rather than the lasting relevance. The historical significance won't end on inauguration. It is ongoing so there's no need in going too above and beyond for the inaug. Americans are SOMETIMES smart enough to see the historical significance without excessive bells and whistles.

That is similar to how I feel about those silly rhinestone Obama shirts, Obama rap songs, Obama sneakers, Obama's photos everywhere like he's Ebony bachelor of the month..........enough aldamnready! We get it!!!

well to slightly settle the argument about getting near the White House...i took a quick walk at lunch today, enjoy....

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/c...e/DSCN0222.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/c...e/DSCN0224.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/c...e/DSCN0226.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/c...e/DSCN0232.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/c...e/DSCN0237.jpg


and altho u cant see them in the pics...the place is crawling with cops and some soldiers...and they dont allow you to photograph them...obviously ;)

So what are you saying that settles the "debate?" LOL

Buffalo soldier, dredlock Rasta...Rasta...Rasta.... *echo*

**blinking**

Is that a Ravens jersey? It looks like one.

He didn't get to use the china.:)

It sure as hell is...hehe!!

and naw...they wouldn't even let me in to use the bathroom....

Its because you had on that disgusting attire. No self respecting anything would wear a Ravens jersey. LOL! I thought that the lady in the tan coat was an unsuspecting hostage but now I know for sure she was. :D

She was....I didnt know here...but she was pretty....

hey...she was standing there looking lost and stuff...what was I supposed to do?

Was that his point? :) Cool.

I was offered paper plates

OMG this thread almost made it out!

Damn!

Sorry, I'm just intrigued by the damn China problem.

China doesn't have a problem ;)

Obama's inauguration may cost up to $150,000,000 and a $500,000 set of China is a problem? If anything its a very nice gesture by the Bush family.

I mean we could always go cheap on the security and then, BLAM...some kook on the grassy knoll will give us another holiday.

Besides, with all the people in this area that's been here for the past few days spending their money to be here will somehow balance some of that out...

This isn't just a run of the mill inauguration that we have going on...but of course I won't expect some of you to see it that way.

It just wont die.


and add this article BTW

The total cost of the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States will likely top $150 million by the time the galas and streamers and porta-pots are all cleaned up.

The reason it's hard to know how much this - or any of the other 55 presidential inaugurals - costs is that there's no one entity overseeing all of the related events. The $150 million is an estimate, and it is compiled from other estimates, so the figure is fluid.

But the nation's capital has been preparing for President-elect Barack Obama's arrival and one thing is for sure, the price tag for the celebration is going to be hefty.

The nation's capital is expecting more than 2 million people at the swearing-in ceremony, according to a letter from D.C. area leaders to the federal government. Transportation officials were expecting 10,000 charter buses to enter the District of Columbia, and the district's rail system - the Metro - expects more than 1 million riders.

All the parties: The Presidential Inaugural Committee, which is responsible for the events surrounding the actual ceremony, expects that its budget will run about $45 million, but could edge slightly higher, according to Linda Douglass, spokeswoman for the group.

Among the events sponsored by the committee are Tuesday's inaugural parade and 10 official inaugural balls. It has also paid the Smithsonian Institution $700,000 for its museums to remain open longer and handle the crowds on Inauguration Day.


**You may want to pay attention to this portion right here:

But the $45 million comes completely from private donations, not the government. The organization is not accepting funds from corporations or lobbyists, said Douglass. In addition to private individual donors, who can give a maximum of $50,000, the committee has been raising money by selling merchandise.

"The President-elect made very clear in the campaign and continued to emphasize that he is committed to ending business as usual and breaking the grip of the special interests," said Douglass.

The ceremony: The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has a budget of $1.24 million to pay for the actual swearing-in ceremony, according to spokeswoman Carole Florman.

The ceremony happens directly out in front of the U.S. Capitol. The budget, which is $10,000 less than the budget from the 2005 inauguration, is an appropriation, which means it is federal taxpayer money that has been set aside for the event.

http://biz.yahoo.com/cnnm/090119/011...osts.html?.v=3

I, as a taxpayer, knowing what kinda BS Obama has been thru to get elected would rather pay the money to see that tomorrow goes off without a hitch than not pay and have to pick up a paper Wednesday morning and see that some 'unknown assassin' has killed Obama and DC was on fire due to riots...which in the end will cost taxpayers more money...can you think what damage an extra 2 mil. to 5 mil. people in this area will do if some asshole kills the President tomorrow because security was lax?

To recap - the china was purchased by private donations, not tax money. The events of the inauguration are being paid for by private donations, not tax money. So - it's all good. Right?

Agreed!

And least we forget, every president leaves a set of china....... we knew this was coming so what is the big deal???

The Obamas will leave a set in either 4 or 8 years...

Agreed - I have no problem with spending money on either of these things, especially since so much of the money is coming from private donations.

Your inner AWP is comming out. You might want to reel that in a bit. Thanks.

ETA: SWTXBelle, Agreed.

AWP = Angry White Person?

You got it!

That's only about $30 per person for all the people they're anticipating will be in the area. Kinda on the low side, don't you think?

So, if every person pays 30 dollars somehow in souvenirs, transpo, cold weather gear, food, cameras, accommodations, and other necessities, the money will make its way back hmmm?


You know what, that is good to know!

I think in order for this thread to die, it just has to be closed.

Its these kind of double standards that kill me. I don't understand how anyone can be so blind as to not see that Bush is scrutinized for absolutely everything and Obama gets a 72% approval rating after announcing that his two main platforms aren't even going into effect/ happening.

Which makes the entire thread/ thread title all the more ridiculous.

Ummmm Obama isn't President until noon today.

And it's quite possible what you are failing to see is that possibly the reason WHY Bush was scrutinized so deeply possibly had a little tiny way with how he managed to win both elections.

That JUST might be it....I could be wrong.

Be careful because being a FAN or not a FAN of a president is a big no no with DrPhil.:rolleyes::p