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....