Recession? What recession? The Bushes Buy Fine China for almost 1/2 a mil.

[AlphaDeltaDelta]

Can I haz poops in the White Houses pleas?

[Army Wife'79]

Only Presidents who serve TWO terms are allowed to order new china. So the first Bush didn't get to. Only time will tell if Obama will.
On a sad note, I heard that some of the Lenox outlets are closing which is too bad b/c I always love shopping there. One of them had samples in the entryway of all the Presidential place settings (Destin FL maybe?) and it was so fun to look at them all.
Obama will easily spend that much money to redecorate the Oval office when he moves in.
Didn't I just read that some guy had a $250,000 bathroom put in his office (at taxpayers expense, not donations) and he's the only one allowed to pee in that toilet. At least the dishes are used by many.

[honeychile]

Thanks, SWTXBelle! I picked up something lethal on a flight full of people who couldn't control their coughing children.

I can't wait to see all the fuss once people realize that the President-Elect will be refurnishing the Oval Office to suit his taste. Oh, the outcry! Oh, the waste!

I haven't been there yet, but there's a First Ladies Hall of Fame which sells replicas of the various White House China. The Smithsonian also has some. There are literally thousands of people who volunteer for the White House Preservation Association (started by Jackie Kennedy), so we will be able to keep the White House in shape for foreign dignitaries and such. I understand that the Lincoln Bedroom had to be refurbished in the past eight years, too, but I won't comment further on that. These volunteers are the very people who want to make sure that White House is a symbol of the home of President of the United States. They are to be applauded, not scolded.

[RaggedyAnn]

Originally Posted by honeychile

I can't wait to see all the fuss once people realize that the President-Elect will be refurnishing the Oval Office to suit his taste. Oh, the outcry! Oh, the waste!

Are they still planning on building the basketball court?

Also, if the china was ordered several years ago, were we actually in a recession when they were ordered?

[Army Wife'79]

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.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by Army Wife'79

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!

[I.A.S.K.]

Originally Posted by Army Wife'79

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.

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.

[nikki1920]

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.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by nikki1920

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.

[DrPhil]

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!!!

[DaemonSeid]

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












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

[DrPhil]

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

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

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

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

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

**blinking**

[SWTXBelle]

He didn't get to use the china.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

He didn't get to use the china.

Was that his point? Cool.