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

[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.