Obama's inaugural: $27 million, counting

When George W. Bush wandered into the White House January 20, 2001, the national debt had climbed to $5.7 trillion. When he leaves two weeks from today, it will be pushing $10.8 trillion, a stack of twenties 34,000 miles high.

What did we get for that extra $5 trillion added to the national debt while Mister Bush smirked his way around the Oval Office?

The worst legacy of the past eight years is that despite colossal government spending, most Americans are worse off than they were in 2001. This is because the money was squandered in Iraq and given as a tax windfall to America's richest individuals and corporations, rather than spent on such projects as education, infrastructure and energy independence, which would have made us all better off in the long term.

....so, of course we're going to hear a lot of "conservative" rightwing lunatic fringers crying about people privately donating to Prez-elect Obama's inauguration. Crying in their beer is all they've got left.

Would feed a ;ot of unemployed.

$27M could feed, clothe and house a lot of people.

Something surprised me from the donor list of contributors for Obama’s inauguration. The list was posted on the web.

Many of the people who gave $50,000 showed in the employer column as "not employed". Some people who gave are corporate owners, but listed themselves as employers of the company.

And we are calling this a recession? Someone has money....

Here's my penny because this is what this show would be worth for me to see. In other words, not worth my time.

What a colossal waste of money that could be better spent fixing this broken economy!

Bubba "Jeff" Porter said:
"The worst legacy of the past eight years is that despite colossal government spending, most Americans are worse off than they were in 2001."

That may or may not be true, but I definitely disagree with your implied premise that increased goverment spending = improved American lives.

Personally, I believe that if people are allowed to keep more of their own money, they are much better equipped and able to help themselves, than relying on a government to do it for them. Why is it that so many millioaires in this country are self-starting enrepeneurs? They didn't get where they were through government hand-outs.

So why don't we reduce government spending, and let the American people keep more of what they earn and improve their own lives. Not only will you be improving American lives, but also reducing wasteful government spending.

Spending money is exactly how you fix a broken economy.

Let the complaining start about how much he is spending on his inauguration and how it could go to help the economy. These are donations. This is how people want to spend their money. If people want to give it to him for his inauguration then that's their business.

A billion dollar election, a 27 million dollar party, just a sample of how well this guy spends other people's money.

Twenty-four millions would feed a lot of people for a while, not just Obama's tremendous ego. Where is the change we were promised? This is same old, same old..............

Dear worthless sore losers. Where do you think that money will go? It will go into the economy, dummies. It means companies will be paid and their employees will be paid.

[[$27M could feed, clothe and house a lot of people. Posted by: Pete | January 6, 2009 3:27 PM]]

assuming an income of 30K per year, it would feed, clothe and house 900 people. funny how numbers actually work. that, versus the four million people who will be in dc, go to restaurants, patronize hotels, rent cars and buses, buy gas, buy t-shirts, hats, pins, etc.

What a shameless, pathetic display this will be. How sad the the new "crook" who will be taking over the presidency is finally showing his true colors. Obama is a loser, folks!

"dear worthless sore losers...????" and this gets published? It is abusive.

Where is that Hollywood elitist commi sympathizer, Bo Derek?

I'd bet by left arm she's plotting a neo-nut revolution 2012, but I tore that rotator cuff watching reruns of "10" when I was, well, 10.

Bubba "Jeff" Porter

Learn what debt as a percentage of GDP means.

Also, as high as it is, it's BEEN HIGHER in the past.

You would think that because of the worsening economy which Obama acknowledges, he would start his presidency off by having a small and dignified inauguration and party afterwards, but not on a grand scale. Then as a gesture of compassion and good will, he would donate what is left over, say thirty million, to food pantries and dental/medical clinics across the United States. If the first four years are a success, then that's the time for the expensive party.

Remember Pelosi and Reid cheer leading for the bailouts? I do. I also remember the picture of them plus other Democrats grinning as they signed the paper work. They own the credit for the bailout. If they had listened to Bush in 2000 - 2001, to McCain in 2005, to Greenspan in 2007, they would have allowed regulations which demanded proof that a person could afford the house s/he wanted to buy. In order to prevent being called "racists", the Republicans kowtowed and allowed themselves to compromise their integrity as well. Thank goodness for the info world. One can google to find actual copies of newspaper stories, videos on YouTube showing hearings with Waxman, Raines, and Waters in which Frank tells committee members there is NO problem with Americans being allowed to pursue their dream of home ownership. One can also read the floor speeches in the Congressional archives as well. Bless the freedom of information: the media certainly won't tell us the truth.

The fact that the inauguration funds could feed, clothe, and shelter numerous people... is he supposed to NOT have a celebration? What does this have to do with CHANGE? Perhaps he should just show up, take the vow, and head home immediately with a cup of Top Ramen and some saltines.

For 27M I expect an extravaganza, especially with the Hollywood connection.

But, I'm guessing it will be 'just another party'.

Obama fans should celebrate, and they should donate money to help him. It will be a great party and great for the economy. It is all good. I did not vote for him but don't begrudge anyone a good party. I hope they all can be as generous when their local food pantries need help.

Our economy is not in this great a shape for average Americans to cough up this kind of spare change, is it?

I mean, haven't we been bombarded with BAD NEWS! The Economy is terrible, Obama will fix it. Americans are evil people according to the rest of the planet, Obama will fix it. Americans can't afford health care costs, Obama will fix it. Global Warming is in it;s critical phase, Obama will fix it.

Well, I hope this biggest of all Presidential inauguration parties (that's right plural - many parties across America) impresses the rest of the planet and scares the evil Americans into changing their ways. Could this take us all one step closer to heaven?

I'm disappointed is so small and limited in cost. Team Obama should have a "massive extravaganza". What an infusion of cash it could be for the D.C. economy. I mean, come on, what a great example to show how to "spread the wealth around" could he have so early in his admin.
I really enjoy that word "whining" fits right in with the liberal vocabulary. Y'know, like sexist, racist, homophobe, obstructionist, segregationist, et al. What do you call Harry "the war is lost" Reid" and the Dems. in the Senate? New "reformist"? Free Roland! Free "the tapes"! Cover up, cover up!

MCD.....do some homework about your % of debt to GDP and then start posting intelligent posts. Here's a link I'll donate to your educational experience and you tell me what numbers make the pugs look good.

Obama deserves the big party...in fact I would say larger than what is planned. It is an historic event on many fronts. The money goes right back into the economy anyways. So, for any previous posting pug up here that says boo to the party, study the link out I just posted and you tell me which party is better with your tax dollar. Your party has been lying to you and you have believed them like good little sheep do.

$27M could feed, clothe and house a lot of people.

Posted by: Pete | January 6, 2009 3:27 PM

And the $80 million raised for Dubya's shindigs would have fed, clothed and housed a whole lot more people than Obama's $27M.

Remember...Democrats do live in a parallel universe...look back four years what they were saying about Bush's inaugural spending...and now the Obama coronation is pushing $160M...oh the hypocrisy.

Pay to Play! Why would you be surprised?