Costs of Mr. Bush's party.

[MannyIsGod]

40 million dollars.

I'm not even going to bother to list the ways that this money would be much better spent.

Would anyone on here actually like to defend the spending of this money in an idiotic and unnessecary manner?

[violentkitten]

shit man every one costs a lot

light some shit up and relaxx

[Useruser666]

Nope, that's a lot of money. I guess the caterers could justify it.

[Spurminator]

It's an unnecessarily extravagant and wasteful use of money, but it's certainly not the first Inaugural bash that has been such.

[Bandit2981]

out of curiosity, whose inauguration costs were the highest?

[Spurminator]

I couldn't tell you, but I would hope any statistics on the subject would take economic factors of the time into consideration.

You'd probably have to go back a long time to find one that wasn't overpriced.

[Useruser666]

Bet Washington's was the cheapest! :lol

[jalbre6]

Hmmm... Clinton's was $30 million on 13 balls in '92 (w/ Aretha) and $35 million in '96 (w/ Elton John). W's first go round was also in the neighborhood of $35 million.

[scott]

It's a waste of money, but aren't all Inaguartions for incumbant presidents?

It's not tax money, so let them throw their party.

[Yonivore]

Private dollars...providing commerce to Washington D.C. businesses and others, around the country.

Big whoop.

[Nbadan]

Private dollars...providing commerce

It's private companies using money to buy access to politicians who's constituents expect to be protected from these same company excesses. Every Inaugural, government ethics is thrown out the window and private citizens are supposed to stand up and celebrate democracy as their interest get rail-roaded yet again by big money.

One other thing is for certain, if W planned to be more of a uniter in his second term than the divider he has been in his first, this is a lousy way to start after such a divisive Presidential election.

[travis2]

Waahh Wahhh FUCKING Waahh

Private money. They can do what they want with it. And there isn't a FUCKING thing you, Manny, or you, Dan, can do about it. This is still a FREE country, and as much as you two would like to see the sickle and hammer waving again, it ain't gonna happen.

Bunch of pussies.

Just shut the fuck up. You want a dictatorship, move to Cuba or North Korea.

[Hook Dem]

It's private companies using money to buy access to politicians who's constituents expect to be protected from these same company excesses. Every Inaugural, government ethics is thrown out the window and private citizens are supposed to stand up and celebrate democracy as their interest get rail-roaded yet again by big money.

One other thing is for certain, if W planned to be more of a uniter in his second term than the divider he has been in his first, this is a lousy way to start after such a divisive Presidential election.
And of course you would have posted the same thing if this had been Kerry's inauguration. RIGHT????? Fuckin hypocrit!!!!!

[JohnnyMarzetti]

Yeah, but Clinton got his money from private donations limited to $100.
But not Dubya, he got big cash deposits upwards of $250K from special interest groups. Big difference.

[Useruser666]

I'd be willing to bet that the increase in security is a big part of that cost.

[sbsquared]

Inaugural price tag in line with history


By Joseph Curl
THE WASHINGTON TIMES


Reuters news agency this week headlined a story, "Critics Say Bush Inaugural Too Lavish for Wartime," then quoted one "critic," Rep. Anthony Weiner, New York Democrat, who complained that the estimated $40 million for the Bush-Cheney inauguration is extravagant.
The Associated Press moved a story that asked, "With that kind of money, what could you buy?" The answer, the wire service said: "200 armored Humvees ... vaccinations and preventive health care for 22 million children ... and a down payment on the nation's deficit."

But a review of the cost for past inaugurations shows Mr. Bush's will cost less than President Clinton's second inauguration in 1997, which cost about $42 million. When the cost is adjusted for inflation, Mr. Clinton's second-term celebration exceeds Mr. Bush's by about 25 percent.
According to the Consumer Price Index, $42 million in 1997 is the equivalent of $49.5 in 2004.
The significant majority of funding for this year's festivities, including nine officials balls, are from private donations and tickets for events held by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, a similar setup to fund raising Mr. Clinton used to underwrite his inauguration. Mr. Clinton had a record 12 balls in 1997.
A Jan. 20, 1997, story by USA Today estimated about $12.7 million of Mr. Clinton's inauguration was financed by U.S. taxpayers. Initial estimates indicate the District will foot about $17 million in security costs this year.
"Every inaugural, there's a really good reason given why you should spend whatever donors are sending in on something else," Rich Galen, a veteran Republican activist, told the Associated Press, saying many of the complaints come from the losers of the election.
Mr. Weiner and Rep. Jim McDermott, Washington Democrat, in a letter to President Bush said that a celebration during the war on terror is inappropriate and the money could be better spent, saying the funds could be used pay for 690 Humvees and a $290 bonus for each soldier serving in Iraq.
"Precedent suggests that inaugural festivities should be muted — if not canceled — in wartime," said the letter, which cited President Roosevelt's scaled back inauguration in 1945 that had a menu of cold chicken salad and pound cake.
Tracey Schmitt, a spokeswoman for the Presidential Inaugural Committee, and White House officials say the inauguration is an American tradition that transcends partisan politics and is a symbol to the world.
President Johnson didn't eschew pageantry in 1965, racking up a $1.6 million bill for inaugural festivities despite the Vietnam War, historian Robert Dallek told Reuters.
In 1997, there was grumbling that the inauguration cost too much. But Clinton spokesman Barry Toiv said at the time, "It's really a symbol to the world and has been for over 200 years, and it's worth celebrating."
This year, the inaugural committee has taken a similar tact, dubbing the events "Celebrating Freedom, Honoring Service."

[Hook Dem]

Yeah, but Clinton got his money from private donations limited to $100.
But not Dubya, he got big cash deposits upwards of $250K from special interest groups. Big difference.
Do I detect a tone of jealously there Johnny boy? :lol

[JohnnyMarzetti]

Do I detect a tone of jealously there Johnny boy? :lol

No Hooker boy, a tone of pride that Clinton got his money from the common folk not the rich folk. Did you hear that!? Huh? Did you!?

[sbsquared]

Common folk like Monica Lewinsky? What did she get for her 100?

[violentkitten]

clinton got serviced by the common folk too. you are a jaded motherfucker if you believe that one side or the other gives a damn about you. take care of your own damn self and all will be well

[Hook Dem]

No Hooker boy, a tone of pride that Clinton got his money from the common folk not the rich folk. Did you hear that!? Huh? Did you!?
Settle down and take your Ridlan Johnny before you blow a gasket! :lol

[Nbadan]

Common folk like Monica Lewinsky? What did she get for her 100?

Ex was right, conservatives still do think Monica jokes are funny. :rolleyes

[Nbadan]

I'd be willing to bet that the increase in security is a big part of that cost.

Wrong. The city of Washington D.C. is expected to pick up the extra security costs from its Homeland Security money and is not a part of the $40 million dollar undercount (probably closer to $50 million).

[Hook Dem]

Wrong. The city of Washington D.C. is expected to pick up the extra security costs from its Homeland Security money and is not a part of the $40 million dollar undercount (probably closer to $50 million).
Losing the election just SUCKS for you doesn't it Dan? :lol

[Nbadan]

Don't Watch The Anointing - Watch CSPAN2 Coverage of Protestors

[Useruser666]

Wrong. The city of Washington D.C. is expected to pick up the extra security costs from its Homeland Security money and is not a part of the $40 million dollar undercount (probably closer to $50 million).

I still would believe at least some of that would go to security. Unless of course you can show me some receipts.

[sbsquared]

No way Dan - I just watched the swearing in and I am one proud American!!! I hope the protesters all get frostbite!

[JohnnyMarzetti]

I'll have you all know that the average amount donated to the Bush inauguration by 194 corporations and executives is an astonishing, $128,000!

[JohnnyMarzetti]

http://www.bartcop.com/homeland-bob.gif

[CrazyOne]

You tell 'em, Bob... :lol

[GoldToe]

I have no problem with Bush partying like it's 2005.
I do think it could have been toned down a bit or at least have the big shots at all those fancy balls drop some benjamiins into a hat for the troops.

[Kori Ellis]

But a review of the cost for past inaugurations shows Mr. Bush's will cost less than President Clinton's second inauguration in 1997, which cost about $42 million.

Manny, etc. if you want to bitch about the costs of this thing, go ahead. But don't bitch like Bush is the only one to spend this kind of money. It seems like $40M is the going rate. Did you bitch when Clinton did it?

[GoldToe]

But as the juvenillie Johnny noted, most of the funding came from private donations not from corporate sponsors and the fact that we are at war makes a difference in the eyes of many.

[MannyIsGod]

Waahh Wahhh FUCKING Waahh

Private money. They can do what they want with it. And there isn't a FUCKING thing you, Manny, or you, Dan, can do about it. This is still a FREE country, and as much as you two would like to see the sickle and hammer waving again, it ain't gonna happen.

Bunch of pussies.

Just shut the fuck up. You want a dictatorship, move to Cuba or North Korea.

Funny, I get compared to a baby in this post.

Travis, it's ironic really.

I guess communisim = advocating the better spending of money.

[MannyIsGod]

Manny, etc. if you want to bitch about the costs of this thing, go ahead. But don't bitch like Bush is the only one to spend this kind of money. It seems like $40M is the going rate. Did you bitch when Clinton did it?

Well, When Clinton did it I was 12, and 16 and the last thing on my mind was anything of that nature.

But yes, I feel the amounts Clinton spent were also wasteful as hell.

[JohnnyMarzetti]

Yup, Dubya calls them his base.

. SEE THE LIST (http://www.inaugural05.com/donors/)

[travis2]

Funny, I get compared to a baby in this post.

Travis, it's ironic really.

I guess communisim = advocating the better spending of money.

No, communism is the belief that you are better qualified and/or better equipped to tell someone else how to spend their money.

It doesn't belong to you. That should end the conversation right there.

[MannyIsGod]

No, communism is the belief that you are better qualified and/or better equipped to tell someone else how to spend their money.

It doesn't belong to you. That should end the conversation right there.

Well shit, guess every Financial Planner and Banker out there is a commie.

WHO KNEW?

Sure Trav, you keep using your over simplified political defenitions to achieve whatever you need.

I guess only the people who lean to the left in here advocate the smarter spending of money. Damn commies.

[travis2]

Well shit, guess every Financial Planner and Banker out there is a commie.

WHO KNEW?

Sure Trav, you keep using your over simplified political defenitions to achieve whatever you need.

I guess only the people who lean to the left in here advocate the smarter spending of money. Damn commies.

Are you really that stupid, Manny? Are you learning nothing in college?

People hire financial planners. The relationship is consensual. You, on the other hand, want final say on someone else's assets without their permission.

Big difference.

[MannyIsGod]

Travis,

Just think of the political coup Bush would have on his hands if he had said all the money coming in for the bash would be used in some form of humanitarian aid.

What the hell woudl the left say about him then?

I better stop that communist thinking!

[MannyIsGod]

No, communism is the belief that you are better qualified and/or better equipped to tell someone else how to spend their money.

Do finacial planners not think they are better qualified and equipped to tell someone else how to spend their money?

Before you go telling me how stupid I am, read what you have writen.

I was being obtuse on purpose to make a point on how ridiculous your defenition of communism was.

Discerning irony is something they taught me in high school, and for the second time today, the tone of one of your posts strikes me as very ironic.

Maybe the next college class you take should be an Government 101 so that you can properly learn what communism is.

BTW, by your defenition, we currently live under a communist government.

[travis2]

Do you, or do you not, have the right to tell someone what to do with their money without their solicitation?

Yes or no.

[MannyIsGod]

You have the right to tell anyone anything. Are you or are you not familliar with the first amendment?

You don't have a right to FORCE people to do anything.

Once again, I am ADVOCATING better use of the money.

So Trav, lets review the words of the day.

Bill of Rights
Free Speech
Advocate
Force

Have a nice day, dipshit!

[violentkitten]

christ man i can think of about a million things id rather be worried about

change yourself before you start trying to change the world

[sbsquared]

I get so sick and tired of people saying "the money could be put to better use." Of course it could! But that applies to so many things - like the money spent on beer by many people who post in this forum! How about putting all your beer money into a bank and donate it to charity?!

The people who gave money for the festivities this week have every right to give what ever they want to whoever they want. I would surmise a guess that these same people probably give lots of money to charitable causes also - so get over it!

[ChumpDumper]

Don't forget all the federal workers in DC get a paid holiday -- that comes directly from the taxpayers' pockets.

I don't care who's in office -- it's obscene.

[ididnotnothat]

All I can say is those rich bastards sure can spend some money!

[sbsquared]

As long as were complaining about spending "obscene" amounts of money - I haven't heard anyone complain about the $163 million spent by Bill Clinton to rewrite history at his liebrary. Most of that came from private donations also - what could have been accomplished with that money?

[sbsquared]

Also, chumpdumper - how about all the people who get off work and school for the Battle of the Flower parade - that isn't anything but a party - how much does that cost the taxpayers of San Antonio?

[ChumpDumper]

How much are the Bush libraries costing?

At least research can be done in the libraries so you go rewrite whatever you want-- what are these parties accomplishing?

[ChumpDumper]

Also, chumpdumper - how about all the people who get off work and school for the Battle of the Flower parade - that isn't anything but a party - how much does that cost the taxpayers of San Antonio?That's a waste too. What was the battle of flowers anyway? Are lobbyists lining up there to access the mayor?

Is it a paid holiday?

Isn't that an event put on by a nonprofit org?

[violentkitten]

apparently ca stubbs has found his way on to the internets

[Opinionater]

IMHO, it must suck to be Bush and going to all these balls with the booze flowing freely and just dying to push his way to the open bar and grab a drink.
Of course the Bush twins will find their way to the open bar for sure!

[exstatic]

"Let them eat cake..."

[Yonivore]

Why didn't the BCS cancel all Bowl games and send the money to Iraq?

Why didn't the Tournament of Roses committee cancel the parade and send the money to Iraq?

Why don't we just cancel all NBA games and send the revenue to Iraq?

You people are stupid...

[Nbadan]

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20050120/s/r1384570482.jpg

Police officers fire streams of pepper spray into a crowd of protesters after demonstrators threw objects over the fence, as the President Bush (news - web sites) inaugural parade passes by on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, January 20, 2005. Anti-war chants competed with pomp and circumstance during the inauguration of Bush for a second term as president took place amid the barricaded streets of central Washington. Photo by Jim Bourg/Reuters

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20050120/s/r4084675828.jpg

Protesters burn a United States flag as the Bush inaugural parade passes by on Pennsylvania Avenue several blocks from the White House in Washington, January 20, 2005. Anti-war chants competed with pomp and circumstance as the inauguration of President George W. Bush (news - web sites) for a second term took place amid the barricaded streets of central Washington. REUTERS/Jim Bourg

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050120/lthumb.watw10101202157.inauguration_protests_wash_ watw101.jpg

Adam Hamilton, lower left, yells as he protests against President Bush (news - web sites), Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005 at Seattle Central Community College in Seattle. Several hundred students walked out of classes at several Seattle colleges and universities to protest the inauguration of President Bush. (AP Photo Ted S. Warren)

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20050120/s/r1323762629.jpg

A demonstrator hit by streams of pepper spray fired by police has water poured into his eyes after protestors clashed with police on Pennsylvania Avenue several blocks from the White House in Washington, January 20, 2005. Anti-war chants competed with pomp and circumstance during the inauguration of President George W. Bush (news - web sites) for a second term as president took place amid the barricaded streets of central Washington. REUTERS/Jim Bourg

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20050120/lthumb.sge.djc47.200105212838.photo01.photo.defaul t-255x384.jpg

Anti-War Network (DAWN) demonstrators carry mock coffins draped with the US flag as they arrive in downtown Washington, DC for the inauguration of US President George W. Bush (news - web sites).(AFP/Oscar Mataquin)

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20050120/s/r3493342489.jpg

A protestor is escorted away by a police officer after heckling during the inauguration of the U.S. President George W. Bush (news - web sites) on Capitol Hill in Washington January 20, 2005. Bush was sworn in for his second term in office. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20050120/s/r1752210788.jpg

A protestor is escorted away by police officers after heckling during the inauguration of the U.S. President George W. Bush (news - web sites) on Capitol Hill in Washington January 20, 2005. Bush was sworn in for a second term on Thursday and pledged to work to heal a country divided by the Iraq (news - web sites) war. REUTERS/Linda Salazar/PooL

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20041221/lthumb.sge.que79.211204235746.photo00.photo.defaul t-380x235.jpg

Protesters shout, wave banners and fly the US flag upside down as newly sworn in US President George W. Bush (news - web sites) passes by in his limousine on Pennsylvania Avenue 20 January 2001 in Washington, DC. Opposition groups plan to hold a huge protest during President George W. Bush's inauguration next month, as the US leader is sworn in to a second four-year term.(AFP/File/Shawn Thew)

[SpursWoman]

Big shocker.

[Useruser666]

Wow, I wonder what the protests were like when Saddam was sworn in?!

[Spurminator]

See, the protesters had themselves a little party of their own!


Anti-war chants competed with pomp and circumstance

It's all pomp and circumstance of some kind...

[ChumpDumper]

Why didn't the BCS cancel all Bowl games and send the money to Iraq?

Why didn't the Tournament of Roses committee cancel the parade and send the money to Iraq?

Why don't we just cancel all NBA games and send the revenue to Iraq?I never brought up Iraq, I just don't remember these organizations being set up to buy access to elected officials.

[exstatic]

Not sure who wrote these, because a few people are on my ignore list, and this quote was unattributed, but here goes:

Why didn't the BCS cancel all Bowl games and send the money to Iraq?
Because the BCS is not expected to fund the war in Iraq, the government is.

Why didn't the Tournament of Roses committee cancel the parade and send the money to Iraq?
Because the Tournament of Roses committee is not expected to fund the war in Iraq, the government is.

Why don't we just cancel all NBA games and send the revenue to Iraq?
Because the NBA is not expected to fund the war in Iraq, the government is.

The inauguration, while buoyed by some private $$$, is a government function, and uses tax dollars. I think a low key celebration was probably in order, and that today definitely smacked of Nero fiddling while Rome burned.

[violentkitten]

cliff clavin chimes in with his expert opinion

http://www.cheers.tvheaven.com/graphics/cliff.jpg

[violentkitten]

if kerry was the one being sworn in today then the roles of the forum shitmeisters in this thread would have been reversed

[JohnnyMarzetti]

Yonivore is one stupid idiot.

[Hook Dem]

Yonivore is one stupid idiot.
Pot meet kettle!

[dcole50]

You people are stupid...

considering the source of this insult ...

[MannyIsGod]

Yoninore. (intentional)

Let me know when the president of the United States is part of the entertainment industry and I'll happily compare it to those examples you gave.

[Guru of Nothing]

Yonivore is one stupid idiot.



Pot meet kettle!

Looks like we finally agree on something Hook.

[Hook Dem]

Looks like we finally agree on something Hook.
Well congratulations to us! :lol

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah no shit, I'd like to get in on this.

[ClintSquint]

http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/josauce/Bush40mil.jpg

[violentkitten]

i particularly enjoy political humor that isnt funny

[JoeChalupa]

:lol

[Medvedenko]

It's a sad day in the US. Bushy is a retard, however you are all stuck with him for the next 4 years...let the countdown continue. You guys voted him in, have fun. Hopefully up in Canada, he'll just leave us alone.

[SpursWoman]

It's a sad day in the US.



Ummm, no it's not.

[Medvedenko]

Metaphorically speaking....

[SpursWoman]

Well, reality-ly speaking...I just got finished filing my tax return, and that $1,000 X 2 child credit was a nice little bonus.
:)

[dcole50]

nice day for some, bad day for others.

[baseline bum]

It's a sad 4 years, Med. Still, wtf are people complaining about a party for? Compalin about the war, the economy, the vacations Bush always goes on, or something legit but to whine about everything he does is ridiculous.

[dcole50]

the price tag for all of these parties are ridiculous. clinton's, etc. all of them are a waste. there's no need for them.

[JoeChalupa]

I'm always down for a good party but I'm always looking for ways to cut costs.
I've even taped a pinata back together and used it again.
I'm sure Laura had an old evening gown she could have worn again and Bush should have gone to the Men's wearhouse and just rented a tux for $29.95.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I'm always down for a good party but I'm always looking for ways to cut costs.
I've even taped a pinata back together and used it again.
I'm sure Laura had an old evening gown she could have worn again and Bush should have gone to the Men's wearhouse and just rented a tux for $29.95.


http://www.menswearhouse.com/media/template_images/our_company/co60_company/common_threads_v3_m56577569830505166.gif

"Bush'll like the way he looks!"

[Yonivore]

nice day for some, bad day for others.
Yep, a bad day for freedom-haters 'round the world.

[CommanderMcBragg]

Once again Yonivore proves his ignorance. Anyone against Bush is "freedom hater".
You are so full of hate it shows.

[La Parka]

2 much money

[Yonivore]

Once again Yonivore proves his ignorance. Anyone against Bush is "freedom hater".
You are so full of hate it shows.
Okay, besides freedom-haters, who else had a bad day on the 20th?

[Guru of Nothing]

Y'all crack me up, talking about $40M, as if it matters.

[Hook Dem]

To those among others who are concerned about the costs of this Inauguration, not to worry, as Clinton's 2nd Inauguration when related to today’s cost of money was over $50 million compared to $40 million for 2nd Inauguration for Geo W. and there were no protests at that time to do away with the Inauguration because Clinton was spending $50 Million ( in today’s costs).


Interesting how the media and the liberals continue to try to divide the country when there is a conservative in the White House. The Democrats used to say, let's unite the country. Unfortunately, this is not the Democrat party of the Roosevelt, Truman and Kennedy era, who were Great Presidents and great uniters

More importantly, this Inauguration was the first in years that had God in the messages from start to finish and the Pres., God bless him, gave all the glory to God. It was refreshing to see this administration being able to relate to God without fear of the Socialists and ACLU clans. Hopefully, not only the majority, but greater numbers of the country will continue to unite behind a man whose hero is Jesus Christ.

God bless America and its leaders in Washington.


J.P.Ellis

The Jacksonville Review

The Old Sarge would add to this that it was Clinton who was selling overnight stays in the White House to his friends and financial supporters. The Democrats are ripping Pres. Bush over the donors now having access to the White House because they donated to his inaugural expenses. As if the Democrats did not have access to the White House and the White House bedrooms the whole time Clinton was in office! Wake up, America! Wake up liberals and smell the coffee. The very things you blame Pres. Bush for, Clinton did many times over, including pardoning some of the worst crooks and thieves in the country before he left office!

[ClintSquint]

Well, I must not have good sources because I heard this party was the most expensive ever. I think the issue is how Clinton's money was raised by small individual donations while Bush's was raised by very large donations from corporations and big shots.
That is where the difference is and I just don't think conservatives get it because when it comes to their beloved Dubya...he can do no wrong.
And once again "God" has to come into play like conservatives have a monopoly on Christianity which they grab onto like they are above everyone else.
I'm a Christian but don't need to announce it to the world.
Jesus himself said to be humble.

[Clandestino]

Well, I must not have good sources because I heard this party was the most expensive ever. I think the issue is how Clinton's money was raised by small individual donations while Bush's was raised by very large donations from corporations and big shots.
That is where the difference is and I just don't think conservatives get it because when it comes to their beloved Dubya...he can do no wrong.
And once again "God" has to come into play like conservatives have a monopoly on Christianity which they grab onto like they are above everyone else.
I'm a Christian but don't need to announce it to the world.
Jesus himself said to be humble.

in actual dollars this was the most expensive, but adjusted for inflation clinton's cost more.

[Hook Dem]

"Jesus himself said to be humble." .............................But he didn't say to remove his name from everything and ignore him. :depressed

[GoldToe]

in actual dollars this was the most expensive, but adjusted for inflation clinton's cost more.

Actual dollars is what counts in my book.

[GoldToe]

"Jesus himself said to be humble." .............................But he didn't say to remove his name from everything and ignore him. :depressed

Uh, how could he since Christianity was not established yet?

[Spurminator]

Actual dollars is what counts in my book.

Why?

[GoldToe]

Because in a few a years Bush's will be the most expensive when adjusted for inflation and when I spend my money I don't adjust for inflation.

Wait a minute..that means, by your account, Clinton's will still be more expensive when adjusted for inflation. :oops

I guess I just like to keep it real.

[Spurminator]

That's keeping it stubbornly ignorant.

You always adjust for inflation.

[Nbadan]

You always adjust for inflation.

Last I heard Clinton Spent $25 million for his first inauguration and $30-$35 for his second. W spent almost $40 million on his first inauguration and an estimated $52 million on his second when all is said and done. No amount of 'adjusting for inflation' or 'accounting for the weaker dollar' or 'in today's dollars' is gonna make up the difference. Point is, most of Clinton's inauguration was paid for with small donations ($100) while a few wealthy donors - W's base, paid $240K each. A drop in the bucket for them, but what does that money buy? Access? A open ear?

Forget the bipartisanship crap, we should all be pissed about this.