BlogHer - media bias - Comments

Expensive inauguration, true, but it paid lots of salaries

mc2writer — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:07:42 -0600

I just want to point out that a very large percentage of the money spent on the Inauguration went to PAY people and BUY things - money that went directly back into our very damaged economy, and not only in Washington, DC. Thousands of people were paid to serve, valet, provide security, transport, etc. Food, flowers, decorations - all that stuff was purchased from businesses and manufactured by someone. Roadies and entertainers (well, they probably made more than their fair share, but that is the case everywhere), chefs, kitchen staff, electricians, carpenters, contractors - even the city employees who had to remove and reinstall street lamps. It wasn't like people were just throwing the money at Obama and he was taking it home. It was, arguably, the most significant transition of power in the history of our country - and was celebrated not just here but around the world. Nearly every country celebrated the end of the Bush era - that has to say something, yes?

Regardless, lots of people earned lots of money - and that point should not be lost in this politicized argument.

blah blah blah

shessocrafty — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:25:46 -0600

Ok so how many of you voted for the criminals who finally vacated the White House and tore our country down, who basically turned their head while the economy bottomed out? Obama has done every single thing that he has said he would do so far. Geitner is just like everybody else who screws up. He admitted it and made it up, and none of us are perfect either so why do we expect perfection in our politicians especially when you aren't even giving them a chance to prove themselves. How small and judgmental we are. I understand that people are suffering but things are going to get worse before they get better. But most people feel like we actually have a fighting chance now, to actually fix it. I don't put anybody on a pedastal, but I don't think its beyond the realm of possibility to hope things will be different. See the thing I find funny is that if Barack Obama does half of the things he has said he will do our country will be a much better place and all of the nay sayers will be singing a much different tune. Things were never gonna change in a week. So you can hurl around insults all you want but unless you are trying to do something to change it then you really don't have the room or space to complain.

The door to the american political system has been thrown wide open for everyone to get involved if you don't like something do something about it. I'm very tired of people complaining just for the sake of complaining and blaming when there is no place for blame. You can look to the past. become obsessed with the present or look to the future and realize that things can't stay the same and there is no going back there is only moving forward and I'd rather hope and pray that the future becomes better and easier for everyone than complain about people who havent even gotten a chance to do their jobs yet. Believe me I will blast anyone who screws up in this administration just as quickly and loudly as I did the last one but the one thing thats different is that I don't believe Barack Obama will cover the truth or not admit when he is wrong and I'm pretty sure he will make his administration answer for any missteps. Thats more than we had before.

I second that

predem — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:31:45 -0600

Well said, ARfarmlady. I too am continually amazed at the otherwise intelligent people who insist on putting Barrack up on a pedestal! They seemed to have lost all their objectivity. You know what happens when you put anyone up on a pedestal?...you give up your personal power. You make that person responsible for your life. How wise is it to put a politician on a pedestal? If you all could take the blinders off you would see that in the first week in office, he has repeated demonstrated why we should question our leaders. They work for us, remember?! How many of you think you could get away with not paying your taxes? And now we have a criminal running the IRS and Treasury. Nice pick Pres.

I apologize Nofreelunch

ARfarmlady — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:14:26 -0600

ARfarmlady

Nofreelunch I apologize for what ever offended you so much from the beginning and also for calling you snob two wrong don't make a right. You are right I'm a flawed christian. 1 of many flaws the phase chicken dropping. I know this about myself. I believe Hate breeds hate. My parents raised me with this belief because being biracial and they thought it was important for my peace of mind when I was face with controversy. I hope we can get back to what matters and put all this behind us. Hope to see you on the other side of debates who knows we may agree on some.

Sincerely Arfarmlady

ARfarmladyI'm still amazed

ARfarmlady — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 07:35:01 -0600

ARfarmlady

I'm still amazed at the people who think without a extravagant party we could not remember this Historic Event. My point in my post was not a personal attack on the president it was about the state of the economy and change. When do you start the change, who starts that change that was promised the President or everyone else. It may be years down the road when people will be saying you know maybe the inaugural celebration should have been televised and everyone stayed home and spent their money in their home state instead of raising the countries debt. I know the official numbers are not out but the project number 49 million, inaugural 15 million to Columbia, 12 million to Maryland Total rough est. 76 million taxpayers bill. I do not consider this a small cost compared to the Historical Event, not when just about everyday you hear of someone losing their job. Guess what if their not working then they can't pay their part of the debt so that leaves less taxpayer. They probably will have to get government aid because people should not loss their homes because of a layoff their unemployment will not be enough to provide insurance, food and a mortgage payment or rent not to mention a car payment so they can look for a job. Yes I do believe the world was watching, this economic crisis has touch almost everyone of them. I wonder what they really thought about us party like we had a money tree. President Obama has not only been president for 3 days he's been president since he was elected and he started selecting his staff. So yes I do believe he could have taken a hard look at the expenses of the inauguration and stepped forward and said my fellow Americans I understand the significance of this event to all us but I'm ask you to stay home support your home state and celebrate with me via a televised ceremony while we start our recovery from this economic crisis. I'm sure he could have said it much better.

The expectations

travellingaga — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 05:34:41 -0600

Firstly I am wandering who decides about the inauguration events? Is it right to blame Obama for spending this amoung of money or maybe someone else had done this decision.

Secondly, I really do think that Americans were expecting the BIG inauguration. After so exciting campaign, where streets were full of people involved, all events were somehow connected to the campaign, and there are even some sympthops of political realignment in US, people wanted to celebrate.

Everyone was feeling that this is something special, tons of people around the world were watching that. Right now when the expectations were fulfill Obama can start his cadency. Just imagine how hard it would be after those expectation wouldn't be fulfil. Imagine the media covarage after the inauguration day...

http://travelling-aga.blogspot.com

discrimination comes in all forms

ARfarmlady — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 04:19:27 -0600

ARfarmlady

nofreelunch

Wouldn't expect anything different from you.

In retrospect I was wrong, FarmLady

NOfreelunch — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 02:38:48 -0600

I should have just kept my observation about you to myself. But just because I made the mistake of posting it doesn't mean I'm taking it back. I don't believe you are the persona you're claiming to be. The way you're posting now vs. the way you were posting before confirms it more than ever. May God, Everything Holy, the Flying Spaghetti Monster or Karma royally kick my ignorant ass and strike me dead with lightning if I'm wrong.

Yep, still standing. And I won't be losing any sleep over my sudden demise.

discrimination comes in all forms

ARfarmlady — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:11:42 -0600

ARfarmlady Nofreelunch

This is classic example of someone who think their superior to others.

The next time you want to say you are not racist or that you don't discriminate think about what you said about how your education was superior to mine and what I had to say was a waste of time. Then proceed to call my life a pathetic stereotypical persona and I need to get a life. I have a life, you snob. Oh by the way I'm biracial like the President.

"ARfarmlady is one of the more blatant examples of desperate spoofing that I've ever seen on a message board...and that's saying a lot. Too bad you have to invent some lame, pathetically stereotypical persona because you can't handle criticism of your party that is spelled correctly and based only on fact, provided by educated, politically informed people. Nice way to use up the vast excess of time you must have on your hands. Get a life."

But Seriously

shessocrafty — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:50:19 -0600

Where is the outrage about the billions of dollars this country pisses away on a daily basis for uncelebratory reasons like bogus wars, government bailouts for which the government has no clue as to where the money went. Billions of dollars out the window in tax cuts to people who don't even need it.

This is part of our governments practices an inauguration every 4 years, and please Barack Obama has stated at several points in his agenda while running for president that he wants to help the regular people not the 200,000 plus crowd. That excites me more than anything. Change doesn't happen overnight, The man has been in office for all of two days. Give the man a chance.

the list of over 5000 people who donated 300 dollars or more is found here...

http://www.wral.com/news/political/page/4324089/

Plus Being the media savvy guy that he is Obamas inauguration team also sold rights to concerts to HBO and other syndicates. And Everyone saw the exclusive ABC inaugural ball coverage.

The inauguration comittee gets appropriated over a million for the swearing in ceremony and I do believe many preformers preformed for low cost or donated their services. A majority of the money has and will come from private donations. Obama has the ability to raise a lot more money than people in the past. And the government is required to provide money for things like security and bathrooms among other things.

The tax payers will pay a much smaller portion than past inaugurations. Don't believe the propoganda machine. The Republicans would and will do anything to shake a finger in the face of the new administration to say how horribly irresponsible.

At the very least wait until the official numbers come out this is all speculation, attention all Republicans don't forget about Your Sarah Palin out there spending your money shoppin it up at Top shelf department stores. Really neither side can say much about how money has been spent in the past. THAT WILL CHANGE.

People had a right to celebrate. My family is by no means well off but we have hope that things will get better. To all of you who lost your jobs I am so very sorry for you and your families, but I think that the day deserved the fitting tribute it got. What other president in recent memory had a national day of service where thousands of people across the country volounteered their time. For as much taking as you see it there has and will be ALOT MORE giving back.

To the point

predem — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:27:50 -0600

When one mans interest gets put before the greater good of the country, it is a failure of the leader. Obama had a choice to make to accept all the private donations to gain access to him, have an extravagant celebration that keeps him center stage, while spending millions of tax payer dollars or show up to be who he promoted himself as during the campaign. I believe he missed a big opportunty to show everyone, especially those who didn't vote for him that it isn't going to be politics as usual.

I also believe that every inauguration is historic. We are also in a historic economic situation. How many more people could have been served by the money that will go to pay for all the excesses for the inauguration. Everyone has a different perspective. Mine, like that of Msanto, is that of someone who has also been laid off and am wondering where and when will I be able to work again while I watch businesses fold around me. Being in that position and watching someone piss away millions of dollars that can help stimulate the economy and serve more of who he is there to serve is frustrating and hard to comprehend from someone who spent so much time trying to convince us he was somehow different.

I want Obama to succeed because I want America to succeed. He, like many others , as myvoice05 said, are merely the facillitators, there to represent the Nations agenda, not their own.

Brilliant!

purple goddess — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:21:22 -0600

As an Australian, I was thrilled with the Inauguration. I made my kids get up at 3am local time to watch it. I told them "This moment, the one you are watching right now, your grandchildren will be learning this as History, and you can say you saw it happen".

Other Aussies I have spoken to about it all agree, spectacle, or not, it has enlivened, invigorated and affirmed our belief that the US is back on track with Obama's election. You guys took a beating, internationally, over the past two Presidential terms. Regardless of how Australia's previous leader was portrayed to you, the vast majority of Australian citizens did not support the "close relationship" we had with Bush and Co.

We hold out such hope for the future, and the Inauguration was part of it.

How can you put a dollar value on that?

www.agoddessinthekitchen.blogspot.com/

2008

ARfarmlady — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:42:57 -0600

2008

Put you money where your mouth is, Obama!

MSanto — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:19:34 -0600

Personally, I don't care what Bush's inauguration costs were, or whether or not security was included or not included. To me, this is not the issue. The issue for me is, as nofreelunch pointed out..... in today's economy, President Obama would have been respected more, in my opinion, if he had put his money where his mouth is, and "To protect, serve, and set an example for the people he claims to care about the most". I voted for President Obama, and I wish him well, but there are those of us that resent the unnecessary excesses when people are losing their homes, jobs, savings, etc.

In December, I became one of the victims of this terrible economy when I lost my job. Today, I spent several hours at a reemployment center where we were told that due to budget cuts, the unemployment office in our county, which used to have a staff of several people, has been cut to only one. The phone lines and the website were never designed to handle the volume of calls and correspondence they are currently receiving so are a complete disaster, and we were warned not to do "anything" that might jeopardize our claims, because it could take weeks to straighten out.

In light of all this, can anyone blame me for being a little resentful of the money that was spent on yesterdays events, in spite of the fact that I feel it was a very special day?

Ok So I totally disagree

shessocrafty — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:16:23 -0600

Ok Now I live in the DC metro area and I did vote for Obama, but putting that aside I would like to say I think your whole argument is bullocks. DC has been hit just as hard as many localities in terms of budget shortfalls and any money appropriated by the government for the inauguration is for this purpose. Believe me DC has covered security for all manner of events that happened in the city before so the contributions for the inauguration were well deserved and necessary.

Now as far as the whole inauguration spectacle as you have painted it I would like to say that isn't it time that the government actually became accessible again? What is the problem with actually inviting people to participate in one of our countries only true shows of governmental pagentry. Did you know that the White House tour was basically cut off at the knees during the Bush years? It was one of my fondest memories as a kid getting to go and see the WHITE HOUSE. Obama has said that he will change this to allow people more access and I am glad he will.

If Obama was the first Black Republican president I'm pretty sure we wouldn't even be having this conversation right now. There is always something to complain about when the shoe is on the other foot. And I don't even remember Bushes inaugurations neither one or two. But I will never forget yesterday.

The moment was magical and it was inspiring. That is what you should be talking about, how many people were inspired by the sense community that Obama has formed and is still forming. Realizing that a president appreciates his place in history and the signifigance and wants everyone to participate in the government in whatever way they can. This is our government afterall and it was nice to see a president embrace the public not push them away. In contrast for many years we always heard "I" from our leaders now we are hearing "WE".

History will not forget yesterday and I think its tawdry at best to guess about the cost, yes we are in a recession and money is tight for millions of families but for one moment yesterday we were all united by a man whose plans though grand to some will make a difference in this world. Instead of complaining about the cost whose true amount remains to be seen, how bout remarking about the truly amazing part of seeing millions of americans actually engaged in this country's history and hoping for the future? When was the last time you heard singing in the streets of DC? When was the last time you saw people actually smiling and saying hi to you for no reason (in dc this is sometimes a rare thing). THIS IS HISTORY FOLKS you can't put a price tag on history. Regardless of wether you agree with the price tag, you must say that looking back on our long storied history that this is a joyful and proud moment that needed to be celebrated. This is no NERO on a fiddle while rome is burning (I think you could say that about bush though at several different points of time). It's a day that your kids will talk about the day where we finally started to unite as a country and if this is the only thing you have to complain about, then I guess so far he's doing his job pretty good then huh?

And another thing not to make this about race, but I'm a mixed race person who grew up in Virginia where things like OREO were yelled at me at regular intervals growing up, the man validated an entire generation of kids cultural identity and really it means alot to me for a person of this background at this time to be running this country not just for me but for my children and everyone's children. So yes I wanted a party a big one because he legitamized the fact that I have always believed that race isn't a barrier to anyone for anything. The man sees his place in history, both how far we have come and how far we have to go. Just the fact that an entire generation of Civil rights activists from the 50s and 60s got to see this moment is amazing. Don't you think that is something to celebrate and pat ourselves on the back for regardless of wether or not you agree with his politics.