Neil D Posted January 18, 2005 Share Posted January 18, 2005 President George W. Bush is drawing heat over a $40 million (21.5 million pound) splurge on inaugural balls, concerts and candlelight dinners while the country is in a sombre mood because of the Iraq war and Asian tsunami. As Bush prepares for his second-term inauguration on Thursday, his supporters plan to celebrate with fireworks and three days of parties, including a "Black Tie and Boots" ball and nine other balls. Critics say the lavish celebrations are unseemly when U.S. troops face daily violence in Iraq and Americans are being urged to donate money to alleviate the suffering in Asia, where the December 26 tsunami killed 163,000 people. "I just think that the sobriety of the times dictate that we be mindful of the imagery of these things," said Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner of New York. In a letter, Weiner urged Bush to ask donors to redirect their inaugural contributions to equipment for troops in Iraq, some of whom have complained of having to scrounge for scrap metal to protect their vehicles. "Precedent suggests that inaugural festivities should be muted -- if not cancelled -- in wartime," Weiner wrote to Bush, saying that the money could pay for 690 Humvees and a $290 bonus for each soldier serving in Iraq. Weiner cited the example of President Franklin Roosevelt, who celebrated his trimmed-down 1945 inaugural with cold chicken salad and pound cake. Bush said he rejected such criticism. Rueters News Quote Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Jeannieb43 Posted January 18, 2005 Moderators Share Posted January 18, 2005 </font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr /> Bush said he rejected such criticism. Rueters News <hr /></blockquote><font class="post"> According to Bush, any criticism of him or his policies is unpatriotic. He's afraid of confrontation, even by his friends. He takes personal umbrage at it. Quote Jeannie<br /><br /><br />...Change is inevitable; growth is optional.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shane Posted January 19, 2005 Share Posted January 19, 2005 Does this critism surprise anyone? Really? Is there anyone in this forum that couldn't have predicted two years ago that if Bush was re-elected the extreame Left would criticise him for the amount spent on his inaugoration? Just like the extreame Right did Clinton. It is stupid really. Paul Harvey was talking about it today. Dating back to the first inaugoration of President Washington the critics have been criticising the amount spent for the festivities. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil D Posted January 19, 2005 Author Share Posted January 19, 2005 Well, Shane, Bush has got to protect his family and friends. Shoot there is a 100 block sectioned off so that anyone entering in has to go thru metal detectors, they also have to have a invitation, and they have to have "spotters" with armorment to stop possible terrorist, who are on the roof tops. There are 600 police officers, 7000 troops in that area. And yes, they have to spend that money that YOU and I pay into the taxpayer fund.... Quote Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shane Posted January 19, 2005 Share Posted January 19, 2005 and your point is... ? Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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