Pre-inauguration troubles

[Woody]

Have you all ever witnessed worse Pre-inauguration troubles as this President Elect seems to be having. Scandals Scandals and more Scandals. I hope this does not reflect on what is coming Jan.20 and beyond.

Look at who the man nominated for CIA chief. The guy has no experience in the business. Even the DEMOs are objecting.

Give me a break.

[Bravus]

Huh? How does Blagojevich's actions, and their aftermath, reflect badly on Obama? Surely that stuff reflects on Blagojevich. Or do we believe in guilt by association?

[Woody]

Even if you don't want to accept Blagojevich as trouble (which he is) ... Obama sure has a heap more on his plate.

And just look who is sittin pretty. Now the environmentalists are heaping praise of President Bush for protecting more property than anyone in the history of the Nation. It is the size of California.

I'm telling you ... his legacy is guaranteed.

[Dr. Shane]

Well one big problem is what to serve at the inauguration bash.

Fried chicken and cornbread muffins or lobster and caviar.

[Bravus]

On that point at least we agree.

[Woody]

I made several points ... upon which one doth ye agree ... the legacy of GWB and his being called the 'environmental president'?

[Bravus]

I agreed with this one, as stated:

Quote:

I'm telling you ... his legacy is guaranteed.

I suspect we may mean different things by the word 'legacy' in this context, though.

[Woody]

Ahhh Bravus. You disappoint me. I thought we might actually have agreement.

But what do you think of the race card being thrown around by some Democrats in Congress regarding the Burris Affair. Even those in their own party recognize the mess they are in. So, can you tell me why they would legally refuse to seat the only Black in the Senate to his rightful seat? The rules committee chairwoman states the signature of the Sec. of State is ceremonial and not legally required. Sounds like more accusations of racism against the Demos.

[phkrause]

And here I thought you were refering to shane's point about food!!!!! hahahaha

pk

[Dr. Shane]

Don't underestimate the importance of food.

I guess Obama also has to decide which kind of cigarettes he is going to be smoking on inauguration day too. Wouldn't it be a scandal if he lit up a Cuban cigar?

[Woody]

When Obama smokes ... I doubt that any of us would know. That is one of those evil habits of his that he will hide I suspect.

[Woody]

Another issue with the inauguration is WHY SPEND $50 million on it during these tough economic times.

When Bush had his ... he only accepted 1/4 million dollars from the government.

If this is any idication of what Obama intends to do with the government .... I am worried for this nation.

[olger]

[Neil D]

Another issue with the inauguration is WHY SPEND $50 million on it during these tough economic times.

When Bush had his ... he only accepted 1/4 million dollars from the government.

If this is any idication of what Obama intends to do with the government .... I am worried for this nation.

Inauguration During A Recession?

Reported by: Nichelle Sullivan

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2009 @05:00pm CST

The Inauguration is Washington's "Hollywood Moment." Tracie Potts files this report.

It will cost millions to usher in the new presidency, at a time when the nation is looking for ways to save money.

At the Washington Convention Center, which is hosting six of the ten official inaugural balls, lights are going up and stages are being built in a massive effort to transform two million square feet of space into one big party for Barack and Michelle Obama.

"We're going to have everybody, pretty much all hands on deck participating in this event," said Greg O’Dell of the Washington Convention Center.

Hargrove Incorporated is building floats for the parade and handling construction for 40 other events around the city.

"We geared up the day after new years, and we went around the clock, three shifts," said Hargrove CEO Tim McGill.

The inauguration is expected to cost the Presidential Inaugural Committee $45 million, which is about the same as George Bush's last inauguration.

So far, they've raised over $30 million of that.

The city of Washington expects to spend another $50 million.

Throwing an expensive party like this with the country in the middle of a recession is a delicate balance.

Still, some Washington observers note that previous inaugurals were much more exclusive.

"This is kind of like, ‘Y'all come.’ You know, we welcome everyone and we want everyone to be here to celebrate this moment. And that is a whole different attitude than I’ve ever seen," said author and journalist Sally Quinn.

Given the nation's financial problems, many people are trying to scale back.

Janae Moore bought her $35,000 dollar ball gown for less than $500 at a consignment shop.

"Just for the very purpose of saving money and budgeting, being mindful of what I spend, how I spend and what I spend it on," she said.

She's still hoping for a ticket.

In fact, getting into one of those ten official inaugural balls that the Obamas will visit is the hottest ticket in town right now.

[Neil D]

I vaguely remember something from CS Lewis, in the Chronicals of Narnia, "The Horse and his boy", where toward the end of the book, it was said that "the King is the last person in retreat, merriest during sad times,...."

Seems to me, that this inaguration is a celebration that will be the last for a long while......better to make the most of it....while we can....because afterward, we have serious work to do...and no whiners are allowed.