In 1945 our country was still mired in World War II and economic times were uncertain. When FDR was sworn in for the fourth time, he made a short speech at the White House and his guests dined on cold chicken salad and plain pound cake.
In 1917, Woodrow Wilson decided not to have any parties at his 1917 inaugural, saying that such festivities would be undignified.
According to an article by Rich Noyes on News Busters “President Bush’s second inauguration will cost tens of millions of dollars — $40 million alone in private donations for the balls, parade and other invitation-only parties. With that kind of money, what could you buy?
■ 200 armored Humvees with the best armor for troops in Iraq.
■ Vaccinations and preventive health care for 22 million children in regions devastated by the tsunami.
■ A down payment on the nation’s deficit, which hit a record-breaking $412 billion last year….
The questions have come from Bush supporters and opponents: Do we need to spend this money on what seems so extravagant?
New York Rep. Anthony Weiner, a Democrat, suggested inaugural parties should be scaled back, citing as a precedent Roosevelt’s inauguration during World War II.”
Two liberal Democrats went so far as to suggest that cold chicken salad and pound cake should be served in 2005!
Fast forward to 2009 – the inauguration of Obama when our country is still at war (doesn’t matter what you think about the war, the fact is WE ARE AT WAR), we’re in the middle of a recession and the economy is in the toilet and sinking lower every day. Sounds like a perfect time for cold chicken salad and pound cake, doesn’t it? Never mind that Bush spent $40 million (and was severely criticized in 2005), Obama plans to spend $45 million (plus security).
Of course the liberal media thinks that’s just fine! Since Obama is their darling, he can do no wrong.
May all the liberal media end up jobless and feel blessed when they do get to dine on cold chicken salad and pound cake. Same for Obama and his minions.
Wow. Tough words for the media. Sure, some media is biased and even some of those in both directions. What’s unfortunate is that your pertinent commentary about excessive spending is distastefully colored by the ad hominem.
I agree that the spending is excessive and the point would have carried through without the “liberal” labeling.
Amen to your comments Anne! I so agree.