2009 Inauguration to cost over $160 Million

Posted on 17. Jan, 2009 by Jesse in News & Politics, Pre Deployment, Random Ramblings 17 views

While the US economy is in the midst of what may be the worst economic crisis ever, our great nation is preparing to throw a party to celebrate the election of our soon to be president, Barack Obama. While Detroit automakers borrow billions, banks are bailed out and the talk of an economic stimulus packages fill the news, we also clearly remember the reports of excess waste by the upper management of companies that have received assistance from the US taxpayers.

I am sure I am not the only one who was angered when it was reported that the 3 executives from GM, Ford and Chrysler flew to Washington on private jets, or when the reports of Wall Street investment firms still planning to hand out $ 14 Billion in year end bonuses hit the news and stirred anger in the taxpayers of America. I am not comfortable giving anyone in need money to put in their right pocket while at the same time taking money out of their left pocket and throwing it away, all the while crying about how tough times are and how badly they need help to get through this situation. Times are tough on all of us, now is not a time to be wasteful.

I do feel sorry for those who won’t be getting a bonus this year, as I understand first hand how that situation works. Many individuals in the financial markets make a small annual salary and count on big year end bonuses that can often times account for 80% of their total annual earnings, but when times are tough and the performance isn’t there the rewards shouldn’t be either. Think of it as a commissioned position, if you don’t sell anything, you don’t get paid. Tough cookies I know, but that is indeed how the cookie crumbles.

Granted, the inauguration will be viewed by the world and needs to be a first class event to “showcase” our country, government and leadership in the right light, I still feel that funding it with taxpayers hard earned dollars is not the way to go. I would encourage private donors to foot the bill for this along with leftover campaign funds, private bank accounts of those who would like to pay for it. Take what is raised directly for this event and don’t spend a cent more than that. If I want to throw a party for my children I pay for it, If times are good or bad I find a way to do what can be done and there is no one there to throw a few billion my way to cover expenses otherwise. In times of crisis, being smart goes a long ways. We need to stop wasteful spending from the top all the way down to the bottom, it should however start with the White House setting an example for the rest. If we always do what we have always done, we will always get what we have always got.

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