ajlafleche

The skinny on that? The insurance companies mounted a massive public relations scare campaign and derailed any efforts at real reform. The only thing they were going to accept was mandatory insuarance purchased individually. Kind of like Massachusetts' mandatory car insuarance which is one of the great messes.

cordycord

Love this thread. Who'da thunk that we'd be talking about the 'food police' when considering the cost of inauguration?

Like it or not, inauguarations and all the fluff that comes with it are customary. Sure, I'll be miffed about the cost when the Democrat becomes president, but I don't mind it now.

It seems like a media "push-button" issue--they can get half the country riled up every four years, not matter who won.

Personally, I think a certain amount of the pomp and circumstance is needed. However, when we talk about how much Bush has increased gov't spending, I get a knot in my stomach.

mns2k

At least someone likes AC/DC

ralper

It's almost as if they could read our minds. From today's New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/16/politics...5Dou2A79l7BE+QQ

Warren J. Dew

Bush has actually left total spending about the same - while increasing defense spending, he was quietly cutting nondefense spending.

What Bush has increased are the deficits. That has largely been the result of cutting taxes while leaving spending constant.

Of course, the biggest deficit is the hidden deficit in Social Security, which is accruing obligations much faster than it is taking in taxes. Maybe one of the reasons preVintage folks sometimes seem disrespectful is that they know us Vintage folks are scheduled to use up all of their Social Security taxes, leaving them with nothing when they retire. Forget health care - if you want to fix a real problem, try fixing Social Security.

As for the inaugural ball, I suspect this whole thread is sour grapes from people who don't dance! (Or maybe some dancers who didn't get invitations?)

fltsfshr

"Balls" said the Queen" If I had two I'd be King!"

If Hillary has 15 she'll be President.


Your thought for the day


fltsfshr

mikes2k

But excess and waste are part of the "governmental american way" The moneys should be donated to the families of our fallen soldiers and/or relief efforts for the devastation in Asia. Too waste all this money at a time when so many are struggling in our country (and worldwide), just shows the rich get richer mentality we have and how it will never waiver It really does not give much hope to the shrinking middle class and the forgotten about poor.

Pomp and Circumstance SMANCE I say! Be a trendsetter Master King Bush and break the mold! We are the most dynamic county in the world! How about we think like that and break this wasteful tradition NOW! I refuse to watch any of these silly festivities!

FYI, I had to read your post 4 times Charlie, I thought for a second Jerry stole your password and posted under your name! We have rarely agreed on anything remotely political! That being said I you and your family!!

charlie

right back at ya big guy

jmc1971

The inaugural balls and parties are paid for with private donations. Even in "times like these" donors can spend their money any way they see fit, and I guess they wanna party. Apparently, despite current world and national events, they're not alone. People are still holding lavish weddings. Companies are still thowing big SuperBowl parties next month. All of Hollywood will be spending like drunken sailors for the upcoming Oscars. At least Laura Bush is buying her own ball gowns!

Because security (at all the events) will cost in the millions, I guess the swearing-in ceremony could be broadcast, but closed to the public. The parade could be cancelled. Fine by me. That would leave the usual security issues the President has when he attends any event. Limit him to just a couple of brief appearances and we could really get the cost down.

P.S. The balls are generally divided by states. The inauguration committee has sanctioned nine official balls. States will share with neighboring states. Ohio and Florida are the only two states that will hold inaugural balls by themselves. From what I've read, they're crowded, expensive, and not at all glamourous (the balls, that is. Not FL and OH. Although I guess the same could be said about them! ).

Matt_in_VA

Rob,

When I read your post about this is what you expected I was thinking of the Clinton years as well.

With that stated: I agree that that is just pure opulence and it would be interesting to see if a President could transfer the money that was raised to a better cause.