Obama Inaugural Costs Going Through Roof
By Wyatt Earp | November 20, 2008
Great, because we really need to spend millions of dollars for an inauguration, right?
Soaring costs expected to accompany huge crowds in town for the Jan. 20 inauguration of Barack Obama could stick cash-strapped Washington, D.C., with a record-breaking bill for services.
And who do you think is going to pay for the overage? Yep, you and me.
Security and capacity measures recommended by the District’s congressional delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and others will almost certainly surpass the $15 million the federal government gives to the District each year to defray the cost of events, Norton said.
In 2005, with an estimated 300,000 in attendance, the second inauguration of President Bush cost the city more than $17 million, some of which was reimbursed with federal funds. This year, officials estimate nearly five times that many people for the swearing in of President-elect Barack Obama.
I have heard estimates from “insiders” that say they expect the attendance to reach close to 4 million people. I’m sorry, but I don’t think that is true. And, if that is true, that is very sad. It’s not a Beatles reunion tour, it’s a presidential inauguration! Get a life, folks!
Police Chief Cathy Lanier expects to use an additional 4,000 police officers from all over the country in addition to her 4,000-member force, she said earlier this month. The city’s inaugural budget allows for only 3,000 extra uniformed officers.
The officers are necessary for crowd control – at least until they approve the Blue Thunder Project. I understand that. What I don’t understand is the insane amount of money that this shin-dig is expected to cost. For what, a few pretty speeches? We’re in an economic downturn, kids!
“There will be an additional amount necessary to handle the unprecedented crowds, and I am now working with my colleagues to deal with that amount,” Norton said, adding “it’s an outrage to have costs incurred for federal events.”
Norton recommended to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies the opening of private sites off the Mall, such as the Verizon Center and Nationals Park, to accommodate visitors without a ticket to the official events. (H/T – DC Examiner)
Okay, since I wrapped my head in duct tape before reading this tripe, I can comment without picking up pieces of my exploded skull. That being said, I have two questions:
1. Considering the country’s economy is in the terlet, how can anyone – especially the incoming administration – justify these excessive costs?
2. If and when the inauguration goes over budget, shouldn’t those most closely involved in the ceremony – namely, all of the wealthy politicians inside the Beltway – pick up the rest of the tab? Why burden the American taxpayer with this?
I’m just sayin’.
Topics: Politics | 13 Comments »
November 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
1. Easy: it’s the Obamessiah.
2. See #1 above.
BZ
November 20th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I think the cost of all the inaugural proceedings should be picked up by the candidate or their party just like it has been for all the previous inaugural proceedings!
Oh wait this has not been the case in the past so economy or not we treat this guy like his predecessors and pay like we did before
November 20th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
This is just the tip of the ice berg for the bH0 crowd. They will be spending OUR money like a pimp with a terminal illness.
November 20th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Welcome Back Carter…
November 20th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Wyatt,
I can sum it up in real simple terms. They are DemocRats and we owe them. Or so they think.
November 20th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Change.
It’s all we’ll have left.
November 20th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
whiners.
November 20th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
A few months ago, a Memo came around looking for “volunteers” to work the inauguration. I signed up. If picked, my housing and expenses (along with salary/overtime) will be covered. I think I was the only one to volunteer from my District. Well, since I was asked “are you sure”? I’m certain I was the only one.
I have a strong feeling, if picked, I’ll regret it. But I look at it as an experience. I have friends (hard to believe, right?) that are DC cops. I’m sure (we) will be treated well while down there.
November 20th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
They will bleed us dry in more ways than just this… I’m leaving on a road trip so I can be as far away as possible. I’ve had calls wanting to rent my place, but no way in hell that is going to happen, not even for $10,000 for the week… scruem…
November 20th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
That sucks because I have lots for them to take.
December 9th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Hi,
I am a producer for the public radio show, Marketplace. We’re working on a story about contributions for the inauguration. Barack Obama has stated that he would accept individual and grassroots contributions.
I’m trying to track someone down who supported Obama in the general election, but is upset that they’re being asked to fund the inauguration.
Please e-mail me at SPowers@marketplace.org.
Best,
Sean Powers
December 17th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Here is the man that promised change. I guess it will change after the balls. How many mortgages could be saved, food bought etc. with this money.All the crooks from wallstreet and the auto industry will be attending not us the working class.
Jan. 20 politics as usual.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:21 am
“It’s not a Beatles reunion tour, it’s a presidential inauguration! Get a life, folks!”
The Beatles are definitely more important than the president of the U.S…..