RE: $150 million for inauguration

RE: $150 million for inauguration (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid

Message

bestbabync -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/18/2009 3:54:41 PM)
But the $45 million comes completely from private donations, not the government. The organization is not accepting funds from corporations or lobbyists, said Douglass. In addition to private individual donors, who can give a maximum of $50,000, the committee has been raising money by selling merchandise." http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/16/news/economy/inauguration_costs/index.htm?section=money_topstories but as you see in the last inauguration the committee was bashed for raising the money and spending it so frivolously during a time of war and huge deficits. the question was asked why can't that money go to better use? what is good for the goose is good for the gander. it is my belief that this nation can no longer afford such waste!

Owner59 -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/18/2009 5:10:08 PM)
The festivities started this afternoon with music at the Lincoln Memorial.There were countless artists who threw fundraisers and campaigned for Obama,many of them will play over the next few days. NPR was broadcasting the music all afternoon,I listened while I worked today. Coming home I heard a NPR person doing a remote from"Foggy Bottom" train terminal(if I`m not mistaken)which is near the memorial.She said the there were lines going for blocks of people waiting to take the train home/out,that the train station itself was packed and police were limiting the amount of people from going in and that the trains were already full as the pulled in. There are soooooooooooo many people there!!And it`s COLD! I`m going to guess now that this will be the biggest gathering of people in Washington DC`s history.Could be as many as a million and a half! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That`s why the cost is higher,way more people.Not because of some extravagance or luxury items. You wouldn`t send 10`s of thousands of GI`s into a foreign war zone without proper preparations,equipment and support,would you? Well I know of someone who would do that but that won`t be happening here.There will be warming tents,ambulances,cops of every sort,police dogs and anti terror LEO`s and everything else needed to gather that many people, safely.The clean up and breakdown will cost almost as much as the preparations. Figuring that a few days of hotels and meals plus spending money for cabs and shwag would cost between 500 and a thousand per person,there can be as much as 500 million to a billion(or more) spent in DC. Ask any mayor of any city if spending a 100 mil to get a billion(or more) into the city`s economy and you`ll hear a "hell yes!". It`s money well spent.Something we haven`t had in quite a while.

awmslave -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/18/2009 5:14:53 PM)
quote: Barack Obama's inauguration on January 20 is expected to cost a whopping $150 million, making it the most expensive in the American history. It is scary, they party like there is no tomorrow.

bestbabync -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/18/2009 6:05:12 PM)
i would love to see after this is all over the profits verses the spenditures!

Lucylastic -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/18/2009 6:50:48 PM)
I would just like to throw this into the mix....from NYTimes Ms. Douglass of the committee said the expenses this year would be greater than those for any previous inauguration. In modern times, inaugurations have been financed by a combination of public and private money. In 2005, Mr. Bush raised $42.3 million from about 15,000 donors for festivities; the federal government and the District of Columbia spent a combined $115.5 million, most of it for security, the swearing-in ceremony, cleanup and for a holiday for federal workers.Still, only about 400,000 people attended in 2005, while officials expect at least two million this year. That means added costs for opening the whole Mall, setting up more JumboTrons and providing 5,000 portable toilets, among other items. (The District of Columbia alone spent more than $15 million in 2005 and says costs this year will triple.) http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/us/politics/06donors.html Edited to add the original NYTimes 2005 article http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A22427-2005Jan19.html Lucy

Vendaval -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/18/2009 7:00:45 PM)
Whenever a country or municipality hosts a major event there are large committees to raise funds and the hosts cities have to provide additional expenditures for support personnel. Washington D.C. may well make a nice profit due to all the festivities and have an increase to the local economy. "The city's police chief, Cathy Lanier, said Thursday that authorities were anticipating 1 million to 2 million people. That is far shy of the headline-grabbing 3 million to 5 million figure that Mayor Adrian M. Fenty initially projected. The largest turnout the Park Service has on record is 1.2 million for Lyndon B. Johnson's inauguration." http://www.miamiherald.com/inauguration/story/846623.html It is construtive to compare costs and benefits with a major sporting events, in this example the Olympics - "Olympic Games Profits Since 1984 1984: Los Angeles Olympic Games made profits of US $250 million. 1988: Seoul Olympic Games made profits of US $300 million, a record high for a government-run Olympiad. 1992: Barcelona Olympic Games made profits of US $5 million. 1996: Atlanta Olympic Games made profits of US $10 million. 2000: Sydney Olympic Games Organizing Committee generated an income of US $1.756 billion. 2004: Athens Olympic Games ended in a loss." http://www.lilith-ezine.com/articles/health/Olympics-Profiteerism.html and the Super Bowl "Super Bowl Host Cities Reap Million-Dollar Profits" By Jim Stevenson Jacksonville, Florida 02 February 2005 "According to NFL and state officials, Jacksonville and the surrounding area in northeastern Florida are expected to capture a large economic benefit from the Super Bowl. The money comes from spending by the large influx of out-of-state visitors numbering more than 100,000. Jennifer MacPhee, the Director of Communications for the Jacksonville and the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, says Jacksonville is feeling confident based on the experience at prior Super Bowls. "There was a study done several years ago after the Super Bowl in San Diego [California] that shows that a city hosting the Super Bowl should expect to have over $360 million in economic impact following the game,” she said. “That is a pretty substantial amount that we are glad to have here."" http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2005-02/2005-02-02-voa72.cfm (Edited to fix formating issues)

Owner59 -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/18/2009 7:03:29 PM)
So it costs more that double(per head) for the bushies to party?..... Outrage! [:D]

lronitulstahp -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/18/2009 7:08:37 PM)
[sm=hearts.gif]frankly, a bit of a crush on Lucy

Lucylastic -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/18/2009 7:10:47 PM)
aww thankyou :) you just made my day, huge hug[sm=cute.gif]

pahunkboy -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/18/2009 7:46:23 PM)
well -this gets me thinking. Obama does tend to be liberal. and Ild say he is close to as liberal as Kerry or Hillery; they say he is the most liberal senator in the senate. how does that make you feel? I mean the days of 8 years of conservative policies- bush- a tidy budget- tidy domestic front- the best national security- the repeal of brady., the shrinking of government. so right off the bat- Obama- could be- abit hard to decipher from THE conservative who was so good- the he was GOP in 2004. and now here we are- with the world all jubilant- that the most liberal man who ever walked the lincoln memorial- the question is this. (between him and bush) how on earth will you tell him apart from his predecessor. now recall he IS the MOST liberal man on the planet. he won be a landslide. people faint and pass out when they see him --- so-- Obama IS Bushes 3rd term. I will say it again. Obama ISSSSSSSSSSSSSS Bushes 3rd term.

Sanity -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/18/2009 8:48:33 PM)
I've got to say, you have a strong sense of loyalty that's admirable. I should also say I may owe certain people a little bit of an apology, but in my defense the Associated Press is usually more accurate than this. [>:]

MissIsis -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/18/2009 8:59:50 PM)
Honestly, I find the whole thing rather ridiculous. Too munch hoopla & adoration over something we do every 4 years. I am very weary of hearing about this. I would have preferred they had a nice quiet ceremony & dinner with their families & close friends, & put that money towards buying shelters for people who are out in the cold, living on the streets. Many of us voted for him because we thought he might be the lesser of 2 evils, which is hardly any reason to celebrate, especially, with the intensity of this. I would be a little happier to participate in the celebration when the economy is back on track & we are a nation who has helped bring peace back into the world, but that's just me & my jaded thinking, I suspect.

HalfShyHalfWild -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/18/2009 9:07:31 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: lronitulstahp [sm=hearts.gif]frankly, a bit of a crush on Lucy I'm feeling a little bit of a swoon as well over here.... [sm=flowers.gif]

servantforuse -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/19/2009 6:38:56 AM)
I hope everyone at the Mall can 'hold it'. Apparently there will be 4,100 port a potties. One for every 6000 people. Skip the morning coffee tomorrow..

rulemylife -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/19/2009 9:01:53 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Sanity Try again. Third paragraph from the top: "Obama's inaugural committee has raised more than $41 million to cover events ranging from a Philadelphia-to-Washington train ride to a megastar concert with Beyonce, U2 and Bruce Springsteen to 10 official inaugural balls. Add to that the massive costs of security and transportation — costs absorbed by U.S. taxpayers — and the historic inauguration will produce an equally historic bill." In that same article the total cost is estimated to be 150 million so those who can do the basic subtraction can plainly see that the cost of Obamapalooza to our already bankrupt nation is going to be right around 109 million dollars. Yes, and as usual, you've conveniently ignored the relevant facts, in this case that there is a limit to how much the government contributes and that the inauguration crowds will generate huge tax dollars. Just like there is a limit to federal financing on Presidential campaigns. Hilary Clinton is deep in the hole over her campaign but I haven't heard anything about a taxpayer bailout.

Evility -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/21/2009 2:47:21 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: rulemylife Yes, as I recall that happened under another President recently. On his watch. But, of course, somehow he was not accountable for that, but hey, he's certainly a hero for keeping us safe since. No 9/11 had happened prior to President Bush taking office. Had Gore won in 2000 9/11 would not have been Gore's fault, either. For all of things he did that I and others have not agreed with President Bush did what was necessary to keep the terrorists at bay. What's one of the first things Obama did yesterday? Suspended prosecutions at Gitmo. He wants to close Gitmo. Go ahead. Let the detainees go. They'll go right back to business as usual. A terrorist attack is going to happen while Obama is president - he's making sure of it. Leon Panetta did not even know that Clinton was getting head in the Oval Office and suddenly this guy is a good choice to head up the CIA. The only redeeming virtue of the Panetta appointment is that it makes HRC as Sectetary of State almost seem like a sane choice.

Dnomyar -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/21/2009 3:43:13 AM)
So much negativity. No wonder so many of you have a hard time finding someone on here.

barelynangel -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/21/2009 3:58:04 AM)
I will wait for the actual numbers to roll in. While yes, i believe he has a right to party, i mean hell even outside the fact he is the first black president -- the Man just became PRESIDENT of the world's super power. That is nothing to sneeze at and yes, he should be proud of himself and want to wiggle it, just a little bit. I am hoping the cost to the tax payers is low. In his speech he spoke of having to be willing to sacrifice, well actions speak louder than words and i really do hope his partying reflects this sacrifice on his part or those who wish to pay outrageously for it and not the part of the tax payers. I really hope he doesn't just talk a good story. I really do believe he could have made a very awesome statement and attempted to reign in the spending in this, i won't really hold it against him if it is paid primarily by donations (ALL OF IT). I do realize it is budgeted also, but i really think he could have shown a little of the sacrifice he keeps speaking the collective "we" need to be willing to do. I would have seriously been impressed if he had. angel

BlackPhx -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/21/2009 5:07:28 AM)
Hmmm..Owner..having skimmed through some of the responses I have to agree with you. Well actually I did before as Blackphx and I discussed this yesterday. The cost of the Inauguration may seem high until you consider the beneficiaries of that money. Direct Beneficiaries: Police Officers who earned Over time, or didn't get laid off with budget cuts. Firefighters who earned EMT's and Doctors who stood by to help those suffered from the cold, or ailment flareups Cleaning crews for the Rotunda Gardeners and Parks Maintenance people Electricians and Audio Visual People for setting up the Jumbotrons so people could see and hear almost 2 miles away. Barrier suppliers Electronic Metal Detector suppliers Suppliers of Sealed Air Samplers ( the company is here in Florida and the units sample the air for explosives and biologicals) Limousine and Chauffeur suppliers All the people who did their jobs making sure NO ONE was shot or blown up (NSA, Homeland Security, FBI, CIA, Secret Service all the way down to the computer operators and clerks) Caterers who hired on 3-400 people EACH to serve at the parties, balls and to cook for them Hotels and halls that hosted the various Balls who had to hire extra staff including housekeepers, security, Desk Personnel, maintenance people. Secretaries responsible for sending out the tickets and invitations and tracking the RSVP Clothing stores and designers ( and their employees who sewed all the gowns, evening wear, Uniforms etc) etc. Indirect: Shop keepers who were inundated by those seeking souvenirs, food, hot drinks..which of course trickled down to: Meat and Produce purveyors (and their employees and delivery people) Wholesalers (and their employees and delivery people) Slaughterhouses and Farms..you don't think Roast Chicken for 3 million people came from someones back yard Garbage men who earned overtime People who rented out rooms in their homes or their homes Hotels all the way down the no tell motels who rented out rooms Housekeepers for them all Laundries and Dry Cleaners Taxis, Shuttles and Bus Drivers Car rental agencies Airlines Tour Guides Parking Garages Public Transportation ( subways, Amtrak, Planes) Gas Stations and Mechanics for those who broke down going or leaving Courts that will collect the fines from traffic tickets and many many more and that is JUST in Washington DC. Parties happened all around the US and people spent money, whether it was in bars or stadiums or at home. This was one of the BEST economic stimuli yet. Yes this Inauguration was costly, but there were a LOT of people who benefited from the ground up with at least 1 more day of work, a couple of days of over time and an influx of Hope. 150 million ( if it comes to that much) well spent I say.. poenkitten

Truthiness -> RE: $150 million for inauguration (1/21/2009 5:29:34 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Sanity So spending a hundred and fifty million on one guy in one day is a good thing now. Everything's changed, and new rules apply. Got it. What was his platform again... ? Ah, never mind. It doesn't really matter, does it. [sm=abducted.gif] Did anyone ever really know what his platform was, beyond vague buzzwords like "change" and "hope?"

Page: << < prev 2 3 [4] 5 6 next > >>

Collarchat.com © 2025

Terms of Service

0.03125