Party Time!
 

That's a lot of balloons
Sat Jan 17, 9:18 pm ET
AP

As the recession continues to wreak havoc on the U.S. economy and inauguration celebrations ramp up, a lot of people are asking: "How much will this shindig cost?"

The short answer? More than $150 million — and yep, that's the most expensive ever. (By comparison, George W. Bush's 2005 inauguration cost $42.3 million. Bill Clinton managed with $33 million in 1993.)

For the first time, President Bush has declared an emergency in Washington, D.C. to supplement the $15 million Congress has already allotted for security measures. It's no surprise that security costs are sky-high — Barack Obama received Secret Service protection very early in his presidential run and record crowds (likely anywhere from 1.5 to 3 million people) are expected for the record number of events. In fact, the Secret Service will be in charge of security not just for inauguration day, but for four days, starting Saturday with Obama's train ride from Philadelphia. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told the AP:
"It will be the most security, as far as I'm aware, that any inauguration's had."

Obama's much-discussed (and very cool-looking) custom Cadillac limo certainly couldn't come cheap, though we'll never really know how much it cost. Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell said the car's exact specifications are a big secret, including the safety features and production cost.

But Forbes reports it's not all flak jackets and armored cars:
To manage an event of this scale, the District of Columbia will spend a mammoth $47 million. It is not enough.... Much of the $45 million will go toward creating a dynamic Inauguration experience for the everyday visitor, not just funding exclusive events. "We don't even consider these events to be extravagant," says Linda Douglas, a spokeswoman from the Presidential Inauguration Committee. "With crowds of this size, most of our attention is being devoted to opening up as many events to the public."

The good news for taxpayers: Inaugural celebrations are paid for by the inaugural committee — and Obama has, once again, been a very successful fundraiser — at least $35 million by recent counts. Carole Florman, spokeswoman for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, told the New York Daily News:
"We're always very budget conscious. But we're sending a message to the entire world about our peaceful transition of power, and you don't want it to look like a schlock affair. It needs to be appropriate to the magnitude of events that it is."

And if you're eager to whoop it up in the same sassy fashion as our government, Washington hotels have come up with tons of ways for you to spend your money. The Washingtonian has made a list of some of the best ... and worst.

"Most unusual item in a hotel package: Round-trip airfare and hotel for four in St. Petersburg, Russia, part of the Omni Shoreham’s Live Like a President package—the trip is aimed at gaining “foreign-policy experience.” The $440,000 package also includes an in-suite dinner with entertainer Mark Russell.

Most controversial item: A puppy—in honor of Obama’s promise to get his daughters a dog — was originally part of the package deal at the Omni Shoreham but was dropped when the hotel caught heat from animal lovers. Instead, the hotel will make a donation to the Washington Humane Society."
So don't feel bad if you're sitting on the couch watching the historic festivities from home — at least you'll be saving some pennies.

This must be the "Change" that they voted fpr.

Better check the cost figures . . . there's a substantial lack of basis, but when has that ever stopped the media?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/us/politics/06donors.html

BTW, the Bush 2004 inauguration, total cost, was well over $100M.

http://mediamatters.org/items/200901180003

Not according to the AP article above: "The short answer? More than $150 million — and yep, that's the most expensive ever. (By comparison, George W. Bush's 2005 inauguration cost $42.3 million. Bill Clinton managed with $33 million in 1993.)"

I'll take AP over Medimatters every time, no question.

Besides, WGAS how much they spend in self-glorification? It informs the electorate concerning the priorities of the elected. That's a good thing.

B

one would think, considering the very powerful and promising language of this man, that Hillary and Mrs. Obama would cater the party and all the delegates / cabinet members / family, friends and fans would be invited to Senator Obama's house.. or at least his local town hall.

Bot, isn't the AP article leaving out some facts, like the one about the $42M GWB figure not including the $100K of other expenses that the AP is counting for the $150M guess it's making?

I suppose those who would complain about this (and I'll admit, it's a piece of change all right) are going to next bemoan the large amount of monies devoted each year to the absolutely necessary NASCAR machine and its many auxiliaries. But that's private money, eh? Hey, it all comes out of our economy somehow, and plenty of people are champing at the bit to make this inaugural a big one.

It's already a hit for me, just hearing Pete Seeger and Springsteen on stage singing "This land is Your Land." I mean, who'd a thought -- stalwart red commie Seeger singing at a presidential inaugural event.

Dunno how or whence their figures. They could be wrong.

My impression of AP is greater factual reliability than the entity called, "mediamatters". Medimatters is a leftwing Limbaughesque group focused on media. It's virtual trash. That is, trash for wrapping fish guts in, if it were paper. IMO.

Does the gov subsidize NASCAR? Does NASCAR represent a vital constitutional office? If it does then I'm with you?

Don't expect that question to be as rhetorical as you think it should be.

NASCAR is entertainment for the masses. All sorts of events have been gov. sponsored over the years, involving presenting our dear leader for the entertainment of the masses.

The fuel that NASCAR burns in the coliseum for really high quality entertainment is secured with the muscle of taxpayer funded military adventures.

Not to mention direct sponsor costs. :rolleyes:
Let's see. There's the ARMY car (Ryan Newman) , the NATIONAL GUARD car (Dale Jr.), the Air Force car. (Reed Sorensen). What happened to the Navy. They used to have a car in the "Saturday series".
Guess they figure it's good for recruiting to have Dale Earnhart Jr. showing the US Army logo to millions of folks every week. Priceless advertising.

NASCAR track owners did get breaks and incentives in a budget bill last year.

That's about what I thought. I knew about the Army car (how could one not see that?). Didn't know about NG. Figured the local gov probably subsidizes some of the construction or gives tax breaks.

Yet another reason to vote the bastards out.

NOT an excuse for yet another prima donna to spend tax dollars on his own self-glorification.

B

Unlike previous inaugural committees, the 2009 Presidetial Inaugural Committee does not accept contributions from corporations, political action committees, labor unions, current federally-registered lobbyists, non-U.S. citizens and registered foreign agents and does not accept individual contributions in excess of $50,000.

Donations are not tax deductible.

Compared with the 2005 Coroprate Sponsorship Bash

Corporations are sinners and private sinners, saints.

How much is the taxpayer paying?

It does not matter what somebody else did, or did not do. It is a bread and circuses -- public spectacle at taxpayers expense. NOT an excuse for yet another prima donna to spend tax dollars on his own self-glorification.

WWTD?

why is the shifting of money from one group of people to another a "taxpayer expense"?

it is returned to "taxpayers"

Do you believe every dollar that goes into the vacuous maw of the government springs forth, undiminished by it's passage through the bowels?

B

surely ,there are no wormholes.

but if you consider our trade deficit as the cause of that lost money.. I cannot justify that. I consider inflation more detrimental.

What percent do you imagine is lost in vacuo? - equate this to the inaugural ball.

I do agree, however, that taxpayers pay tax on the movement on money and therefore taxed 'taxes' are the government's gains undoubtedly.

Ah, the rhetoric is blooming early this year . . . :D

Gimme money, a whole lotta spending money,

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123215275270792215.html

Lobbyists Find Detour Around Latest Ethics Rules
by BRODY MULLINS and ELIZABETH WILLIAMSON

Lobbyists and corporations have found an opening in the latest congressional-ethics law that allows them to pay for special access to lawmakers and members of the incoming Obama administration during next week's inaugural festivities.:rolleyes:
President-elect Barack Obama was a vocal champion of rules enacted last year that prohibit companies and lobbyists from buying anything worth more than $10 for lawmakers. But well-heeled interests have found a way to circumvent the ban by partnering with "state societies" that are throwing parties to celebrate Mr. Obama's inauguration.

These Washington-based nonprofits, whose members include lawmakers, congressional aides, lobbyists and executives from a given state, aren't subject to the ethics law -- even though their social and charitable activities are paid for with corporate money.

Mr. Obama's home state of Illinois, for example, is holding its own inaugural ball on Monday, the night before Mr. Obama is sworn in. (Tonight, Tonight, I'll see my love tonight!) It is offering executives of Motorola Inc., Exelon Corp., and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association a chance to pay big money to dine and pose for photos with Illinois lawmakers and incoming Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who recently retired as congressman from the state. The price: $5,000 to $55,000, event organizers said.

Hawaii, Mr. Obama's birthplace, has invited companies and lobbyists who pay as much as $25,000 into a roped-off VIP lounge at its Tuesday night affair, where they can mingle with influential policy makers. Among the drawing cards: Hawaii Sen. Dan Inouye, the new chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Gen. Eric Shinseki, a Hawaiian tapped to lead the Veterans Affairs Department.

Takers so far include Lockheed Martin Corp., which gave $25,000 for access to the party. Jeff Adams, a spokesman for Lockheed, said: "I can confirm that Lockheed Martin is co-sponsoring some of the unofficial inaugural events."

Gen. Shinseki and Mr. LaHood canceled their appearances at the galas after The Wall Street Journal contacted the transition team about them. Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor declined to comment on the balls.

State societies didn't seek an exemption to the ethics rules, but fall under exceptions that permit lawmakers to attend corporate-sponsored events if they are "widely attended" and considered part of a lawmaker's "official duty." Lawmakers also can accept free attendance at charitable events.

Most state-society members are residents who are living or working in Washington. The attendance of these home-state constituents qualifies lawmakers and the societies' events for ethics exemptions that permit companies to pick up the tab for food, drinks and entertainment. Tickets are free for members.

The ethics rules "don't affect us too much," said Mark Rhoads, a historian with the National Conference of State Societies, which represents all the state groups.

The inaugural balls can be boons to lawmakers. State societies bill their galas as celebrations of their elected leaders. The events also offer politicians a highly visible chance to mix with voters, corporate leaders and campaign donors. In all, more than two-dozen state societies are throwing inaugural balls paid for by corporations. Each sponsor gets access to members of Congress and state politicians through VIP rooms or smaller dinners beforehand.

"The bread and butter of being a sponsor is getting into that dinner, because certainly members of Congress are invited to that dinner," said Jenifer Sarver, historian for the Texas society.

The state balls aren't part of the formal inaugural celebrations. Mr. Obama's Presidential Inaugural Committee is hosting 10 official balls on Jan. 20, paid for by a mix of private donations and government funds. Mr. Obama has banned donations from corporations and lobbyists.

The Illinois society gave more than a dozen companies and lobbying firms that paid as much as $55,000 the option to have dinner with an "honored guest" -- including No. 2 Senate Democrat Richard Durbin and other members of its congressional delegation -- "on a first-come, first-served basis." Mr. LaHood planned to speak at the event, before he canceled. Sen. Durbin has the ball on his schedule but, an aide said, "If he makes it there he's not going to spend more than a few minutes."

The American Road Transportation Builders sponsored the event for the "positive connections" and because one of its lobbyists sits on the Illinois society's board, said David Bauer, a senior vice president for government affairs for the group. "It could be perceived as something that it's not," meaning an effort to influence lawmakers, Mr. Bauer said.

A Motorola spokeswoman said that as an Illinois-based company and state-society member, the telecommunications-equipment maker has served as a sponsor since 1997. An Exelon spokesman said the energy company's sponsorship "is an extension of its commitment to the development of sound public policies concerning energy, the environment, and a number of other issues at the federal, state, and local levels."

The Jan. 19 sold-out Illinois event at the Renaissance Washington D.C. Hotel is one of next week's most elaborate balls. The society raised more than $1 million from corporate sponsors, quadruple its 2005 take.

Write to Brody Mullins at brody.mullins@wsj.com and Elizabeth Williamson at elizabeth.williamson@wsj.com

This inauguration as well as many before it serves to remind us mere citizens of the vast chasm between the citizens and our rulers.

Dow down 250 points....

Party Hardy!
 

Sen. Kennedy becomes ill at inauguration luncheon
AP

WASHINGTON – Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., battling a brain tumor, became ill at a post-inauguration luncheon for President Barack Obama on Tuesday and was taken by ambulance to a hospital. There was no immediate word from medical personnel on his condition. "It looked like a seizure," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, who said he was with Kennedy until they reached the ambulance.

Kennedy, 76, had appeared in good health and spirits hours earlier when he stepped out of the Capitol and onto the inauguration platform where Obama took the oath of office.

Sen. Robert C. Byrd, 91, also was taken from the luncheon but it was not clear whether his departure was prompted by his health.

water on the brain...

Byrd was caught throwing food at some of the other Senators and had to be taken to detention . . .

Are there any figures on how much revenue was generated with the mass influx of people? More than was spent I would imagine; if there were a million people you can bet there was more than $150 spent by each.

Who cares? I'm sure they can just print more to cover the expenses.

which would mean they never actually paid the FULL bill.

B. O. promised CHANGE.

He spent more $$$ on his inaugural bash than all predecessors.

See........things have CHANGED.