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$50 Million for Obama’s inauguration?

Posted 22 Dec 2008 in cult of Obama, Democrats, economy, liberals, outrage

I don’t know what to make of this economy. First, we keep hearing how America is facing its worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, and our banks and auto makers belly up to the bar to receive billions in bailouts for their ineptitude.

Then we hear that Congress voted themselves a $4,700 payraise, increasing their annual salaries to $174,000.

Now, we’re hearing that the Democrats want to spend $50 million dollars in federal funds for Obama’s inauguration.

Is anybody else hearing echoes of “Let them eat cake”?

When President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office next month, the nation’s capital will be the site of a massive celebration. But local officials are worried they might get stuck with the check.

Even for a city used to big crowds, Obama’s inauguration promises to shatter records for attendance. City officials predict up to 2.5 million people will converge on the capital January 20, and they are taking unprecedented steps to accommodate the masses.

Plans are in the works to open up the National Mall, extend hours for public transportation and — perhaps most daunting — provide parking for the influx of revelers.

“Even though we’re very practiced at inaugurations and large events, this is one that will rewrite the book on inaugurations,” said Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-Washington, D.C., who has requested an additional $15 million from Congress to help the city cover costs. That would double the $15 million Congress has already allocated to pay for all national events and demonstrations in Washington during 2009.

Mayor Adrian Fenty agreed that costs for increased security and crowd control would dwarf the original allocation. And for a city facing a budget shortfall and the same economic downturn affecting the rest of the country, now is not the time to rack up debt, Fenty told CNN.

“We are in talks with the federal government as we sit here today to let them know — I think they already know that that’s not enough,” he said, referring to the initial $15 million allocation. “Now the question is if you want to make sure that you cross every ‘t’ and dot every ‘i,’ it does look like it’s going to be significantly more than that.”

Fenty predicted costs for the city would near $50 million, the same amount Congress provided to both Denver, Colorado, and St. Paul, Minnesota, to host the Republican and Democratic conventions earlier this year.

Although I don’t think Obama needs to have his inauguration at the IHOP, a little more financial restraint with the taxpayers’ money might be in order.

Think they’ll be re-using his $5.3 million dollar Greek temple?

Posted by FullMetalPatriot
12th gen. American, Constitutionalist, Harley-riding Texan, gun owner & NRA member, blogger, illustrator, Florida Gator alumnus. #TCOT

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