"Even though the editorial board is divided along political lines, we all agree a staged show and dance are not the way to communicate either our thankfulness or our traditions. In the first inauguration since Sept. 11, 2001, is the image we want to present abroad one of upscale excess? As our soldiers fight and friends on the other side of the world suffer through one of the worst natural disasters in our time, do we really think it's appropriate to throw a boy-we-can-waste-cash bash?"
Average American workers should not have to pay for a pompous party they weren't invited to attend, nor consulted about how millions of their dollars are distributed.
As our commander-in-chief, Bush should set an example for his constituents - one that represents our nation as one of compassion instead of all-consuming capitalism. In 1945, Franklin Roosevelt, who also considered himself a wartime president, decided an indulgent inauguration was not in line with the tone of the nation or the world. He made a short speech, served some pound cake and decided to forgo parades and parties."
No one is suggesting pound cake for Obama. Most of his money has come from contributions, and many of us got requests from Michelle Obama for more. Obama is making history, but so is our economy, and the repercussions from the recession are so devastating for those who will be watching from home.
This all brings to mind the historical tales of how Americans would go to the movies in the 1930's, and watch the glamorous parties of the Hollwood stars if only to escape for a few hours at the downtown "picture shows".
Let's wish Obama well, so that we survive the next four years...TRedwine
For more on Obama's flurry of events:
From the AP
For inaugural balls, go for glitz, forget economy
WASHINGTON (AP) — So you're attending an inaugural ball saluting the historic election of Barack Obama in the worst economic climate in three generations. Can you get away with glitzing it up and still be appropriate, not to mention comfortable and financially viable?
To quote the man of the hour: Yes, you can. Veteran ballgoers say you should. And fashionistas insist that you must.
"This is a time to celebrate. This is a great moment. Do not dress down. Do not wear the Washington uniform," said Tim Gunn, a native Washingtonian and Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne, Inc.
"Just because the economy is in a downturn, it doesn't mean that style is going to be in a downturn," agreed Ken Downing, fashion director for Neiman Marcus.
And if anyone does raise an eyebrow at those sequins, remind them that optimism is good for times like these. "Just say you're doing it to help the economy," chuckled good manners guru Letitia Baldridge.
