The Daily Campus

Issue date: 1/22/09 Section: Commentary

It is impossible to question the great moment in history that President Barack Obama's inauguration will prove to be in the future. However, many should begin to question the millions of taxpayers' dollars that went to the lavish parties thrown to celebrate the president's day. It has been estimated that about $170 million went to Obama's inauguration - $170 million that America cannot spare during this economic crisis and time of war. The Democrats were obviously not concerned with the check on Tuesday; however, in 2005, they were completely against former President Bush's inauguration bill costing only $40 million. The nation should see some blatant signs of hypocrisy in this matter.

There were many requirements that inauguration planners had to address before Obama could make his Presidential Address, including security and Port-a-Potties. With over two million people in attendance, there was quite a bit of ground to cover. The federal government estimated expenses of $49 million on the inaugural weekend, with another $75 million going toward Virginia and Maryland's police, fire and medical services. The party bill was funded by private supporters and was said to cost at least $45 million, still more than Bush's "outrageous" $40 million.

Then-president Bush was so criticized by the Democrats because they thought it was not practical to have such an extravagant celebration because of the nation's state of war. Bush ended up spending much less to Obama while paying respect to America's brave troops. Obama supporters on the other hand, were more concerned with having some fun than the major recession our economy is facing. In addition to the horrible economic climate, rather than one unpopular war with Iraq in 2005, we currently have two ongoing wars, in Iraq and now in Afghanistan. It should be blatantly obvious that if there were ever a time to downsize festivities for the state of the nation, it would be now.

Obama's presidency is indeed a big change for all Americans. He has given our nation hope and promised a better future. In his speech, Obama said that the current problems of the nation are "a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, [and] also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age." This is a very true statement and America should hope that Obama has the wisdom to help solve the nation's problems. But he and his supporters did show the best example of responsible decision making with this opulent inauguration and expensive festivities, especially because of the criticisms Bush faced when planning his second inauguration. The Democrats have undoubtedly thrown a great party and entertained the American people for a day, but none of us will enjoy paying for Michelle Obama's dress or Beyonce's salary with our precious tax dollars.

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