So today's the big day, huh? It's hard to believe that the Bush years are *this close* to being over. But yet here I am feeling torn in two - part of me wants to get caught up in all the celebration. Yet the other part wonders how much change he will actually bring? His administration choices just seem to be more of the same, there's very little fresh blood in there.
I also have some reserves about the 150 million they're spending on inauguration day. I realize this is a historic event, but is it really prudent to be spending that much money, in light of the sacrifices he's asking us all to make? Shouldn't he be leading by example?
But malgré tout, tonight I will celebrate - maybe more so the end of Bush's 'reign' rather than the beginning of Obama's, but I will celebrate nonetheless. And I will try to remain cautiously optimistic about the changes Obama will bring.
Labels: Politics
posted by Ksam @ 11:41 AM
15 Comments:
Didn't he have a lot of private donations? Did his campaign cost the american taxpayer anything?...
If I were american, I would be feeling very proud today. It's a pity that I'll be in the métro when he delivers his address.
Loosen up, Sam, don't be a grinch! After all, $150 million (if that's the figure) is absolutely peanuts compared to the billions the Bush people have spent on wars and bailouts. Feel the hope.
Plus, it's all donations. It's not the taxpayers' money. And I think the country needs something like this, after the last 8 years. Oh, and I bet a goodly chunk of that money is going to pay for security.
I'm cautious too, I'm waiting to see what he is going to do. The situation is not an easy one. I'm just glad it's not Bush anymore.
Spending money is inherently good for the US economy.
People travel to DC is good for the travel and tourism industry. People celebrating at balls is good for the caterers, servers and bartenders that will be employed during the events.
It's a boatload of money yet but at the end of the day it's actually good for the economy as a whole.
Having a glass half empty day myself today and I think donations or not it’s about 140 million too much and would have way more respect for the man if he put his money to better use . . .
OK, Allan and I were talking about this, and some of the money (like for security) is taxpayer money. Here's an article about it, if you're interested.
Yes, it's a boatload of money. I'm having trouble caring, though.
I am smiling from ear to ear! I watched the inauguration and speech. I have NO doubt that this will be a tough year (4 years) for Obama. Bush has left the USA in a royal MESS! But Obama is up to the task. He is 2 really important things Bush isn't--really smart and very honest. He really cares about making the USA a better place for all of us. Relax. I am proud to be an American--finally!
While this is a lot of money, just remember that the actual Inauguration Day was no different for past presidents, except that the amount of people they expected to show up meant they had to provide the services (port a potties!) and security needed to ensure a safe day for ALL.
I'm ALL about HOPE right now!! Even though he has his job cut out for him, I am hopeful that things will BEGIN to change now... and FOR THE BETTER!!! I am celebrating the ENDDDDDDD of the horrible Bush regime - 8 years TOO LONG... and the COMMENCEMENT of a NEW DEMOCRATIC regime that will offer something different to the people of America then has been offered to them over the past 8 years! I have a gut feeling that Obama cares a lot MORE about the American people than Bush did.... or maybe Bush just cared a lot about his friends, and not for the average Joe!
I look forward to positive changes but I am cognizant that there is a lot of damage that has already been done... It's like if 8 miles deep of doggy doo were dropped on the street of Paris and someone plus there helpers had to clean it up...
Felicitations, Bon Courage, et Bonne Chance, Monsieur le President!!!
I read an article that said that Obama's inauguration is actually costing American taxpayers LESS than Bush's inauguration did. I'm guessing that Obama had a lot more private donations. So hey, if rich people are willing to cough up their money (which is a paltry sum to them) in order to celebrate this historic event, let them do it.
As for the expectations placed on Obama, he is only a human being... just one person, not the second-coming of the Messiah. I think that people's expectations for him are a little too lofty, but I respect him for engendering hope just the same.
Also remember that he is realistic when he talks about what he aims to do in office. He is not out there claiming that his administration is a cure to all the world's ills (trust me, there are too wayyyyyyy many to count, and Obama strikes me as a reasonable man).
I think everyone is a little too quick to jump on the Obama love-fest wagon, or, conversely, too quick to dismiss him as being an over-hyped public figure whose eloquent speeches come with beautiful words that are backed with little action. I'm just hoping that people will give him a CHANCE to prove himself, all the while keeping their expectations realistic. How can one person undo all the wrong that has been done in the last 8 years? Impossible.
Obama, at this point, is more important for what he represents: the underdog who was able to rise up against all odds. He stands for strength, courage, hope and change. I wish him all the best.
I can't believe I spelled "their" as "there" -- great English prof., eh?! OOOPS! I'm Justin Jr.!
i agree that even if he's not able to change a ton (i mean, we all know bureaucracy moves slowly), i agree that it's also about what he stands for. if he can make people feel better, and motivate them to help other people and play an active role in improving their country, i think that's already a good start.
also, i've been reading his book, 'the audacity of hope', and i am surprised by how intelligent and thoughtful he is. he really is good at being able to see all sides of an argument and really wanting to find a good solution that'll please everyone. so, hopefully that trait will help him out as well.
team hillary yo
Even if it were taxpayer money, it would only have amounted to 50 cents per every person in America. I think it's money well spent to lift America's spirit.
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