What Recession? The $170 Million Inauguration

[Justine Cooper]

OK I couldn't watch live but just watched the celebration taped and was in awe over the energy of so many talented, successful, brilliant artists! It was impossible to watch and not feel the positive energy emanate through the TV! This truly symbolized not just change, but true Unity in a way that I have never seen in this country. I thought it was worth every penny. Of private donors' money of course. And since certain people wanted to poo Palin's family's wardrobe, I would think they could let private donors, even during a recession choose to spend their money on this. Eyes around the world watched this and felt it and got restored faith in our country. That is priceless.

When I heard "This Land is your land, this land my land" I actually believed it again.
Now Stephen I know you think that pertains to Vietnam and Iraq too, but really those words are meant for America. It was impossible not to feel hope and pride watching that.

[Justine Cooper]

If only the recession were a made up fairy tale from the gossip press. Now that's a story worth reporting (and reading)!


Maybe some of these ‘private donors’ can help reduce the National Debt? 10.7 trillion and climbing each day. If they have money to burn on partying, they should have money to go for a worthwhile cause.

I am curious why you would would think that any private donor, who most likely worked for his money and paid taxes, should have to bailout banks with executives who made millions at the same time as accepting bailout money? But maybe they will be willing to match dollar for dollar from Bush's retirement dollar towards the bailout.

Many of the musicians who performed have done millions in charity and humanitarian work, most especially Bono who is beyond amazing with his heart and compassion and generosity.
Does anyone know where to get the soundtrack for the Inauguration?

[Charlie Page]

I am curious why you would would think that any private donor, who most likely worked for his money and paid taxes, should have to bailout banks with executives who made millions at the same time as accepting bailout money? But maybe they will be willing to match dollar for dollar from Bush's retirement dollar towards the bailout.

Why should anyone have to bailout banks who’s executives made millions at the same time as accepting bailout money?

Why should anyone have to bailout the auto industry whose own incompetence is exceeded by that of our governments?

Why do you suggest Bush should offer up his retirement fund for this purpose? Maybe Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and others who protected or had a hand in wrecking Fannie and Freddie should offer up their retirement funds as well? Along with the bank, credit rating agency and wall street execs.

[Justine Cooper]

I don't think anyone should bail out those greedy, selfish banks or auto industry. No one bails us out if we can't balance our budgets. It was a facetious reply to saying the "private donors" who donated to the Inauguration should be bailing out the recession. That is like saying those who have more money should be told when and where they should spend it and who to bail out. That certainly doesn't even resemble what I thought the Republican party stood for.

[Charlie Page]

All I was suggesting was that instead of ‘donating’ millions to fund a huge bash for one night why not give it to something worthwhile, like reducing the national debt.

It has nothing to do with republicans or democrats.

It has nothing to do with bono or other celebs singing for free.

I know you would have other interests in mind to donate those millions, and that’s fine. You have your opinions and I have mine. My viewpoint is if we don’t have a plan to take care of the national debt, it will take care of us. Goodbye America…hello Chimerica.

[Justine Cooper]

I am sure I share the same concerns about the national debt that went from nothing with Clinton to bankruptcy now. I just didn't want to hear about something as exciting and hopeful and energized as the Inauguration as a solution to the debt as those donors weren't the cause. There are many real ways to reduce it since we can't go back and undo it. My guess is that the donors of that ball also give millions to real charities and don't think bailing out a self-induced recession is the best bet for their money. It is time for optimism and real solutions and not the time to start criticizing the new President and to bash. That's all.

[Stephen Eisel]

These are the good old days...



National Debt
FY1993 09/30/1993 $4.411488 trillion
FY1994 09/30/1994 $4.692749 trillion
FY1995 09/29/1995 $4.973982 trillion
FY1996 09/30/1996 $5.224810 trillion
FY1997 09/30/1997 $5.413146 trillion
FY1998 09/30/1998 $5.526193 trillion
FY1999 09/30/1999 $5.656270 trillion
FY2000 09/29/2000 $5.674178 trillion
FY2001 09/28/2001 $5.807463 trillion