In January 1945, FDR requested that there be no gala for his inauguration. We were, after all, at war. Compare George W. Bush, who will be feted* with a 4-day, $40 million extravaganza! Do these people have no conscience, no sense of propriety, no heart?! American soldiers are dying every day in Iraq—some solely for lack of properly armed vehicles—and they're planning to party like it's 1999. What a stunning show of arrogance and disregard.
*It was all I could do not to type fetid.
We're thinking along the same lines on this one -- I have a very similar comment on today's entry.
Conscientious minds think alike! :)
Posted by: Devon | January 02, 2005 at 12:38 PM
This SO strikes home! I've "borrowed" this post to help spread the word!
Posted by: Tonya | January 02, 2005 at 03:19 PM
And can you even IMAGINE if Kerry had won (sob, sob, I'm still not over this election!) and was trying to pull a stunt like that?! How fast would the right wing be lining up to accuse us of not caring about our troops over in Iraq! Maddening. Grrrr
Posted by: Karen | January 02, 2005 at 03:31 PM
Someone I know suggested that W forego some of the festivities and send the money to aid in Southeast Asia. (This same person suggested that the Democratic party lead the way along the moral road, take from its coffers, and make a substantial donation.) Gee, it's too hard to choose and there are just too many worthy potential recipients, so I guess we should just blow it on parties. Ugh.
Posted by: Susan W. | January 02, 2005 at 09:47 PM
Just this morning my husband and I were discussing how unique this New Years Day had been. Most everyone we know had little or no celebrating ~ especially us.
It seems somehow wrong to celebrate when the country is in the state it is, so divided; when our young men and women are in grave danger in Iraq; when so many are suffering loss, and pain and hunger in Southeast Asia; and as you said "Hullo?!?!? WE ARE AT WAR!" (OK, I paraphrased you)
Posted by: Nancy | January 02, 2005 at 11:11 PM
You hit it right on the head. However, it seems that this administration's ability to be blinded to the needs of other has been going on for four years. I just don't get it.
Posted by: Princess Wild Cow | January 02, 2005 at 11:24 PM
yeah. $40 million for his bash, but our relief package for the tsunami disaster was $30 million (before japan put us to shame).
Posted by: kat | January 03, 2005 at 10:12 AM
This President just proves daily that he has no sense. 40 million dollars will buy allot of mini quiches. What a freaking waste.
Posted by: Rhonda | January 03, 2005 at 10:48 PM