A year ago, Bush said "kiss my ass" to critics of his $40 million party

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

No expense spared at inauguration
By Kevin Anderson
BBC News website, Washington

Last Updated: Thursday, 20 January, 2005, 10:09 GMT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4187023.stm

With an estimated price tag of $40m, the three-day celebration that is President Bush's second inauguration will be the most expensive ever. The lavish dinners, parties and fireworks began on Tuesday and will continue through his swearing-in on Thursday, followed by a parade and nine official inaugural balls. The cost will be paid by individual and corporate donations, while the city of Washington is being asked to pay for an estimated $17m in security costs.

Some have criticised the expense, questioning the propriety of a flashy celebration as US troops are dying in Iraq and South Asia still recovers from last month's deadly tsunami.

The overt criticism of an inauguration is unusual, but a Washington Post poll found that a majority of Americans would prefer a smaller, more subdued event.

The biggest ticket was on Wednesday at the Texas State Society's Black Tie & Boots Ball. Preparations started the day before the event to prepare 21,000 enchiladas, 20,000 quesadillas, 25,000 pastries, and 3,000 lbs (1,360kg) of beef barbeque.



http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/jan2005/inau-j20.shtml

20 January 2005: Defending the inaugural pageantry, White House press secretary Scott McClellan commented Tuesday, “The inaugural is a great American tradition, and it’s an opportunity to highlight democracy and freedom, and to show the world the values that America stands for.” Official activities showcasing these “values”—as listed on the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee’s Web site—include no less than three candlelight dinners on Wednesday and ten inaugural balls.

[EC]

1. Reminds me of when Marcos said the Filipino people liked

liked her to spend their money on nice clothes and shoes and parties and balls, because it shows the world how classy and rich they all were. That her people were proud of her.....


"20 January 2005: Defending the inaugural pageantry, White House press secretary Scott McClellan commented Tuesday, “The inaugural is a great American tradition, and it’s an opportunity to highlight democracy and freedom, and to show the world the values that America stands for.” Official activities showcasing these “values”—as listed on the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee’s Web site—include no less than three candlelight dinners on Wednesday and ten inaugural balls. "