Reply #79: However, a Bush administration official fired back at the demonstrators, accusing them of not paying

[rodeodance]

Pelosi ignored the protesters, who were loud enough to compete with her remarks, but not loud enough to drown her out. The event was held outdoors, with invited guests kept outside a police barricade but well within shouting distance.

However, a Bush administration official fired back at the demonstrators, accusing them of not paying taxes. Peter G. Stamison, appointed by President Bush as the General Services Administration's top official for the Pacific Rim region, acted as master of ceremonies.

"I think we all as taxpayers - those of us taxpayers, as opposed to you people back there - are the ones that make this work," Stamison said of the government efforts that brought the new building to life.

"Excuse me, I pay taxes!" a protester yelled.