Although President-Elect Barack Obama will be sworn in Tuesday, inauguration celebrations started Saturday and, especially, Sunday. Yesterday, Washington was crowded with people celebrating Obama’s victory and the end of the Bush presidency. Many artists, singers and actors joined the crowd and performed live on stage to pay respect and gratitude to the man who will become the leader of the most powerful country on earth.
Experts estimate that the price tag of the parties and inauguration itself will be around $150 million. That is almost four times as much as President George W. Bush spent on his inauguration in 2001.
Obama’s strongest supporters defend the hefty price by arguing that American have to celebrate this moment; it is a historic moment because Obama will be the first black president. Furthermore, they say, the country became uninspired and bored during Bush’s presidency. Obama gives people the impression that the U.S. may finally be on the right track again.
They also argue that a big party may give people hope in difficult times. The economic crisis hit America late last year, millions have lost their jobs or are about to lose them. A massive celebration may give them hope and inspire them to push through the hard times ahead.
Perhaps true. But $150 million is a ridiculous amount to pay for an inauguration. It is lovely that Obama inspires many, but it’s troubling to see him being idolized. The parties make clear that these supporters believe that Obama will change their lives for the better; not enable them to improve their own lives but to do it for them. This is both troubling and distinctly un-American.
If Obama would spend the same amount as Bush 43, they could use $110 million for other purposes. This is waisted money; it will enable Americans to celebrate for three days after which no money will be left. Just let the number sink in for a while: $150 million.
The spending extravaganza is a sign that Americans are exited to have a black president, and someone who inspired rather than depresses, but Obama is wise to play down the idolization of himself. It is impossible for him to live up to the hype and it sends a frightening message to Americans; the president is your savior, he can make all things better.
By Michael van der Galien of PoliGazette, used under Creative Commons.
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