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Subscribe to RSSThe New York Times today examines the variety of inaugural celebrations planned by the country's 26 new governors, ranging from lavish to "conspicuous frugality." Particularly representative of the extremes: Florida governor-elect Rick Scott's seven-city "appreciation" tour and California governor-elect Jerry Brown's uber-thrifty party.
Scott's "multiday, multicity inauguration has become known wryly in political circles here as the 'coronation.' Preparations began shortly after Election Day with a prodigious fund-raising drive.
"For the main event on Tuesday, [Scott] will lead a parade featuring 26 marching bands, followed by a black-tie dinner for 2,100 people, with oysters Rockefeller and fried calamari served in mini-martini glasses."
Jerry Brown of California has issued guidelines: no paid entertainment (a school choir will sing) and a rent-free evening reception (in a state-owned building). To highlight his thrift, Mr. Brown, a Democrat, plans to stop at a cookout after he takes the oath to snack on hot dogs and chips.
The extremes seem to reflect the uncertain economic times: shoppers may have returned to their prerecession ways during the holidays, but state budget deficits are ballooning, and there are persistent mutterings about the deep repair work that is needed to fix the economy.
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good for Jerry Brown. Someone has to lead the way.
Here in Colorado, Gov-elect Hickenlooper (D) has bbq and local western music in 3 cities. Totally low key and meant to invite "every man". I would have expected nothing more or less from Mayor Hick. He's been great for Denver, he'll be great for our state.
What about the other governors? Based on Californias budget problems, Brown should just take the oath of office, thank his supporters and send them home to celebrate privately then go out for franks and chips. BTW I like chips and hot dogs over burgers also.
I really need to ask this question though, other than security personnel is it the state government that pays for the party or individual campaign contributors? I mean really, why not tell us the funding source FR?
Well, american, if you would read the story, you would know that the parties are not funded by the state governments. And, oh wait, Brown is basically doing just that, no lavish parties, no parades, no calamari. If you're going to complain, at least try to get your facts straight. And if you're going to complain about expenses, complain about the guy spending the most.
Must be nice to be Rick Scott...to have the ability to throw yourself a huge victory lap.
I guess it came from all of the money he bilked from Medicare for the fraudulent billing practices at Columbia/HCA...and the blue-hairs elected this crook anyway?
It's the 'ME First' syndrome. It gets in your blood.
Matthew, Houston, TX
Well, american, if you would read the story, you would know that the parties are not funded by the state governments.
Matthew,
It doesn't matter. Survey says ...
Fox News Makes You Stupid
A new survey of American voters shows that Fox News viewers are significantly more misinformed than consumers of news from other sources.
http://www.alternet.org/story/149193/study_confirms_that_fox_news_makes_you_stupid
The Obama Coronation cost $170 million. Now, to be consistent, I would expect you Libs were whining about those costs back in Jan/2009 (you remember those times, Libs, that's when Obama was popular). I mean, the Democrats are for the poor, correct? But, how can they be for the poor if they throw themselves a huge victory party like that?
Or was that somehow "different"?
Mattie, can you make some things up so you can justify what looks like hypocrisy from the Left on these inaugeration costs?
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Inauguration/president-obama-inauguration-cost-170-million/story?id=6665946
And drive-thru, I know I changed the subject to Obama, and we all know how you hate when someone does that, so you can blame Bush if you like.
What the?.....
You mean this post is about Bush?? No, wait- cain't be so. No one is supposed to mention that guy anymore, remember?
But serriously, YOU changed the subject to OBAMA? Awwwww......G'wan, git outta heah!
Actually JoAnna we would expect to hear the conservative party complaining about their own party members having lavish celebrations as much as they complained about Obama.
They are supposed to be the fiscally conservative party after all.
The hypocrisy never ends.
test
Your test results have come back in your favor....
Woo hoo! Now I can play the violin, no lessons required! Thanks, DBO!
These two 'celebrations' do a great job of illustrating the differences between the Republican/TP Inc. Party and the Democratic Party.
Republican/TP Inc. Party: Multi-million dollar celebration involving parades, several high dollar dinners at lavish locations and a 'coronation atmosphere' while there are people in the state who do not even have any income since they have hit 99 weeks of UI benefits. Sure, have a nice party with a nice dinner, no problem there but the over the top indulgence? Think about how many out of work, homeless and destitute families that money could help. Just 1/2 of what they are spending could probably keep quite a few, if not hundreds of families fed and housed until they could find a job.
Democratic Party: An evening reception in a rent free venue with no dinner (probably some hors d'ouerves). After the swearing in ceremony, go to a private bar-b-que.
Now, who do you think really represents the middle class and poor? Who do you think really cares about the middle class and poor? Who do you think really understands what the middle class and poor are going through? Hint: It sure isn't the Republican/TP Inc. Party of NO.
Who gives shyt? Man just say you DO NOT like Republicans and no matter what they do or say won't change that. That makes your statements irrelevant. It is not your money. It is not my money. I look at my money everyday in my bank account. I have achieved goals with Democrat and Republican presidents so it is not about what party is in power.
I would like to know what has the Republican party done to you personally? Not some broad frikken talking point. I bet your azz hasn't missed a meal.
What is up with the obsession you have with this Republican/TP Inc. BS? If they are incorporated that is a smart thing to do. I know you wouldn't know anything about that being that you are the smartest MF'er on here. We all know your a Rhodes Scholar with a PhD in Phenomenal BS.
How many families have you fed or housed?
I'm going to watch football, I don't have time for this political BS today.
ITM-
"How many families have you fed or housed?"-
None, idiot stick. As an individual, he probably has housed or fed none, outside is own family. It's his TAX dollars that feed and house other people. It would be like me saying "Hey, IntheMiddle- how many jobs did you export to China today?". I know YOU didn't ecport those jobs, but what about YOUR party? (yeah- the 'incorporated' one).
Go watch football, but at least do one small, socialistic thing while doing it, and drink a beer FOR ME- even if I didn't EARN it, will you?
Thanks for the backup, DBO. ITM has something against me but for the life of me I can not figure out what it is. It may be that he is jealous of my education and intelligence, he keeps bringing up that 'know it all' canard. He has even lied about me and what I've said but I really couldn't care less. He is a sad, sad man who only deserves our pity, not our attention.
If I had to guess, M, H,TX- it's because you are not a ME Firster. At least, I assume you aren't. Not sure why ME Firsters look down on other citizens, but I assume it has to do with an inner fear that they might have to share something with someone else one day.
And God knows what the bible says about THAT!
STEVE MAC
good for Jerry Brown. Someone has to lead the way.
Unlike the disgraced Rick Scott who was forced to resign as Chief Executive of Columbia/HCA in 1997 amid a scandal over the company's business and Medicare billing practices; Good for Governor Rick Scott he admitted to fourteen felonies.
Need proof; american-2051576?
The obnoxious amount of money Scott's camp has raised to pay for events leading up to, and culminating in, his coronation — oops, inauguration — Jan. 4.
The state's next governor has collected contributions totaling more than $2 million — and counting. Business leaders and corporations are donating money hand over fist to help fund the inauguration extravaganza and — don't be fooled by their seeming generosity — buy a little influence with the Scott administration.
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/dec/21/editorial-does-floridas-governor-elect-know-that/?partner=yahoo_feeds
The fraud Rick Scott should get to work instead of celebrating his sleaziness. It certainly does look likee the the unemployed that voted that scum bag in office are won't be celebrating with this scum. Bag and his lobbiest/donor .Tea Baggers should feel " still crazy after all these years".
Democrats by contrast are embracing conspicuous frugality. In New York,Andrew M. Cuomo. Mark Dayton, the Democratic governor-elect in Minnesota, said he considered canceling his party, which is scheduled for Jan. 8. Instead, he has authorized a “Blue Jeans to Black Tie” ball with a loose dress code and a flexible ticket price. He plans to show up in jeans and an old hockey jersey
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/31/us/politics/31inaugurations.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
No. I don't think it's that. You're kind of on the lower end of both of those spectrum's. Making up your own facts is not a sign of education or intelligence Mattie boy.
Maybe you should do what ITM does and watch some football Mattie. Might give you an idea of what a real mans sport is all about.
No need to respond, I'm certain DOPey, ehh DBO, will be right here to wipe your nose, ehh, provide you backup.
Say, now, THERE's a relevant post!
Thank you for your contribution, Smiff.
Hmm, DBO, I'm still trying to figure out what I 'made up'. Any idea? She's just kind of a flailing around in a petulant tizzy without really making any sense. Lots of accusations but no facts to back them up.
Ahhhhh: FDD. Now I get it.
Thank you Gerry Brown for being a fiscally responsible Democrat. Unlike the fiscally irresponsible Republicans. I'm so glad I have Gerry as my governor. Good luck to you Floridians. Signs of crap to come. More for the rich and less for everyone else. Happy New Year Florida!
Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
just a thought, I know how some of you like to howl and argue and all, but... what kind of party do you think Miller would have had? I bet it would have been a ball, with Palin and all. LOL Just wondering, that's all.