Comparing the cost of some Inaugurations  

He did promise change. I guess this is one of the changes - a more expensive inauguration.

At least someone had the guts to say something. It would not be a popular stand at this time. Some people would argue that we need lavish spectacles to inspire us and to give us a reason to be proud. I could be proud for a whole lot less. On the other hand, if he fixes the economy, I will say it was money well spent. Note, I said IF.

I agree that his inauguration costs were very excessive. Double the cost of GWBs, maybe, but triple? Come on! I don't know who gets to decide the price tag but this isn't a wedding that daddy and mommy are paying for. The people are paying for it. Show some respect. Anyway. I know Lincoln did have a big fancy dance, so I doubt he spent nothing on his inauguration. There's a museum exhibition on the Lincoln inauguration that I heard about on the radio... I can't remember what museum it was.

You know, I pretty much stopped following politics after the election... I've never been much into politics anyways. But I vaguely remember hearing something about how Michelle Obama spent quite a bit of money on a new wardrobe... is that true or am I confusing her with someone else? Maybe it was Palin.

Anyways, that does seem a bit ridiculous. Our tax dollars hard at work!

I'm sure Lincoln's inauguration had to cost something, they had to have had secret service back then and if nothing else they had to double up on security that day for both presidents. If they didn't have secret service, they probably decided to start that right after Lincoln was shot!

It's all a bit ridiculous. I think it would be interesting to see an itemised bill and see just where the money went. I reckon stuff must have been purchased that will never be used again...what happens to everything?

How many causes could this money have gone towards? Is it really necessary for the Obama children to have designer wardrobes?

Everything is excessive and there is so much waste! Michelle Obama's gowns and outfits are to be worn once and then to go to the Smithsonian?....that's ludicrous. What has fashion to do with politics?

Someone needs to stand up and pull in the reins and set a good example to the community at large.

Yup, I could have thought about a lot more important things this nation could have used $150 million for. Crazy isn't it? I wish my employer would throw me a $150 million party for hiring me. That's exactly what happened yesterday, WE THREW A $150 million party for our new president and we didn't even get to attend, what the heck, huh?

OMG I had no idea Obamas campaign cost that much. What ever happened to grass roots campaign. I added $5.00 to it.....LOL.....Honestly I think there should be a very serious limit on the amount a canidatew can spend and it should be way below that. I am very sorry to hear this. I also think every politician should take a 20% pay cut until the economic crisis is over!!!!

I'm not certain of how you economy is fairing right now - I know you're in recession but I don't know the details of how it affects your lives. If the prices are higher than they were 4 years ago, then I would understand why the inauguration of Obama cost more. Also, if it was a political move for him - to woo some political factions perhaps and it bore good fruits in political undertakings, then I still think it was well spent - but as I said, I am not that well informed about it.

But solely from the perspective of a third world citizen, I think that we would have made use of that money better by feeding our poor and supporting our education system :P but what are the chances of us receiving such amount, right?

Thanks for the response on my discussion!