I think we need to set a few things straight here. Technically, most of the cost is paid for by private companies/individuals. Who are you to say what they should do with their money? Would you like people going around telling you to buy less videogames and give more to charities?

Second, while not at war/during a natural disaster, Clinton's second inauguration ceremonies cost (inflation accounted for) roughly the same as Bush's second (the Washington Post 2001 article's data would put it a bit below, the Washington Times data puts it 25% above).


So, do you all want (French) cheese with your whine?