Inauguration events require lots of (political) capital.
By: Steve Feitl
Forget saving for retirement. Starting today, I’m saving to take part in the next presidential inauguration four years from this week.
After hearing all about the big-time events going on in and around Washington this week, I’m frankly awestruck and yes, a little jealous. After all, who doesn’t love a good party.
So while I may yet to have a new year’s resolution, I do have a four-year goal. I want to attend the big inaugural events in Washington in 2009. But it’s going to take a little capital. No, not political capital, like our president likes to talk about. Just plain, old financial capital.
Take the candlelight dinners with President George W. Bush on Wednesday. It would’ve taken at least $100,000 to attend one of those shindigs. Normally, I might try to use a press pass to gain access to an event like this, but alas, our crafty president banned the media from them. So it looks like I’ll have to pay my way in next time.
But why stop at $100,000? If I kicked the inaugural donation up to $250,000, the Associated Press reports I would have also received a great wealth of perks including a luncheon with President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, 10 VIP seats for the inaugural parade and four prime spots for the swearing-in ceremony.
Since I would have several days worth of events for my dollar, I guess I would have to stay in our nation’s capital for a short spell. So I suppose I should keep my fund-raising efforts going long beyond the quarter-million mark because MSNBC.com reports that several prime hotels have specialized packages for the inaugural traveler.
The Sofitel, for example, offers the "Don’t Mess With Texas" package for $75,000. But that’s nothing compared to The Mandarin Oriental, which offers a four-night package for $200,000. That might seem like a lot, but look at all you get: a 14-room suite, a private jet, a butler and a masseuse. I’m shocked to read MSNBC report that this package didn’t sell.
But if I’m going to go away, then I’m going to need to bring back souvenirs. The official 55th Presidential Inaugural Web site has an online store featuring a wide array of nifty keepsakes. I’m fondest of the inaugural ice bucket and flute set for $84.95 plus shipping and handling of course.
Obviously, I don’t expect to raise a half-million dollars in four years, and if I did, I doubt I would spend it on these pricey political parties. I’m merely trying to point out the $40 million spent on this inauguration is absurd.
And that’s not a partisan complaint. Twelve years ago, $33 million was spent of President Bill Clinton’s. That was excessive then. This is excessive now. The inaugurations are always excessive.
But that doesn’t mean they are any less absurd.
Steve Feitl is the managing editor of The Lawrence Ledger. He can be reached here.

