WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     I am somewhat disappointed as a member of the press, I am still  waiting for my invitation to the presidents inauguration. Of course I say that with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek.

    On the other hand, I am quite serious when I question the validity of gala events for presidential inaugurations. Yes it is a reason to celebrate the  peaceful transition of  leadership  to show the rest of the world. However, do we have to spend tens of millions of dollars to do it? Even though  a fairly good chunk of the inauguration expense is paid through donations. I am not quite sure who those benefactors are, but I suspect they have their reasons and some now benefit from it.



    I guess I understand it is a big deal when a new president is elected, but when they are elected to a second term is it really necessary to have more than a swearing in at the capitol, and maybe a parade? I am pretty sure the national media would still cover it, and people around the world would see the peaceful transfer of power. I suspect there are also many other countries around the world that have peaceful transfers of power.

    Who are they kidding, it really is about the winners celebrating their victory with inauguration extravagant parties with fancy food and first class entertainment. Again most of us in the 99 percent will never be invited to these events. If you are like me, even if I were invited, I would not be able to attend anyway. Also best friend and I would feel completely out of place, like a couple of hicks from the country.

    I have to believe that if a large portion of the money saved were put into social programs to help people in abject poverty, our country would be much better served. I know some people feel that everyone should take care of their own needs, but when people, through no fault of their own, are cast out from society, no good can come from it. Of course those same people decry a minority of these people who abuse the system. Which is unfair because there are hucksters out there who are abusing the system to the tune of millions in elaborate welfare, and medicare fraud schemes. Those are the people that are really hurting our country, and we should be going after them, because they are stealing from all of us.

Did you know?

    President Obama’s 2009 inauguration had the largest attendance of any event in Washington DC.

    President George W. Bush’s 2005 inauguration had the largest inaugural  platform to date.

    President George W.  Bush’s inauguration  in 2001 wanted to use the Masonic Bible used by George Washington and his father George H.W. Bush, but due to inclement weather a family bible was substituted.

    President William J. Clinton’s inaugural in 1997 was the first inaugural to be broadcast on the internet.

    President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration was the coldest inauguration day on record with a temperature of 7 degrees. Public inauguration took  place in the Capitol Rotunda. In 1981 Ronald Reagan was the first president to be inaugurated on the west front of the Capitol.

    In 1977 President Jimmy Carter was the first president to walk in the parade from the Capitol to the White House  following the swearing in ceremony.

    Like it or not it is an important part of the history of our great country, and despite cynics like me it will probably not change a lot, and the cost of doing it will continue to increase.

    

Have a great week and do good!