Are you worried about the safety of The Inauguration of Barack Obama?

[cc1003]

Please discuss.

[Justicedog]

I'm not concerned. I think that all that can be done is being done and don't think that there will be any vulnerability.

When Obama made one of his stops, they cleared out all of the buildings in the area, swept them twice, once by local police and again by the SS. I imagine they'll continue to do the same.

I'm more concerned about his fans. I'm thinking that it's going to be worse than Black Friday and that there's a likelihood of crush injuries and stampedes and that the security is going to be blamed for that.

[cc1003]

I'm more concerned about his fans. I'm thinking that it's going to be worse than Black Friday and that there's a likelihood of crush injuries and stampedes and that the security is going to be blamed for that.


That is more what I'm concerned with as well. That and fighting. I just feel like it is a LOT of very passionate people in one place.

[SingingMom]

No. I have enough things to worry about. This is why they pay those guys in black suits.

I realize that there are some (insert expletive here) individuals who would like to make bad things happen to the new president. But I'm not worrying about it today.

[still_me]

I'm not too concerned. I would think that the area has been under surveillance for quite some time now and that they will have the area covered extremely well. I wonder how many undercover agents will be mingling in the crowd that day.

I am concerned more for other days. You know he'll not be able to go for runs like other Presidents did. Days that will not be as heavily covered as the 20th will be.

[Justicedog]

No. I have enough things to worry about. This is why they pay those guys in black suits.

I realize that there are some (insert expletive here) individuals who would like to make bad things happen to the new president. But I'm not worrying about it today.


I'm willing to bet there are just as many people who would like to make bad things happen to the old president, and more people who would 'emotionally' support that.

I hope everything runs smoothly.

[Bohemian]

I'm not worried about inauguration day but I am worried for him in general. I liken him to Martin Luther King and JFK in his popularity and the overall enthusiasm. I also remember the white supremacists that were arrested during the election over a plot found on the internet to kill him. I don't think it got anywhere close to happening but who's to say the next plot won't.

I worry for him and his family's safety more than I've ever worried about any political figure.

[cc1003]

I'm not worried about inauguration day but I am worried for him in general. I liken him to Martin Luther King and JFK in his popularity and the overall enthusiasm. I also remember the white supremacists that were arrested during the election over a plot found on the internet to kill him. I don't think it got anywhere close to happening but who's to say the next plot won't.

I worry for him and his family's safety more than I've ever worried about any political figure.


Me too. I have a certain way that I feel but it's so hard to put into words but I'm going to try.

As a PP said, many people want to hurt the current president as well as the president elect. I feel like the people that dislike President Bush dislike him for a million reasons regarding how he's run his presidency. Many of the people that want to hurt Obama, are extremists, therefore would do more extreme things I guess.

So while more people may dislike Bush, more crazy people dislike Obama...so to speak.

I'm obviously having a hard time explaining my thoughts but that's as good as I can come up with.

[pawprint]

Me too. I have a certain way that I feel but it's so hard to put into words but I'm going to try.

As a PP said, many people want to hurt the current president as well as the president elect. I feel like the people that dislike President Bush dislike him for a million reasons regarding how he's run his presidency. Many of the people that want to hurt Obama, are extremists, therefore would do more extreme things I guess.

So while more people may dislike Bush, more crazy people dislike Obama...so to speak.

I'm obviously having a hard time explaining my thoughts but that's as good as I can come up with.

No, I understand and agree with you. I loathe Bush, but I am not dangerous. People who hate based on skin color or the fact that Obama 'is a muslim' aren't in their right minds.

I do fear for him and his family, but not so much on Tuesday.

I feel so torn for him, because part of me recognizes that Obama wants to be in and of the people and body surf and shop and be regular with his family. PArt of me recognizes how dangerous that can be.

I watched the story of Obama on MSNBC tonight and wept- not for the first time- for this man I admire so much and all that has become of him. I don't have a god to pray to, but I sure hope that whatever is higher than us is looking out for this man with such a big heart and such big dreams.

[JudyJudyJudy]

So while more people may dislike Bush, more crazy people dislike Obama...so to speak.
Yes, more crazy people LIKE Bush, so he has that going for him.

[cc1003]

No, I understand and agree with you. I loathe Bush, but I am not dangerous. People who hate based on skin color or the fact that Obama 'is a muslim' aren't in their right minds.



Right, this is what I was trying to say. I just pray that nothing happens ever, not just on Tuesday of course.

[Becca75]

I know what you mean cc1003. I cannot stand the president (and know plenty of people who feel as I do), but I don't wish him physical harm. I had hoped he would be impeached, and I still hope he has to answer for many things, but not with an assassin's bullet. People dislike Bush for his policies and actions; those who hate Obama feel that way simply because of who he is.

[Bohemian]

Yes, more crazy people LIKE Bush, so he has that going for him.


That made me LOL.

[Bellaelle]

I am more shocked at the amount being spent; 200 million.
With the economy tanking and people hurting left and right, I can't believe they would spend so much damn money on his parties etc.

[pawprint]

I am more shocked at the amount being spent; 200 million.
With the economy tanking and people hurting left and right, I can't believe they would spend so much damn money on his parties etc.


If you google the cost of bush's you will find tons of article on the fact that a) it's not really costing that much and b) Bush's cost roughly 157 million 8 years ago.

[pawprint]

Media Matters:
http://mediamatters.org/columns/200901170003

[Bellaelle]

Where are you getting your numbers for Bush? All reports are saying Obama's is the costliest in history.

[JudyJudyJudy]

I personally think the parties are ridiculously wasteful. I thought it when Bush did it. I think it now that Obama is doing it.

[Bellaelle]

I personally think the parties are ridiculously wasteful. I thought it when Bush did it. I think it now that Obama is doing it.

Hell yes. I have always felt the same. I just cannot understand people spending $100,000 per person to attend a party. If the money is to raise funds for a charity, I get it, but just to attend a party with the president and celebs?

[pawprint]

Where are you getting your numbers for Bush? All reports are saying Obama's is the costliest in history.


Here for one and this is a media watchdog group... towards the end.
http://mediamatters.org/countyfair/200901180004

MSNBC's Tamron Hall stated that "the inauguration festivities" for President-elect Barack Obama are "estimated to reach as high as $150 million," while "[i]n 2004, to note, the inauguration of George W. Bush cost roughly $40 million." But the $40 million figure that Hall cited for Bush's second inauguration reportedly does not include security and transportation costs incurred by the federal government and the District of Columbia; these costs are included in the $150 million estimate that the media are reporting for the Obama inauguration.

Further:

When the costs incurred by the federal government and the District of Columbia are factored in, the total cost of Bush's 2005 inauguration was reportedly around $157 million, as Media Matters for America senior fellow Eric Boehlert noted.

[Bellaelle]

Well, I can bet when all is said and done, Obama's will surpass that cost. Once you factor in the security, transportation, etc it will make Bush look frugal.

[Justicedog]

It's going to cost tons. I heard that Bush has declared Obama's Inauguration a National Emergency so that DC will be able to recover some of what it will cost them.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/13/bush-declares-state-of-emergency-for-inauguration/

I liked this article -- http://www.newser.com/article/d95p263o0/4-years-after-calling-for-thrift-during-bush-parties-democrats-pour-on-the-money-for-obama.html 4 years after calling for thrift during Bush parties, Democrats pour on the money for Obama

I think that other than security and the swearing in ceremony, the cost of the inauguration should be borne by whoever is wanting it - it should be privately funded.

[Sameach]

I am 100X more worried for Michele, Sasha and Malia.

[EvilAmy]

What the others said. As far as balls go, to me the ALL inaugural balls reek of royalty and peasantry.

[3girls2luv]

I am 100X more worried for Michele, Sasha and Malia.


So am I. Many people may dislike Obama but if something happens to him I worry about his poor little girls. He is our new president yes, but he is their daddy and Michel's DH.

[MoonBound]

ITA 3girls!

[ima062002]

I am more shocked at the amount being spent; 200 million.
With the economy tanking and people hurting left and right, I can't believe they would spend so much damn money on his parties etc.

This is a historic event and needs to be celebrated I guess. Plus, think of all the people who will be employed for all the festivities, all the stuff that is being bought is made by other people who will benefit, the cleanup etc. So it's not just a cost, it benefits many people as well.

[Monkeytoes]

Ted Kennedy has collapsed at the luncheon. No word on why yet. He is on his way to the hospital.

[still_me]

They have said on ABC that he had a seizure.

ETA: I have to add that I hope nothing happens to him on this day because it would be a very sad to see him die on a day where both of his brother's messages are ringing clear.

[PiccoloRose]

Ted Kennedy has collapsed at the luncheon. No word on why yet. He is on his way to the hospital.


:(

He's been in very poor health lately. They media was saying while everyone was walking into the luncheon that they were surprised he was attending, considering his health.

I hope he'll be okay.

[3girls2luv]

T&P for Ted Kenedy. :(

[Babyblue]

I am 100X more worried for Michele, Sasha and Malia.


I was really worried about his wife and dds as well. If someone did decide to attempt to shoot him, blow him up, whatever, the girls and his wife are standing right there and could have easily got hit instead.


Dh's theory of the day was this.

Some terrorist group assassinated or attempts to assassinate Obama. But instead of taking credit for the attempt themselves they manage to make some white supremacist group look guilty. Massive riots and race wars ensue and the country even if only for a few days or weeks tears itself apart. Then the terrorist sit back and laugh their ass's off at the mass hysteria, death and destruction they have caused. Making it a racial thing among Americans would tear the country apart instead of how a terrorist attack, even temporarily, unites the people.

[Monkeytoes]

At least 30 children have been separated and are being help at police headquarters. Wow, that's a lot of kids to have missing from parents.

[3girls2luv]

At least 30 children have been separated and are being help at police headquarters. Wow, that's a lot of kids to have missing from parents.


Wow that is a lot of kids.

[MiMi_of_4]

They got separated at the inauguration? That's scary!

[Monkeytoes]

They got separated at the inauguration? That's scary!

Yes Mimi, it is scary. I guess that's what happens when your not aloud to bring strollers?

[KerryS]

once by local police and again by the SS

Whenever someone uses the abbreviation "SS" I always think Nazis.

[ima062002]

Whenever someone uses the abbreviation "SS" I always think Nazis.

So do I.

[pawprint]

Well, I can bet when all is said and done, Obama's will surpass that cost. Once you factor in the security, transportation, etc it will make Bush look frugal.


Way to go into it with a positive attitude Bella. Holy fuck- is he going to anything right in the next four years or is there going to be a bitter spin on everything? Oy vey.

Some of this is privately funded. Since Obama has raised more money than any other candidate in history is stands to reason he'll raise a load of private donations for this too.

Edited because bfdc **** out my curse!

[cc1003]

Yes Mimi, it is scary. I guess that's what happens when your not aloud to bring strollers?

Many of the kids were school age kids.

[JudyJudyJudy]

Some of this is privately funded. Since Obama has raised more money than any other candidate in history is stands to reason he'll raise a load of private donations for this too.
Good point. While I do think such events are wastefully extravagant, it's not my place to tell private donors how to spend their money.

[still_me]

I keep thinking, "Yeah, it was expensive, but just think how much spending today helped the economy. It gave jobs to people, bought supplies..."

[pawprint]

I keep thinking, "Yeah, it was expensive, but just think how much spending today helped the economy. It gave jobs to people, bought supplies..."


Ironically, it was probably a million times more useful than the bailouts were.

[JudyJudyJudy]

That's probably true. While a lot of money was spent, an assload of people also made money.

[Justicedog]

Whenever someone uses the abbreviation "SS" I always think Nazis.



Would USSS be better?

[JudyJudyJudy]

I always think of Social Security when I see SS.