(FAUX) Wartime Inauguration Balances Pomp Against Circumstance (spin spin)

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,144543,00.html

WASHINGTON — With the Indian Ocean tsunami and instability in Iraq dominating the news, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (search) planning this week's big event is trying to find balance between hosting an inaugural celebration befitting an American president and not appearing insensitive and showy during these grave times.

But that response is not enough for some critics of the massive parties, parade and special events.

"I'm feeling very grim about the situation in the world today and I think a lot of people are too. I don't think watching these kinds of lavish displays is going to buck anybody up," retired Washington. D.C., attorney Bernard Ries told FOXNews.com. "Let's not do the ball and fireworks."

<snip>

"Our celebration, from the earliest planning days, has always taken into account that we are a nation at war, and it will focus on the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and will reflect our nation's gratitude for our fighting men and women," he said, adding that the week's worth of events will incude a military gala, fireworks and the new “Commander in Chief” ball, which will be free to 2,000 members of the Armed Services and their families.

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:puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::puke:

No Republican event is complete without bringing that up

I think that it's written in the GOP handbook that every republican event must contain the words "freedom", "patriot", or "9/11". You know, it's all about creating an atmosphere of fear and making it seem like everyone who disagrees with you is unamerican.

I'm not insinuating anything, but doesn't a "military ball" sound EXACTLY like something a dictator would throw? Do you think he'll throw on one of those uniforms like he's worn when he's done photo ops with the troops?

We have to have a big celebration, because on September the 11th we were attacked, and George was very brave and he has been protecting the American people.

Never forget September the 11th. Freedom isn't free. Support the troops and their CiC.

ON EDIT: Please note I'm being sarcastic.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,144521,00.html

WASHINGTON — Tickets to an inaugural ball: About $150.

snip

Tickets to the president's swearing-in, thousands of which were handed out free by congressional offices, are now commanding hundreds of dollars from scalpers who are hawking them on Web sites like eBay and in the classified section of local papers.

Entrepreneurs are also selling tickets to the inaugural balls, parade and other events at steeply marked-up prices. Ball tickets that were available for $150 through the Presidential Inauguration Committee (search) are now selling for about $1,000, for example.

snip

StageFrontTickets.com got its inaugural tickets by advertising for them online and in the newspaper, and then buying from individuals who responded. On Roes' site Friday, tickets for the inaugural balls were going for $750. Ticket prices for the swearing-in ceremony vary, but can get "pretty costly," Roes said.

The firm, iTixx.com, was offering inaugural swearing-in tickets that ranged from $90 for standing-room tickets to $4,500 for coveted seats. Prices for ball ticket ranged from $625 to $1,600.

An iTixx.com representative said the company got many of its tickets from "kids that work on the Hill."

:)

That's how the Democrats got into the Republican National Convention. They got the tickets/entry passes from the Republicans.

Where do you think they can squeeze that in at this late date? Not much room left for sensitivity in among the extravagance.

Oh, goody. A commander in chief ball. Will that include the crotch sock costume? Perhaps a banner hanging from the chandeliers that reads: "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED"? That would be a nice touch.

What this article does mean is that they have heard the criticism. They won't cut back on the grandiosity, but they have heard the criticism.

sound familiar?