No one gets it. It's a private party. All public spaces are reserved for those who gave six figure donations to re-elect W. There is one armed, law-enforcement officer for every five spectators expected - and the hidden cameras are all up and running!
Laura Bush said this morning in an interview on NBC that all funds for this coronation were "private" funds. So that says it all: The Bush family now considers all Federal funds their "private" funds, including DC's contributions of $12M for which they will NOT be reimbursed, as well as the $60M for giving all non-military government personnel the day off. BTW: This isn't a national holiday. Most private firms and companies are trying to do business today. Does anyone know what the final figures are - when you factor in all paid (and often at overtime rates) police/military/secret service?
I'm sure it would have covered a lot of body armor for the very vulnerable troops in Iraq...who don't even have adequate commissary services to provide sunscreen/sunglasses/socks and personal care items. But - Hey - partay on, DOOOODSS!
