Today the nation's political establishment gathers in Washington to celebrate President George W. Bush's inauguration, an event that, in a sense, marks the healthy functioning of American democracy. In dreary weather that might include snow, spectators from around the country will gather to watch Bush take the same oath that the 42 presidents before him have taken. Today's events, however, will not benefit the masses who reelected Bush in November, but rather will largely serve as a lavish celebration financed by corporate America for the benefit of bankers, businessmen, and lobbyists.
To be fair, recent presidential inaugurations have been lavish affairs by rule, not by exception. The bipartisan consensus inside the Beltway seems to be that lavish celebrations are entirely appropriate for a moment that occurs once every fours years that celebrates the ascension of the person who is, in a sense, the most powerful officeholder in the world.
While such luxury may have been appropriate in the past, the new year dawned in 2005 to find American troops in long-term deployments overseas and American workers on shaky financial ground at home. The forty million dollar inaugural festivities seem oddly out of place at a time when American soldiers are installing do-it-yourself "hillbilly armor" in combat zones. While families of those serving and sacrificing overseas have had to go to food pantries to feed themselves, corporations are making sure no expense is spared in fattening up Washington's finest.
Granted, there will be an inaugural ball exclusively for military families, but of course the vast majority of those who serve on the front lines won't be anywhere near it. While a select few in the District toast to the promise of a brighter tomorrow, tens of thousands of American service people overseas are forced to deal with the harsh realities that face them today. The Commander in Chief ball is the lipstick on the inaugural pig: we should not forget what lurks behind the makeup.
From the start of inaugural planning Bush and his team glibly brushed aside suggestions that the festivities be toned down at a time of war. After all, they seemed to be saying, it is the President's party, and he can do what he damn well pleases. This might be true, but none of us should forget that just because Bush can do something doesn't mean that he should do it. The vast majority of Americans should feel very uncomfortable that such an essential event in our democracy is being bankrolled by huge corporations that are allowed to give up to a quarter million dollars each.
Something for nothing, as the saying goes, leaves you hell to pay. Bush's inauguration shows that this administration, entering its second term, is fully prepared to ignore the needs of the masses in order to cater to the desires of the privileged. That arrogance is an insult to democracy, justice, and most importantly, the American people.
