$1 million donations wanted for Obama inauguration (link corrected)

[Omaha Steve]

Last edited Wed Jan 9, 2013, 07:30 AM - Edit history (1)

Source: AP-Excite

By JACK GILLUM, NEDRA PICKLER and STEPHEN BRAUN

WASHINGTON (AP) - Planners of President Barack Obama's second inauguration are soliciting high-dollar contributions up to $1 million to help pay for the celebration in exchange for special access.

The changes are part of a continuing erosion of Obama's pledge to keep donors and special interests at arm's length of his presidency. He has abandoned the policy from his first inauguration to accept donations up to only $50,000 from individuals, announcing last month that he would take unlimited contributions from individuals and corporations.

A fundraising appeal obtained by The Associated Press shows the Presidential Inaugural Committee is going far beyond Obama's previous self-imposed limits and is looking to blow away modern American presidential inauguration fundraising records by offering donors four VIP packages named after the country's founding fathers.

Event organizers are hoping the packages will pay for expensive events surrounding Obama's inaugural on Jan. 21. Obama raised $53 million in private money for his first inauguration, when a record 1.8 million people packed the National Mall to see the nation's first black president take the oath of office. The celebration has been scaled down this year, with less than half the crowd expected and a cut from 10 inauguration-night balls to two.

FULL story at link.



Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20130109/DA3MD1HG1.html

---

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, center, in the front-row watches President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama at the Western Inaugural Ball in Washington, in this Jan. 20, 2009 file photo. The sideline events throughout inauguration weekend are the big draws for advocates and lobbyists looking to rub elbows with lawmakers and administration officials. The events at restaurants and hotels, museums and mansions are opportunities for anyone willing to write a check to turn a night out into a chance to build a Rolodex of Washington's powerbrokers. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

[Richardo]

1. Got change for a $1 trillion coin?

[Purveyor]

2. Indeed and we are trying to organize a fundraiser to keep folks who own their homes but are

behind in their property taxes from getting put out on the street, forfeiting all equity they have in their property to the county for being 2 years behind in their taxes.

"inauguration" my ass...

"Let them eat cake...indeed!"

[JaneyVee]

3. What will $50 get me?

[Joe Bacon]

4. Make AIG foot the bill!

Those who had the party ought to pay for it, and I can think of none who deserves to be stuck with the bill more than AIG!

[merrily]

5. Nascar, Hollywood, rum, etc. just got $64 billion in tax breaks in the fiscal cliff

compromise.

You'd think they'd understand reciprocal relationships.

[mykpart]

6. Wouldn't it be in better taste

for this inauguration to be more low-key? It's his second term, and the people who voted for him are hurting for money. Is it right to put on an extravagant show?

[jsr]

7. In exchange for special access

Same old bullshit.

[Skittles]

8. ridiculous

wait - I thought this was satire - Nedra is real - you really have a link?

[BainsBane]

9. I haven't gotten an email

but I did get a phone call about participating in a national day of service by volunteering at local charities on the Saturday before the inauguration. I'll be doing that.

[Mimosa]

10. Why have expensive parties?

Why not just be sworn in and celebrate humbly?

When we peasants can't afford to buy tickets to the symphony or even go to the movies, we stay home.

[Nanjing to Seoul]

11. In exchange for special access. Best Government money can buy, folks

10 million dollar donor have a louder voice than 1 million $1o dollar donors.

Carlin is right. We were all thrown overboard thirty fucking years ago.