January 20, 2005: Bush's $40 million inauguration had nine balls

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

...and Bush's September 2005 trips to the ravaged areas hit by Katrina involved a distinct lack of balls.



Bush's inauguration to reflect nation at war
Nine balls, tight security; but what about the weather?

By Nina Bradley
Senior Producer
MSNBC
Updated: 4:14 p.m. ET Dec. 15, 2004



"Construction crews worked Dec. 10 on the viewing stand for President Bush's inauguration. Ron Edmonds / AP"

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6717767/

The war on terror will take center stage at next month’s second inauguration for President Bush in Washington, D.C. “This year’s theme will be “Celebrating Freedom, Honoring Service,” said Jeanne Phillips chairwoman 55th presidential committee speaking to the media for the first time on Wednesday about the theme and schedule for this year’s festivities.

There will be a total of nine inaugural balls this year, a youth concert, a parade, a fireworks display and, the official swearing in ceremony at noon on Jan. 20.

The estimated budget for the event is $30-40 million, but that will not cover security costs. The Department of Homeland Security has designated the inauguration as a National Special Security Event, which makes the high-profile gatherings eligible for federal money and heightened security overseen by the Secret Service.

Jeanne Phillips, a veteran Texas GOP fundraiser, said she has worked with the Bush family on three previous inaugurations. She served as Executive Director of the 2001 committee for George W. Bush and in 1989 for his father’s inauguration. Phillips explained that the Bushes are always personally involved in the planning process. “The President and Mrs. Bush are always involved in inaugural ceremonies, they know what is happening at every level. We constantly keep them up to date."



http://www.whitehouse.gov/firstlady/inauguration.html

WASHINGTON - Mrs. Laura Bush has chosen three American designers to create gowns and suits for the events celebrating the 55th Presidential Inauguration. Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Peggy Jennings designed outfits for Inaugural activities beginning on January 19. For sketches of the evening gowns and suits, please go to Mrs. Bush's web site at http://www.whitehouse.gov/firstlady/.

Inaugural Opening Ceremonies - Peggy Jennings Coat and Dress

Baby bouclé wool coat and dress in light green, accented with antique ivory grosgrain ribbon. The coat has an architectural notched collar and lapel, ribbon framed. Beneath is a jewel neck, long sleeve and column dress.





Inaugural Candlelight Dinners - Peggy Jennings Evening Gown

A crystal rose hand beaded, re-embroidered lace gown over pink silk satin. The gown begins with a wide V neckline on a sculpted silhouette and is completed with a softly flounced scalloped hem.





Texas State Society "Black Tie and Boots" Inaugural Ball - Carolina Herrera Evening Gown

Raspberry awning-striped silk taffeta shirtdress.





Oath of Office Ceremony - Oscar de la Renta Day Suit and Coat



Winter white cashmere embroidered coat and matching bouclé dress with embroidered trim.



Oscar de la Renta Inaugural Ball Coat





Inaugural Balls - Oscar de la Renta Evening Gown

Ice blue satin coat and silver and blue embroidered tulle long evening gown.

[Stinky The Clown]

1. more balls and more 'kwardinashun', too

Ball's - Good

Drownin' 'Nigras' - Bad

[riverwalker]

2. "Here lies Vera"

"God help us all"
I think her burial shroud was a trash bag and a bed sheet.

[ProudDad]

3. * inauguration

also had a tiny dick...

[Berry Cool]

4. I was gonna say...

sexist though it may be...that that's nine balls more than HE has...

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

5. That sort of subversive talk.......

....would get you scolded by Bridget Quinn on FAUX.....

"Okay, I thought we were here to talk about what a victim Bush is of this hurricane......"

[TankLV]

6. So that's where the dems balls went!

Maybe they can see if they are still there and retrieve them.

[Arkana]

7. His inauguration may have had nine, but Bush** has less than zero.

[Supersedeas]

8. revealing juxtaposition

[texpatriot2004]

9. There is another prime example of Modern Day Marie

Antoinette behavior from the Bush family. Resources from the country seem to be used for selfish motives and self-serving needs.

[npincus]

10. excellent post- I'm nominating

fabulous juxtapositions

[onenote]

11. a better comparison

I could give a rat's ass about the number of inaugural balls held in Chimpy's honor (for what its worth, it paled compared to the 14 held during Bill Clinton's second inauguration).

What I'd be interested in seeing is a list of the fatcats that gave big $$ in support of Chimpy's inauguration and a comparison chart showing how much those same individuals have given for Katrina relief.

onenote