Pelosi extravaganza in this time of crisis?

[partylessinOhio]

Now Pelosi is planning a series of events to commemorate her swearing-in as the senior official in the House, second in the line of succession. The events in the first week of January will try to plant Pelosi's version of her life story in the national consciousness, showing her as an Italian American and devout Catholic from Baltimore, who married her college sweetheart, raised five children, ran for Congress in middle-age and shattered a Washington gender barrier days before her sixth grandchild was born. ...

Though the details are in flux, plans are to begin the celebration Jan. 2 with a luncheon in Pelosi's hometown of Baltimore, reminding people she is not just a wealthy San Francisco matron but also the daughter of Thomas D'Alesandro Jr., a beloved Maryland congressman and Baltimore mayor.

The next day will include Mass at Trinity College in Washington, a nod to her alma mater and her faith. A tea will follow for female Democratic activists, lawmakers and donors. It will celebrate the 110th Congress, which convenes with the highest number of women in U.S. history.

The day will be capped by a dinner at the Italian Embassy — Pelosi is also the first Italian American speaker — where Tony Bennett is slated to sing — what else? — "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."

The Jan. 4 gavel-passing will officially install her as speaker, the highest office ever attained by a female elected official in the U.S. She will set out her agenda in a speech to the House, then avail herself for the traditional photo session that gives the 434 other House members and their families a chance to have their picture taken with Pelosi pretending to swear them in.

The day ends with a 3,000-seat black-tie dinner and concert, with scheduled performances by Carole King and Jimmy Buffett, among others. Invited glitterati include Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, said Brian Quintana, a Malibu producer involved in the planning.

On Friday, a "People's House" event is planned at the Capitol, where Pelosi will meet and thank a broader group of well-wishers. ... The cost of the events will be covered by campaign donations, except the Friday morning People's House, which is paid for by congressional funds. ...

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-pelosi11dec11,1,1616673.story

This is starting off on the wrong foot. It certainly adds to my dislike of Nancy Pelosi.

[radwriter0555]

1. I see nothing offensive about any of these events.

Nothing is to excess or offense considering her stature and the office to which she is ascending. We should be proud a good woman is going lead the charge to the White House.

[SutaUvaca]

2. I didn't get an invitation either.

n/t

[hippiechick]

3. I second that!

n/t

[hijinx87]

4. I don't have a problem with any of this

the passing of congressional control is a big deal. and the first
female speaker of the house in the history of the country is no small
event. in fact, it requires commemoration.

and social events like this are what makes the world go 'round in DC.

at least they aren't selling our energy policy out to the highest bidder.

[notadmblnd]

5. She can do all the celebrating she wants up to swearing in.

After that, I expect her to do her job. From the article, it does indeed look like this is happening before the 110th Congress is sworn in, so you'll get no complaint from me.

[Webster Green]

6. Big deal!

You're kidding right?

[Donnachaidh]

7. so you prefer the 24 parties in 20 DAYS at the White House?

She has a right to party. FAR MORE than that Chimp in the White House.

[notadmblnd]

9. don't be too hard on the OP

form some, it takes longer for the Kool Aid to wear off

[Donnachaidh]

20. I know -- but it's irritating.

We're supposed to be at least trying to back the reps who have a huge job ahead of them. IMNSHAGO this is just petty. Especially when I read about ALL the parties going on in the White House, with their Stepford wive oohhing and ahhing over marzipan, blah blah blah.

While our troops are dying in Iraq - Laura Bush worries because her 50K dress is being worn to the same party by another woman. :puke:

LET Nancy have her party. Good on her. She's the FIRST female speaker of the House. She's going to have a truckload of problems to jump into -- get freaky Nancy!

Rant over. :rant:

[Imagevision]

35. So, Pelosi's first 100 hours pledge begins on Monday the 8th?!!

[Southsideirish]

8. I can't stand her either. I wish she would present a more dignified image -

that of a professional woman -instead of a Mary Kay saleswoman. Don't fight your age - go with it gracefully.

[RebelOne]

12. Why shouldn't any woman fight age?

I am fighting it tooth and nail and I'm losing slowly.

[datadiva]

13. Your kidding right?

:shrug:

[sam sarrha]

25. shoud she be taking care of th kids and watching her mouth.?? i think not, there is too much to say

and i like the way she says it.. it isnt undignified for a woman to tell it like it is.. someone finally got some guts and i LIKE IT..

[beaconess]

36. Oh please . . .

Why do you CARE?!

[puerco-bellies]

10. This is a milestone that should be celebrated.

She will do what is best for the people of the U.S. while she is in Office. Under her leadership congress is immediately cutting pet projects out of the next budget. That is getting off on the right foot. I wish her the best.

[datadiva]

11. I disagree

A celebration is in order. I've waited, it seems like forever, for something to celebrate!

[sam sarrha]

21. me too... i have turned blue holding my breath waiting for * to choke on pretzel

i dont guess that celebration is'nt going to happen..

[LibDemAlways]

14. I have no problem with any of this. It all seems

very low key when compared with 24 WH Christmas parties at which the attendees wore $8,500.00 gowns. If it isn't on the taxpayer dime (except for the "People's House") I see no reason to complain. Guess who paid for each and every one of those WH fatcat Christmas parties? You did.

[Gayla]

16. Personally

I'd love to attend the Buffett, Carole King part of the festivities!

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

15. Why am I not surprised to see this...

in collaboration with a Kucinich tagline at the bottom? :eyes:

[partylessinOhio]

23. So what is wrong with Kucinich?

Dennis says the first priority is ending this "war" and bringing the troops home for their safety.

I do prefer his style compared to botox and Oil of Olay.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

24. Just to smash stereotypes

I think Kucinich would make a great President, and I think Pelosi has a right to celebrate.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

26. I'm sorry I lumped you in there.

I know better than that. I apologize.

Still, it seems that Kucinich supporters are all the happier to bash other Democrats whenever possible, taking the cue from the man they worship. Which is exactly why I don't like Kucinich in the first place. There are many, many other fine Democrats that are on board with the same principles as DK, but don't bash their party to make themselves look better (Rep. Jim McGovern, as an example).

[partylessinOhio]

17. Pelosi was not elected President and does not merit a round of inaugural balls as such.

The Decider may be partying hard for the holidays in the WH while troops and Iraqis are dying daily, but the Democrats should be more mindful of the mood of this country.

This has become all about Pelosi and not about change in Congress. She would have done well to cut out the pomp and settled for a simple swearing-in and one event like the Mass.

[peacetalksforall]

18. Let's break it down.

Luncheon in Baltimore. Jan 2
Mass and Tea. Jan 3
Dinner Italian Embassy. Jan 3
Installation, speech, photos. Jan 4
Black tie dinner and concert. Jan 4
Well wishers meeting at the Capital. Jan 5

All paid for by campaign funds except the well wishers meeting at the Capital.

Perhaps this is more than was planned for Hastert or any of the 'men' who came before him.

The list does not include a dinner hosted by lobbyists.

The list does not include flying back to San Francisco for another party with a plane load of friends or media.

I think it's kind of modest for this 'first' in our country.

I think women would understand the reason to celebrate and make it a little special.

The way it is going to be written up can tilt it as being independently egotistical and excessive. I don't see excess. I see some Republican women out there being secretly or outwardly happy for her and wondering if the Republicans will ever elevate a woman to that position.

So which event or events would you eliminate?

Just as we need the comedy and quips of Olberman, Stewart, Colbert, Black and all the others, we also need some celebration before getting down to the businass of attempting to turn some things around.

[Mist]

28. All this sounds more like political events, and thanking various groups and

institutions that have been important in Pelosi's career. Hardly animal-house "partying." What's the prob?

On edit: this is a response to the OP, not you, higher class!

[AndyTiedye]

19. Why Not? We Finally Have Something to Celebrate After All These Years

[Divernan]

22. The GOP demonizes her mercilessly - these events will counter that

and that is EXTREMELY important for her effectiveness in her job. What? You want to let the GOP trash her non-stop for the next two years and she just turns the other cheek?

Further, all but the one event staged at the Capitol are paid for privately.

Finally, where does anyone at DU get off mocking her appearance, re whether she's "aging gracefully"?!?! She's always looked appropriate to me - and thank god none of those bogus wigs or combovers male politicos resort to. We hear from OP that this story "adds" to his/her dislike. I'm about 75% Irish heritage, love the Irish, spent time in Ireland, etc., What came to mind when I saw that undocumented criticism, was the old conflict between the Irish and Italian working classes and politicians in the immigrant neighborhoods of towns like Chicago. It was so bad that although both groups were Catholic, they had their own parishes and did not mix.

I don't care whether her last name is Pelosi or Kennedy. Her accomplishments are admirable and I admire her for them.

I got to go to Clinton's first inaugual festivities and it was a memory of a lifetime. Pelosi has earned the right to celebrate.

[hijinx87]

30. outstanding point!

in looking at the nature of the events again, they have a practical
purpose designed to counter the rethug smear machine attacks against
her as an extremist, "tax and spend" liberal, etc., etc.

this isn't extravagance. it is a sound strategy, and effective PR.

[SaveOurDemocracy]

27. This OP is more absurd than...

Ms. Pelosi's modest plans to mark this occassion.

Obviously, someone who (admittedly)already dislikes Nancy Pelosi, and is just looking to find fault.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

29. That line-up sounds like...

the LEAST extravagant extravaganza I have ever seen! Tea? A luncheon? An embassy dinner? The only event that could even be seen as approaching extravagant is the swearing-in dinner, but that actually sounds very traditional and appropriate.

Pelosi is my Rep and there are genuine issues I have with her, but this is not one of them. :eyes:

[Old and In the Way]

31. "Wrong foot"?

No, a well deserved celebration, I think.

[hashibabba]

32. There is nothing wrong with any of these small celebrations.

Love the comments about age, Oil of Olay, etc. You all are SO enlightened.

[CharmCity]

33. Ya know...

About a million years ago, when I was in elementary school, I was looking forward to the day the ERA would pass. I pictured my mom taking a day off from work and me skipping school. We would go out to lunch and celebrate, because it would have been a big deal.

Then, when I was in college and Geraldine Ferraro was chosen to run for VP w/ Mondale, I was really excited. I worked like a dog on that campaign.

So... finally, some good news. God bless Nancy Pelosi. This IS a big deal, and it should be celebrated.

I have a little girl now, and I'm thrilled that she will grow up seeing a woman running the House. Pelosi's being handed a mess thanks to the Republicans, and she's going to have to fight her own fellow Democrats every step of the way. So... she's gonna celebrate, my friends.

And so will my daugher and I.

[Imagevision]

34. Pelosi better make good on her things to get done in pledged first100 hours

I just hope Nancy Pelosi doesn't turn out to be a wet dream...?

[JeffR]

37. I say she should double the budget for these events

Set against what is being wasted in Iraq every hour of every day, or the enormity of the tax cuts for the wealthy the GOP has spent six years enacting, this expenditure doesn't even make the radar screen.

I'm not the biggest Pelosi fan 'round here either, but I'll give her props on this. And I hope Thing One and Thing Two get shipped off to the Hague soon, so she can put her feet up on the desk in the Oval Office.

ON EDIT: I spelled enormity enromity. Maybe I shoulda left it as is.