Democratic Underground Latest Greatest Lobby Journals Search Options Help Login
Google

Billionaire urges Bush to give inaugural funds to tsunami survivors

Printer-friendly format Printer-friendly format
Printer-friendly format Email this thread to a friend
Printer-friendly format Bookmark this thread
This topic is archived.
Home » Discuss » Topic Forums » Election Reform Donate to DU
 
pbartch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 01:21 AM
Original message
Billionaire urges Bush to give inaugural funds to tsunami survivors
Edited on Tue Jan-11-05 09:20 AM by Skinner
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/01-05/01-08-05/a02wn310.htm

Billionaire urges Bush to give inaugural funds to tsunami survivors
By MARIA RECIO, Knight Ridder Newspapers

WASHINGTON -- Dallas billionaire Mark Cuban has a suggestion for President Bush: Cancel the inauguration parties and donate the money saved -- some $40 million -- to the tsunami victims.

The irreverent, outspoken Dallas Mavericks owner won't say how much he has given to the disaster victims, but his Dec. 31 proposal on his Web site has generated controversy -- and support -- on the Internet.

"My point was that this was a great opportunity for the president to stand up and say that we are committed to aid, but we need to take a first step towards austerity so we can reduce the deficit," Cuban said Friday via e-mail.

"A great way to demonstrate that first step would be to have the inauguration, but cancel the parties and request the uncommitted donations be donated to the relief effort," he said.

EDITED BY ADMIN: COPYRIGHT
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
ThorsHammer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 01:26 AM
Response to Original message
1. I like this idea too
He already is President, and doesn't need to be re-inaugurated. $40MM isn't that much compared to the billions of total aid, but would be a very nice symbolic gesture.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
rdmccur Donating Member (622 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 01:28 AM
Response to Original message
2. Me too
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
cry baby Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 01:29 AM
Response to Original message
3. Here is a sensible suggestion, pack up immediate Bush family
and take them to Hooters for some wingies.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Old and In the Way Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 01:59 AM
Response to Reply #3
8. hehehehe
Yes, it would be sensible. And Jenn and Barbara will like the 2 for 1 Happy Hour drink specials, too. Somehow, I can visualize that....

:-)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
madison2000 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 07:17 AM
Response to Reply #3
13. Pack up Laura and the moron and take them to White Castle
Meanwhile move out all their stuff and move John and Teresa into the White House. Let Teresa pick up the tab for an inaugural ball which is DU and close friends only!!!!

:party: :hippie: :evilgrin: :toast: :toast: :evilgrin: :hippie: :party:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SnoopDog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 01:44 AM
Response to Original message
4. Only a person with honor and dignity..
would forgo a $50 million inauguration 'party' to aid people in need.

Wish the USA had a president who felt the same...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Wilms Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 01:47 AM
Response to Original message
5. Throw an Extra Salty Pretzel Party instead. n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
RaulVB Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 01:48 AM
Response to Original message
6. Good one Cuban!
Now, don't think on running for President, OK?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Merlot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 01:58 AM
Response to Original message
7. Don't take georgies partys from him
"I don't think it will help anything in Sri Lanka" ghwbush

No, but think how much it would help our reputation throughtout the world. And think how in this tight election cycle, it would bring people together for a cause greater than our own.

Once again, gw has missed a golden opportunity to do something right.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
thanatonautos Donating Member (282 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 04:47 AM
Response to Original message
9. Hah! Billionaires against Bush.
One is a good start!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
roenyc Donating Member (824 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 05:16 AM
Response to Original message
10. Oh yeah that will happen
I swear his mother didnt love him. this is like his coming out party. his débutante ball. his birthday party. his barmitva. his confirmation. his his prom. his sweet sixteen!! his coronation. what ever it is it isn't an inauguration in my eyes.

its a show. its a gaudy roman empire type of slaughter a pig and drink the blood while your people are starving type of thing. if he could he would wear a kings outfit with epaulets and tights and a crown. i am sure he wears it when no one is looking, cept princess laura. i bet you anything.

he is like a little boy who wants to show mommy and daddy what a big boy he is. I love reading Maureen dowds book about him. the family is loony and thanks to that inbreeding we are stuck with this.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
RevCheesehead Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 04:22 PM
Response to Reply #10
32. It is the "Marie Antoinette/let's have cake" party. n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Historic NY Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 05:46 AM
Response to Original message
11. You know were at war, when FDR was our President he canceled his
inaugural until the war was ended. * says we are at war so maybe he should give up....the $$$
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
jfern Donating Member (394 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 06:42 AM
Response to Reply #11
12. Bush is no FDR
"I don't want to see a single war millionaire created in the United States as a result of this world disaster" - FDR
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
sunnystarr Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 11:06 AM
Response to Reply #11
21. Yes and the War should be the very reason to cancel the parties and
patriotically donate the money either to the Tsunami victims, our soldiers or how about using it to rebuild one of the destroyed schools in Fallujah.

Certainly it is a time to tone down celebrations planned when our men and women are dying and losing limbs. While Bush is obscene in his ostentatious display of power, families across the country are expected to sacrifice their loved ones, their financial security, and their very lives.

On the other hand, Bush and his followers have never indicated that they cared for the welfare and suffering of others, so why start now?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
woodsprite Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 12:13 PM
Response to Reply #21
23. $20 mil for armor, $20 mil additional for Tsunami aid. n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
17yroldtwins Donating Member (69 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 09:23 AM
Response to Original message
14. You know he's not going to adjust ANYTHING about the inaugural parties
I recall the story of the Buddhist group selling their temple to give the money for disaster relief. Now, that's truly a selfless move.

There is no way that Bush and his buddies will give up spending all that money for self-aggrandizement and all the excess it can buy.

It really was disgusting BEFORE the disaster; now, it's unbelievably evil and inhuman to spend that money for parties. Pay the hardworking people who are serving, coordinating and working the events, but give the extra to charity.

Attie

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
melissinha Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 10:24 AM
Response to Original message
15. And what about the war we can't afford?
Edited on Mon Jan-10-05 10:26 AM by melissinha
I commend Cuban on his statement.. even though he voted for the jerk.... Just goes to show ya how great FDR was, huh?

Yeah considering this country can't afford teh war he got us into.. the least he could do would be to not be a gluttonous showoff.... the problem is that war, povery and devastation will never touch W.... he feels no matter what he has his millions to back him up.... my dream is for him to tried for treason sentenced to serve in Iraq on the front line with no armor and his ENTIRE family fortune to be given to the country's coffers... cause its his fault we're in so deep... he never felt the risk of what he was doing to the rest of us... so its only fair. what a wonderful dream.. oh yeah and the same goes for CHeney and Rummy.. take all their money and send their Army skipping butts where they belong!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Straight Shooter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 10:31 AM
Response to Original message
16. A $50 million extravaganza photo-op to offset the F 9/11 film footage
Yes, the American people will forget the eggs being tossed at the pretzeldential limo, as they become enthralled, much as the Brits do with their royalty, as the pretzeldential procession defines for the world the alchemy of transforming an illiterate incompetent into an illustrious leader for one glorious day.

You know, I keep thinking something is going to go wrong that day, but call me optimistic.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
gapower Donating Member (72 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 10:51 AM
Response to Original message
17. Nice juxtaposition
"Donors of $250,000 and $100,000 get three "candle light dinners" with the president and first lady. (Bigger donors get more tickets.)This unique celebration of American principles ..."
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Name removed Donating Member (0 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 10:54 AM
Response to Original message
18. Deleted message
Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.
 
garybeck Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 10:56 AM
Response to Original message
19. potential contributor for the new tv network? nt
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
cyberpj Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 10:57 AM
Response to Original message
20. Details on the military themed coronation here:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Democrat 4 Ever Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 11:36 AM
Response to Reply #20
22. Well, if Bus/Rove/Cheney are determined to have a big a$$ party
Why doesn't BushyBot and the repugs move it to party central? Downtown Baghdad? I hear things are really hopping over there - just the type of shindig these guys like. Let all of those warmongers who keep saying how great things are in Iraq just move their nasty little parties to Baghdad. If there are too many of them for one town how about taking a few thousand of their staunchest supporters to Fallujah? That should be loads of fun. And to think, the military could pay for the fireworks and that would free up some of the outrageous budget for more booze, lies and hookers. Just a suggestion to allow the repugs and BushyBot to celebrate in a way that is truly deserving and totally appropriate.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
demo dutch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 12:17 PM
Response to Reply #20
25. Heil Bush, that scares the sh*t out of me!!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Catamount Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 12:16 PM
Response to Original message
24. Just before the election Cuban said he.....
was voting for Nader! I can't believe he'd change so dramatically.
But of course he's right about * and his celebrations.
I can barely look at the Clintons anymore, was one of their biggest fans until recently.
Talk about the 'President's club'
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
demo dutch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 12:19 PM
Response to Reply #24
26. I'm not ready to bash Clinton yet, I am sure there's a strategy behind it
If you can't fight them, you join them (with arterial motives of course)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Catamount Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 12:38 PM
Response to Reply #26
27. I know what you mean...but
I'm not bashing so much as weeping! I still defend Bill and explain to my son that this latest camaraderie between the two ex pres. is more about the fund for the disaster, but it's hard!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Karenca Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 12:51 PM
Response to Original message
28. Billionaires for Bush is a grassroots network of corporate lobbyists......

Upcoming Events

Jan 20: Re-Coronation Inaugural Ball
Get ready for the biggest, funkiest Billionaires Ball ever. Filthy rich friends of George W. will gather from across the land to celebrate the past and future returns on their presidential investment. Buy tickets now! Billionaires will also rally behind the president at the inaguration during the day and make appearances at other balls hosted by like-minded supporters of the president. Click here for a preliminary schedule of inaugural events.

Jan 21-22: B4B National Convergence
A summit in DC for the experienced & active Billionaire. Members from our 100 chapters will be present. RSVP with your common name, Billionaire name, city, and phone to convergence@billionairesforbush.com.

Four More Wars!

Billionaires for Bush raises its martini glasses to President Bush’s victory in the 2004 election! In the words of our illustrious CEO, Phil T. Rich, "We paid for eight years." With the help of an estimated 1 million spoiled and purged votes, which our obedient media institutions ignored as a "minor problem", we're looking forward to four more years of war profiteering, corporate welfare, secret energy policy meetings, pollution exemptions, no-bid contracts and White House sleepovers. Read our post-election press release.


http://billionairesforbush.com/index.php

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
texpatriot2004 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 12:54 PM
Response to Original message
29. That would really be compassionate and conservative. n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
googly Donating Member (801 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 01:05 PM
Response to Original message
30. Almost every Billionaire in US lean Democrat
Atleast those in the news seem to be.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Moderator DU Moderator Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-10-05 04:12 PM
Response to Original message
31. pbartch
Per DU copyright rules
please post only four
paragraphs from the
copyrighted news source.


Thank you.


DU Moderator
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DU AdBot (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view 
this author's profile Click to add 
this author to your buddy list Click to add 
this author to your Ignore list Wed Apr 24th 2024, 05:59 AM
Response to Original message
Advertisements [?]
 Top

Home » Discuss » Topic Forums » Election Reform Donate to DU

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators


Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.

Home  |  Discussion Forums  |  Journals |  Store  |  Donate

About DU  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy

Got a message for Democratic Underground? Click here to send us a message.

© 2001 - 2011 Democratic Underground, LLC