Wednesday, January 21, 2009
As a loyal Democrat, I voted for Barack Obama; a decision I’ve lately been second-guessing. It began when he picked a polarizing figure — a man who misquoted Obama in order to deny American citizens their rights — to deliver the invocation at his inauguration. Then came the revelation that he sold out gays by supporting only civil unions for gays and lesbians, after he once promised to support nothing other than marriage for all.
Now the Obamas have hired an extremely expensive designer to the stars to decorate his new digs, to the tune of $100,000. I wonder: was this decision made before thinking of the millions of children who will sleep in shelters tonight? What about the $10 trillion (and counting) national debt?
I know that the president is given money to refurbish the living quarters of the White House. I’m also aware that this president’s campaign billed him as bucking tradition. Would it have been that hard to say, “Thanks, but no thanks,” to the tax money he is allotted to redecorate the recently decorated private portion of the White House, when Americans are barely making ends meet? No, for the Obamas nothing less than the best will do, at all costs.
What about his campaign’s criticism of Republican wardrobe expenditures during the campaigns? And consider this dismaying observation: Obama has been championing an $800 billion stimulus package. As he begs Congress to send us money, with only a prayer that it might help the economy, every penny we don’t have to pay in taxes would help.
Already Obama’s arrogance has cost us. First it was pride, then people’s very rights, and now cold hard cash. What will the President’s arrogance cost us in a year or two — or eight?
— A. Bryce Myers is a senior from Overland Park
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Comments
Letter: Why I’m rethinking Barack Obama
omo. oh my obama. is that the phrase now? curious editorial, and well supported.
Letter: Why I’m rethinking Barack Obama
Good points. However, forget about the $100,000 he will spend decorating. He spent $150 million on the inauguration versus Bush's $49 million. Both are outragous, but having a party that cost 3 times the previous party when the inflation rate has been almost zero for the last 4 years is just criminal, not to mention stupid and immature. Think about what you voted for. Think deeds not words next time.
Letter: Why I’m rethinking Barack Obama
bburnam: I was under the impression that most of the inauguration fund is private and that the only money the fed. spends is on security. While I do agree with you that the mainstream media is hypocritical for not calling Obama's inaugural extravagance out when they ripped Bush for it four years ago, I don't think it's federal money in the first place.
To the author: You are seeing what it's like to vote for a politician for the first time. Prepare to be disappointed further.
Letter: Why I’m rethinking Barack Obama
The money spent on the inauguration or on the White House designer doesn't simply disappear. It's not like the money still can't go towards helping Americans.
Besides, no family isn't able to send their children to college because Obama spent a fraction of a cent of their tax dollars on whatever. I don't understand why the writer would complain about an issue that's this minuscule. What we need is to change the system. The system of skyrocketing tuition, health care, etc. And that's the change President Obama promised.
Letter: Why I’m rethinking Barack Obama
Just take the difference in spending for the inauguration between Bush and Obama, $100 million. That alone can put 1,000 kids through a good four year college. One thousand kids is no drop in the bucket.
He had a chance to take a stand but he just ate up the money instead. You will wake up eventually and find he is not the person you dream he is.
Letter: Why I’m rethinking Barack Obama
Finally, someone agrees with me... It was the wrong decision.
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