For a president-elect who has promised a huge economic reform, Barack Obama doesn’t seem to be very concerned with the high cost of all his inauguration festivities.

The price tag for President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration gala is expected to break records, with some estimates reaching as high as $150 million. Despite the bleak economy, however, Democrats who called on President George W. Bush to be frugal four years ago are issuing no such demands now that an inaugural weekend of rock concerts and star-studded parties has begun.

Obama’s inaugural committee has raised more than $41 million to cover events ranging from a Philadelphia-to-Washington train ride to a megastar concert with Beyonce, U2 and Bruce Springsteen to 10 official inaugural balls.

But Obama’s Inauguration Comittee isn’t worried that Americans will find the partying costs excessive.

“That is probably not the way the country is going to be looking at it,” said committee spokeswoman Linda Douglass. “It is not a celebration of an election. It is a celebration of our common values.”

Um, sorry, sister… Excessive spending on some parties in the midst of a recession is not a “common value” we share.

Douglass said the campaign sought to keep costs down by having the same decorations at each of the 10 balls, eliminating floral arrangements and negotiating prices on food.

“Those at the Obama administration are trying to be reflective of the climate,” McDermott’s spokesman, Mike DeCeasar, said Saturday.

Unfortunately, I can’t say that I’m surprised. People are treating the inauguration like it’s the second coming, and while Barack Obama promises change, he is already not practicing what he preaches. Will he be held to a lower standard just because he’s the first minority president? I sure hope not.

[image: WENN]