Anti-War Protesters Gear Up For Bush Inauguration

Buttar is also angry about steep fees for public events. Entrance to each of the nine balls costs $150 US and the best viewing seats along the parade route run $125. "If you don't have a lot of money, Bush has no time for you. It's just an affirmation of his policies as president, like tax cuts for the wealthy that hurt average Americans." Criticism of the 55th inaugural has mounted in recent days, with newpaper editorials and some politicians questioning the optics of a national extravaganza while U.S. soldiers don't have all the equipment they need, the country is running a record deficit and tsunami victims in Asia are suffering. Others question the inaugural committee's efforts to pay for much of the pagentry with donations from wealthy corporations, saying it raises troubling questions about their access to the White House. But Republicans say it's preferable that taxpayers aren't footing the bill. And they've taken pains to highlight the military with a tribute Tuesday to kick off events and a new commander-in-chief ball Thursday for 2,000 soldiers who have either served in Iraq or Afghanistan or will soon be deployed. After Bush in sworn in at the Capitol on Thursday at noon and gives his inaugural address, members of the military will form his official escort for the parade to the White House that will include thousands of soldiers and is expected to attract some 500,000 spectators. "This year, we are (especially) honouring the men and women that are serving our country overseas and at home in our military," said Kevin Sheridan, who's on the inaugural committee. "But it is a celebration overall of freedom and our democracy." Democratic congressman Anthony Weiner sent Bush a letter last week suggesting that the inaugural money should be spent on troops in Iraq. "Precedent suggests that inaugural festivities should be muted, if not cancelled, in war-time," he wrote, noting that $40 million US would buy a lot of military equipment or provide a $290 bonus for each soldier in Iraq......... www.canada.com/national/story.html?id=e255e32b-e60f-4b74-a54a-6e404f248656