Is Obama-rama Worth the Price Tag?

When you throw a party and have an estimated 300,000 people turn up, you know you’re one popular guy. That’s one takeaway from yesterday’s inaugural concert, where the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, and Stevie Wonder performed for our President-elect.

In light of our country’s current economic situation, some detractors are declaring the expense of Obama-rama as a waste, stating that the money could have gone to much better uses. When Bush was sworn in for a second time in 2005, a Washington Post poll found that a majority of Americans would have preferred a less ostentatious affair. So it’s understandable that Obama’s estimated $160 million gala might ruffle a few feathers.

Let’s look at it another way. Unemployment is the highest it’s been in 15 years. Gas prices are heading back up, despite oil prices dropping. Experts are predicting our economy will get worse before it gets better. What this means is that our country needs a reason to feel good again. And what better way to boost morale and solidarity than a party? The good will and excitement generated by Sunday’s events can still be felt far beyond the Mall and Washington, and even those of us not fortunate enough to be in attendance feel as if we were a part of the historic festivities. Obama’s own website declared the inaugural events a “celebration of the American people.” If that isn’t cause enough to celebrate, I don’t know what is.

I’ve seen my share of inaugurations, and I can’t recall a single one that has had so much built-up anticipation. I don’t think that’s because of what color state I’m living in. This inauguration has transcended party lines and even international boundaries. Our extravagance in welcoming our new President is a sign to the rest of the world that we’re ready to embrace change, that our passion during the election wasn’t just a bunch of hoopla. In throwing this oversized bash, we’re letting the world know just how ready we are to take the reins and journey down a new path. We might actually regain some of the respect we lost over the last eight years.

Opponents of the festivities say that it’s all just an extravagant waste of “our” money. But contrary to what many believe, the funding for the festivities came from donors, not taxpayer money, so the argument that the concert and surrounding activities is a waste doesn’t wash – that’s what the money was intended for and would never have gone to any other cause.

By showing up on the Mall or tuning in on television, we’re making a promise to our new President and to ourselves that we’re going to work towards change. We have a rough road ahead of us, and we’re not going to see any progress unless we all pull together. The concert and festivities-to-come are our way of pledging our part in turning this country around. You can’t put a price tag on that.