What can 40 million dollars buy?

What can 40 million dollars buy? If you are President Bush and his administration the answer is a lot. A lot of celebratory propraganda and unnecessary party favors. In a time of constant warfare, soldiers' struggles, and economic hardship, Bush decides to throw the largest party to welcome himself back into office. The inaugural bill exceeded 40 million dollars. While the large majority of this was from private contributors, you can guarantee the me and you, tax payers, will be fronting some of the bill.
Who needs this kind of celebration? Is it a president who has seen a decrease in popularity, or one that needs a boost of confidence? Once again the world had to stop so all eyes can be fixed on Mr. Bush. While millions are grieving, picking up the pieces, or still in shock in East Asia, Mr. Bush decides this would be the perfect time to celebrate. Not just any kind of celebration, but a 40 million dollar one.
So what could 40 million dollars buy, putting all unproductive means aside? Could it help to fund the unfunded Bush mandate that is to leave no child behind? Could 40 million dollars help contribute to the tsunami relief efforts? Or possibly could the 40 million dollars be used to fund our troops which are fighting his war? No! 40 million dollars was better spent on parades, champaign, and celebration.
One must ask himself or herself the price of happiness. Would you spend 40 million dollars at your graduation party, or would you contribute that to people around the world who lost everything? What is the value of Life? To Americans is it 40 million dollars to recognize one man when all in East Asia is lost?
While inauguration is a big event and should be celebrated, there are factors that must be taken into consideration. Current events should have demphized this inauguration, but the Bush administration had to distract from reality again.
Instead our tax money is being used to toast Mr. Bush and friends. That is one expensive toast!