This innauguration has been on my mind for many reasons---money being not the least of them.

NPR reported today that the security precautions will cost the taxpayers in the tens of millions of dollars. Granted, the GOP (Dear Grand Old Pilferers) are footing the bill for the balls---and they sure do have them by the score---balls that is. Corporations and rich donors that like gov't contacts are the donors---well, they saved it in the Bush tax cuts---balls again. A free ball for the military members---who's balls are being shot off. Sorry=there are women in the troops--but I could not think of a good there.

In a more serious vein then. the lies that embroiled us in this conflict, given the reversals we are suffering, given the natural disasters around our planet, and given the scandals that surround this administration would not a more humble and less arrogant persona and innauguration for a fumbling barely elected public speaker have spoken more eloquently for this nation than the imitation of a coronation of Louis XIV. Oh---let them eat cake---if they can afford it after this administration's blunders.

One last thought---CBS fires people for not doing their job properly. The Bush administration gives theirs medals of freedom. So much for integrity, honesty and brains in the vacuous people in power---and loving every minute of it.

Bill Hahn