Money talks at Obama's inauguration

[CuteOldGuy]

Are you still one of those who thinks Obama is on your side? Do you still think that he "cares" about your troubles? Do you even think he can "identify" with the little guy, and the people who are hurting?

If so, then you are an idiot. Here's the article:

As hundreds of thousands of Americans crowd the National Mall for President Barack Obama's second inauguration on January 21, the best seats will already be filled -- sold for a hefty price.

Obama limited individual donations to $50,000 for his first inaugural in 2009, and banned corporate donors as he sought to distance himself from special interests amid the historic swearing-in of the country's first black president.

His reticence over money did little to stop the flow of cash, however, and the new US leader racked up a record $53 million in private donations, much of it coming from the 1.8 million people who packed Washington for the event.

This second time around, such lofty intentions -- and Obama's pledge to have the most transparent US administration ever -- appear to have been shelved in advance, with companies invited to join in -- and fund -- the proceedings.

For the White House is throwing open the gates of largesse for supporters to contribute as much as $1 million for special access. The money could buy much more than a coveted seat near the president as he takes the oath of office.

"This is an avenue for special interests, especially wealthy corporations, to get their last chance to throw money at the feet of the president," Craig Holman, an expert on campaign finance reform, told AFP.

"The real intent is for the corporations to buy access and influence with the White House," added Holman, from consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.

In this year's invitations, copies of which were posted online by the Sunlight Foundation, an accountability group, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) formalized four different donation levels -- each with a name of one of the nation's founding fathers.

For $10,000 from individuals and $100,000 from business entities, "Madison" benefactors receive an invitation to a finance committee "road ahead" meeting, two tickets to a candlelight celebration on the eve of the inauguration, and a pair of tickets to the inaugural ball.

"Washington" contributors -- individuals who pay $250,000 and corporations that shell out $1 million -- gain "premium partner access" that also includes attendance at VIP receptions, seats for the inaugural parade, four ball tickets and passes to a concert with Stevie Wonder and Katy Perry.

Just who exactly will be buying in to such events, and how much will they be paying? Right now, it is a mystery.

In 2009, donors and their offerings were published on the Internet, but this year only the names are being disclosed in the short term. The amounts given will be published within 90 days of the inauguration.

A PIC spokesman said the lavish perks were offered to donors to get them to open their wallets one more time to help fund the inaugural festivities, after many of them contributed to the most expensive political race in US history.

The 2012 presidential campaign exceeded $2 billion, partly due to a Supreme Court case that lifted a cap on independent political spending by corporations.

Ironically, inauguration day will coincide with the second anniversary of the landmark Citizens United ruling, but funding fatigue may be setting in with the inaugural committee reportedly struggling to meet its $50 million target.

Private donations cover the party element of the inauguration, while taxpayers foot the bill for security.

According to a congressional report, more than 30,000 police were mobilized for the record inaugural crowd that jammed Washington's National Mall in 2009.

Authorities expect fewer people this year but security remains paramount -- dozens of streets will be closed to traffic and metal detectors will be used to scan the thousands ticketed guests.

The exact number of VIP donors is unknown, but a Department of Homeland Security report indicated that four years ago at least 750 were transported to the west front of the Capitol, where seats were reserved near the podium.

One donor perk that the Washington Post identified as a security breach in 2009 and will likely not be repeated this time around: some VIPs arranged to have their photo taken near the presidential limousine.

You want something from Obama? You pay for it. He's the Priceline President! Want your bank to be too big to fail? Call the Priceline President! You want to open a phony solar power company? Call the Priceline President! Need a war? You got it, call the Priceline President! Want to pay no taxes AND ship jobs to China? The Priceline President is right there with the perks!

But wait, there's more! Need an appointment, and don't want to wait for Congress? We got that, too! Need something banned, or someone detained? It's all right here at the Priceline President!

For those of you who aren't part of the 1%, please call 1-800-FUCK YOU. But if you are part of the 1%, just send your request, along with a check for millions of dollars to: Priceline President, 1600 Gotyacovered Avenue, Washington, District of Corruption, 10000-0000.

http://www.france24.com/en/20130113-...s-inauguration

[Yssup Rider]

Money talks at EVERY inaugural, COW. Especially first termers. This year's inauguration, like Bush's second stolen term's will be scaled back to TWO BALLS (which is two more than you have, BTW). Obama has NOTHING to do with the proceedings and, again you're making shit up to justify your hatred.

But your rant (no doubt a "fortified" rant) was pretty entertaining nonetheless. Trust you to find the conspiracy or corruption in everything!

Gary Johnson would have had a BYOB block party with cash Subway sandwiches.

LMAO @ Unaliar!

[CuteOldGuy]

Maybe you will get invited to the White House so President Priceline can honor you for your award, Assup!

DIPSHIT OF THE YEAR 2013

ASSUP!!!

[JD Barleycorn]

Obama has more flexibility now.

[Guest040616]

Way to go StupidOldLyingFart, yet another totally worthless thread about Obama. You seem to be batting a 1.000!

FOUR MORE YEARS!

[Yssup Rider]

Originally Posted by bigtex

Way to go StupidOldLyingFart, yet another totally worthless thread about Obama. You seem to be batting a 1.000!

FOUR MORE YEARS!

Then eight more after that!

[Jackie S]

I'm Shocked. A Polititian who currys favor to those that give him money.
What's the World coming too.

[Seedy]

Originally Posted by CuteOldGuy

Maybe you will get invited to the White House so President Priceline can honor you for your award, Assup!

DIPSHIT OF THE YEAR 2013

ASSUP!!!

Sup will be under the podium, with his drawers dropped and grabbing his ankles, while odumbo pile drives him.... LMFAO

[Old-T]

Originally Posted by Jackie S

I'm Shocked. A Polititian who currys favor to those that give him money.
What's the World coming too.

The original article makes it sound like this is a first.

Read some history, folks. This is only about 220 year old news.

Is it wrong? Yes. Is it news? No.

[Yssup Rider]

OH THE OUTRAGE!

I just called 1-800-FUCKYOU and they said the Unaliar was in the basement with his bus station squeeze from Salina!

It just gets more outrageous everyday in every way.

[CuteOldGuy]

In 2008, Obama ran on the idea that he was different. No lobbyists, no corporate influence, fiscal responsibility, transparency, etc.

Turns out he's like every other politician. Bought and paid for by the monied interests. He will throw some trinkets to the masses, like Obama phones, and a little Obama money, but the real money and influence go to his wealthy puppeteers. He doesn't give a rat's ass about the people of this country. He's going to obey, and retire rich. And the power will stay where it has always been. Wall Street and the major corporations.

[Guest040616]

Originally Posted by CuteOldGuy

In 2008, Obama ran on the idea that he was different. No lobbyists, no corporate influence, fiscal responsibility, transparency, etc.

Turns out he's like every other politician. Bought and paid for by the monied interests. He will throw some trinkets to the masses, like Obama phones, and a little Obama money, but the real money and influence go to his wealthy puppeteers. He doesn't give a rat's ass about the people of this country. He's going to obey, and retire rich. And the power will stay where it has always been. Wall Street and the major corporations.

Did I remember to say FOUR MORE YEARS?

[CuteOldGuy]

FOUR MORE YEARS

OF LYING, CHEATING, DISHONESTY AND CORRUPTION

FOUR MORE YEARS

Yeah, I heard you, BTLD.

[Guest040616]

FOUR MORE YEARS!
Live with it!

[Randy4Candy]

Hmmm, I guess the Bushies and Reagan just wrote a personal check.....