Didn't China spend $300 MILLION on the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony?

[onetwo]

I think roughly half that to properly stage and secure the inauguration of our nation's first black president is reasonable. Lighten up, people.

[Clio the Leo]

1. here here. NT

[onetwo]

2. Considering the massive projected turnout, the $160 million appears to be right in line.

If the 4 million prediction is accurate, then the $160 million may actually represent a decent value!

[gmoney]

3. well, they have it to spend...

we're going to have to borrow the $160B from China for ours...

[Occam Bandage]

4. And, given the interest, I'm pretty sure Obama's ceremony will just about pay for theirs. nt

[crimsonblue]

5. that $300 million used slave labor, too.

If the same ceremony had been pulled off in the US, it would likely have topped $1 billion.

[SteelPenguin]

6. More than that was spent on fireworks last year

Across the country more than that was spent by various local, state and federal governments for last year's july 4th fireworks, even more will be most likely spent this coming year.

New Yorks' fireworks (just the fireworks alone) cost over 7 million dollars. That doesn't even figure into the costs of police, etc for all the viewers. Factor that for the thousands of smaller shows across the country, with hundreds of major fireworks displays....

Anyway...lets just cancel those too right? Everyone complaining about the inauguration wants to cancel all July 4th festivities too right?

:sarcasm:

[AllentownJake]

7. Is this the non-controversy of the day?

I haven't been on as much because I've been attending local candidates kick off events for 2009.

[uponit7771]

10. Yes, wait till they find out what Obama's toilet paper bill is...the shit will hit the fan

[Milo_Bloom]

8. Ah yes, the "see they did it too" argument.

Because lord knows, no one could possibly criticize China.

[olkaz]

9. Well put.

When making one's case, comparing to an oppressive communist regime isn't exactly useful.