bush: support our troops by partying

Bush on defensive over $52m party
By Caren Bohan in Washington
January 18, 2005

US President George W. Bush is drawing heat over a $US40 million ($52.81m) splurge on inaugural balls, concerts and candlelight dinners while the country is in a sombre mood because of the Iraq war and Asian tsunami.
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"I just think that the sobriety of the times dictate that we be mindful of the imagery of these things," said Democratic Republican Anthony Weiner of New York.

In a letter, Mr Weiner urged Bush to ask donors to redirect their inaugural contributions to equipment for troops in Iraq, some of whom have complained of having to scrounge for scrap metal to protect their vehicles.

"Precedent suggests that inaugural festivities should be muted - if not cancelled - in wartime," his letter said.

He said the money saved could pay for 690 Humvees and a $US290 ($382.84) bonus for each soldier serving in Iraq.

Mr Weiner cited the example of President Franklin Roosevelt, who celebrated his trimmed-down 1945 inaugural with cold chicken salad and pound cake.

But Mr Bush rejected the criticism.

"It's important that we celebrate a peaceful transfer of power ... You can be equally concerned about our troops in Iraq and those who suffered at the tsunamis (and) with celebrating democracy," he said in a CBS News interview released today.

He said inauguration activities would include military-themed events such as a Commander-in-Chief Ball and a Salute to Service.

"There's ways for us to honour the soldier and, at the same time, celebrate," the president said.
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