Coronation report

JAN 19: As for tonight, the big event is the Black Tie and Boots affair that celebrates all that is Texas. It's also the night where Bush sweeps through a handful of "candlelight dinners" -- which are pretty much exclusively for big-ticket donors. We're talking folks who raised $100,000 or more for campaigns or perhaps $25,000 for this week's festivities alone.

[...]

Folks are winding down the daytime activities and getting ready for nights on the town. For Floridians, that means cocktails at the Grand Hyatt. Last night's Florida event generated some chuckles when Rep. Tom Feeney introduced Buzz Aldrin as the man who went to the moon with Neil YOUNG.

[...]

Political memorabilia is hot up here, as you might expect. They sell it in hotels, on street corners, wherever happy Republicans have gathered. A lot of it says stuff like "Proud to be an American" and "America for Bush." And, according to what CNN just said, a lot of it is made in Pakistan and China.

[...]

Inauguration eve is now winding down. And that includes the Black Tie and Boots ball. I have to be honest with you guys: This was the one event I couldn't get into. The ego in me says it's because I've written too many hard-hitting pieces about the president and his brother for them to feel good admitting me. The honesty in me says it was probably because I wasn't with the New York Times or papers in Dallas, Houston, Galveston or Amarillo. The event, after all, is vintage Texas. Tuxes are accented with cowboy hats, bolo ties and cowboy boots.
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I am so sorry I had to miss that. And BTW, you remember Tom Feeney, don't you? Where's the news on that?

JAN 20: A lot has been made about how much money has been spent on this week's event. The $40 million in donations is a new record. To put it in perspective, when Reagan had his first inauguration, the tab was $8 million.

But, sensing that some people may believe the spending is excessive -- especially with America at war -- the inaugural committee has made supporting our troops the primary theme. That way, if anyone criticizes the spending or partying, the organizers can reply: "Well, you're not opposed to honoring our troops in fine fashion, are you?"

Inauguration donors
Donor information resources

These bits I've quoted are from a blog being authored by Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell. I'll check in on him from time to time if I can remember. You can do it yourself here.

....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.