This is in response to a recent letter concerning the cost and impact of the presidential inauguration.

The dissatisfaction with the election results is very transparent with the use of words like “new messiah,” “anointing,” and “he’s too impressed with himself.”

This presidential inauguration, planned by the Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC) as it has during every other inauguration, will be no different than those of the past.

President Bush’s first Inauguration cost $40 million. His second inauguration — when he was already in office — cost another $40 million, and that was before the cost of the added security due to 9/11. It involved nine balls, a youth concert, a parade, fireworks and the official ceremony. (Again, this is when he was re-elected, simply staying in office.)

President Clinton’s first inauguration cost $33 million and his second cost $23 million. George H. Bush’s inauguration cost $30 million.

I’m curious, did you write in with your dissatisfaction of the cost and need for added security when Bush’s two inaugurations cost in excess of $80 million?

Were you worried about terrorist attacks when his re-election was the first inauguration after 9/11? Using your thoughts on this event, wouldn’t it have been advantageous to the country, to the condition of Washington, D.C., and to the security of all our citizens, if Bush simply took office and did away with all the celebrations the second time around?

Would you have these same concerns if McCain won the election? You do realize the inauguration would be holding the same events, regardless of which candidate won.

The President of the United States is the highest position in this country. Why shouldn’t the election of this office be treated with celebrations? This inauguration is said to be costing in the vicinity of $50 million, about the same as Bush’s second inauguration, with the added security costs.

There are many more showing up in Washington for this inauguration because of the hope and excitement that accompanies President-Elect Obama.

As far as the cost is concerned, seems like pocket change when you think we, as taxpaying Americans, are paying $10 billion dollars per month to stay in Iraq.

I personally will be watching every minute of the inauguration, with great enthusiasm, on television that week. I wish I too were fortunate enough to attend in person. Go, Obama!

Debbie Pitts

Peachtree City, Ga.