Jan 16 2009
White House China Costs $492,798
It has long been a tradition for each Presidential First Lady to redecorate the White House and leave behind a legacy of their own. Laura Bush added a few last minute purchases during the last few days of the Bush presidential term. She purchased two custom rugs and a 320 14-piece place settings of China. The cost of the china was $492,798. I fully understand that the china was purchased with privately funded money earmarked for the purpose of acquiring objects for the White House. But to me, this does not make the spending any less socially irresponsible given the current state of our economy.
I question the need to continue these frivolous traditions. The price tag(s) for these redecorations and “legacy” items are quite hefty. Presidents and society folks don’t have to eat off of expensive china. And there is no reason to re-paint, re-carpet, re-tile, or re-do perfectly adequate living quarters just because you move into a “new house”. Why not use that money to help America?
Since the Obama administration is all about change, perhaps they will be the first to come forward and request that the private funds be used on something that will be of benefit to America. Now THAT would be leaving behind a true legacy!
I agree with you on this one and I am pretty sure when President-elect Obama becomes the President in a few days, things will change. It will change so much that it will be painful. But it will be one of those pains you feel in the gym after a work-out. A good pain that makes you feel good, because you know that you’ve made yourself a bit better.