December 10, 2004 - It is that time again, that quadrennial period between election and inauguration devoted to shaking down the rich and powerful to pay for the victory party. George W. Bush plans a bigger and better party setting a record for excess. Last time the party cost $40 Million. But there is a difference from 4 years ago. This time the nation is a war and the mood must be less festive and more solemn. Solemnity is, of course, expensive and so the inaugural fundraisers of the RNC need to surpass the $40 Million record set by the Bush party in 2001.

Nobody is asking just how many Humvees and trucks can be armored for $40 Million. War time is expensive and this year the committee says we can expect more of an emphasis on the military and veterans but no sense of restraint. It is war time and we have to support the troops and there is nothing that will boost morale like a big blowout for the Commander in Chief. Organizers say that there will be a Commander in Chief’s Ball with free admission for those serving in the military but there is no mention of free transportation to and from Iraq for those soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who might like to attend. There will be gala titled "America's Heroes: A Salute to Those Who Serve." to celebrate service in the military. We owe America’s heroes nothing less than another occasion at which the President can wear a new costume – maybe a specially designed dress uniform for the Commander in Chief. What a morale booster.

Have I mentioned that this will cost money? Well the organizers have thought of that. Fundraising started Wednesday. You can buy a “Sponsor’s Package” that includes tickets for all the official inaugural events including an elegant candlelight dinner with President Bush for just $100,000.00. How about that for celebrating small letter democracy? For just $150,000.00 more you can move up to an “Underwriter’s Package” that gives you all that plus an exclusive lunch with President Bush and Vice-President Cheney as well as a special pass that lets you in to any inaugural ball. You just can’t afford to pass that up but it is likely that the 138,000 American troops now serving in Iraq will have to.

Now that all provides us liberals with an opportunity to help heal the wounds, boost the troops’ morale and put the nastiness of the 2004 campaign behind us. It gives us an opportunity to participate in the celebration in a meaningful way. Suppose we raised the price of an “Underwriter’s Package” and gave it to Specialist Thomas Jerry Wilson of the 278th Regimental Combat Team of the Tennessee National Guard. We’d have to add another $50,000 or so to cover travel expenses to and from Baghdad International. He could ask his question directly of the man most responsible for sending troops out ill-equipped. He’d have access to Vice-President Cheney.

Access is expensive but the look on Dubya’s face would be priceless.