Thinking

$500k Dinnerware Expenditure

by: L Jones

OH NO SHE DIDN’T! My fellow thinkers, on 7 January 2009 first-lady Laura Bush proudly posed for photographers, as she displayed a plate from the official George W. Bush state china that the Bush family had commissioned for the White House. The china set is valued at near a half million dollars. Did you hear what I wrote? I said a half million dollars. Let me show you the zeroes. $485,000. Are you serious? Typical right?

Well, I couldn’t believe this, so I had to do a little digging and this is what I came up with., It’s not that unusual for the first-lady to unveil sets of china prior to leaving the White House. Nancy Reagan and Hilliary Clinton both had china commissioned for the White House prior to their departure from the White House. My only issue with this presentation of dishware is the timing. The country is just simply not in usual times and the expenditure seems a bit excessive considering the state of the economy. With people losing homes, jobs, savings and hope, nearly a half million dollars for some dishes seems to be the same poor judgment the banks, car manufacturers and the housing market have put on display for the world to see. Fortunately though, there is some good news.The  et of china, crafted by Lenox was not purchased by taxpayers dollars. What a relief. It was instead purchased by the White House Historical Association , a charitable nonprofit institution whose purpose is to enhance the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the White House.

My thoughts are that I love the pattern and the gesture, but the timing of its unveiling sucks.  It’s nothing worse than struggling to make it and looking on television and see someone wasting money. A half million dollars would go nicely with paying for my children’s college tuition or the purchase of a home. Dishes? What a waste. Let me know what you think.

So, what do you THINK? When I first saw this clip, I was in shock and angered. I then watched it more closely and less emotionally. I looked at the demeanor of the BART Policeman after the shooting had occurred.  What was his intention? What would make a second year police veteran fatally shoot a teenager in a subway station full of witnesses? Whatever the intentions, I know that lives are ruined and one ceases to exist. RIP Oscar Grant. Happy New Year.