"Let Them Eat Cake!"

This morning on NPR I heard that the Bush inauguration will cost 40 million dollars. The money is from corporations and private donors. Am I the only person who thinks it is obscene that we are spending so much money on Pomp and Circumstance when it could be used to alleviate the large scale human suffering that is going on in Southeast Asia? Bush and his wealthy cronies can sip champagne in the lap of luxury while millions struggle to rebuild their broken lives. Under the circumstances, how can they possibly enjoy themselves? It's shades of Marie Antoinette, being so far removed from the plight of the poor. Whatever happened to noblesse oblige, the concept that the wealthy and powerful have an obligation to be generous and honorable?