It's not unpatriotic, it's just too rational to be practical... If life were rational, then we would do as you suggest. But emotional ceremonial responses to all aspects of social life are very important, and inseparable from any activity or event. How about Christmas with no tree, gift wrapping, or family get-togethers (never mind Jesus or Santa)? Buy the presents, hand them out, and if there's anything left in the budget invite some friends and family over and have a dinner to celebrate. It would be the sensible thing to do...
E. On Jan 19, 2009, at 8:23 PM, Don Williams wrote:
At 06:01 PM 1/19/2009, you Marc wrote, in part:Oh, well, we cannot expect everything to happen all at once:I'm not really politically inclined, however I would have been much happier to have seen the expenses of the train ride, the activities yesterday and today, and the overall cost of the inauguration, go into the general fund and have the coronation after the new president has done some of the things he has promised.THEN would be the time to celebrate, assuming there is any money for such things.Perhaps that's an un-patriotic position, but I think it does make some sense.DAW
