While discussions in Washington are focused on the fiscal cliff, the White House is looking ahead to spending a record amount of money on a three day celebration.  Inauguration day will fall on a Sunday in the new year, meaning the President’s official swearing-in will be a small, private ceremony as is tradition.  The President has called for a day of service the day before his inauguration, as he did in 2008.  The Monday after his official oath will be the public-swearing in, followed by a parade and balls.

As noted by The Weekly Standard, President Bush’s second inauguration cost $115.5 million and Obama’s first totaled over $125 million; and those numbers don’t even include the cost of the parties.  Taxpayers this go round can be sure they will be spending more than years past, considering the inaugural committee is already budgeting more for the festivities.

As if the news of more spending on parties in an economy that can’t seem to recover wasn’t enough, the inauguration theme is icing on the cake.  The theme this year will be, “Faith in America’s Future,”  indicating our faith for the future should be in President Obama; not God, who is usually paired with the term faith.  The inspiration for the inauguration theme actually comes from the statue of freedom that was placed on the Capital Dome in 1863.  According to the inaugural committee:

When the Civil War threatened to bring construction of the Dome to a halt, workers pressed onward, even without pay, until Congress approved additional funding to complete the Dome that would become a symbol of unity and democracy to the entire world.

Yes, it seems inauguration in January will be just Obama’s style: Lots of money, a hint of idol worship and a reminder of working without pay.  The next four years are going to be great!