Christmastime at the Obama White House
EmailABC News’ Ann Compton and Sunlen Miller report: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the White House. The theme of the White House Christmas decorations this year is: “Reflect, Rejoice, and Renew,” which First Lady Michelle Obama today unveiled in a preview event, showing-off the freshly-decorated White House. “For the Obama family, Christmas and the New Year has always been a time to reflect on our many blessings, to rejoice in the pleasure of spending time with our family and our friends, and to renew our commitment to one another and to the causes that we believe in,” the first lady said today showing off the new decorations in the Grand Foyer of the White House. “And I wanted to continue that part of the tradition during our first holiday season here at the White House. And this year has been filled with an infinite number of blessings for me and my family.” The first lady’s office says that scaled down and minimalist decorations that are scattered about the State Floor – many recycled from past administrations – reflect not only the hard economic times but also the administration’s emphasis on the environment and recycling. Natural material like magnolia, hydrangea, honeysuckle vine, and pepper berries adorn the trees and wreaths in each of the rooms on the State Floor. Dried room materials from the first harvest of the White House Kitchen Garden were also included in some of the decorations. Mrs. Obama chose traditional decorations that we re-interpreted to reflect the “scale, architecture, and color palette of each room,” the first lady’s office says. The State Dining Room decorations were designed to complement the coloring in the William Cosgwell portrait of Abraham Lincoln that hands above the fireplace on the west wall, the first lady’s office says – including two Fraser Fir trees adorned with natural pods, berries, magnolia branches, honeysuckle garland, pee gee hydrangea, and sugar pine cones. The real wow factor of the White House decorations this year is the annual gingerbread house – made over the last six weeks by White House pastry chef Bill Yosses. “This year we’ve included something a little bit different,” the first lady said today. “In addition to the gingerbread White House we also have the White House Kitchen Garden on the South Lawn, a shadow box that lets you look into the gingerbread White House and view the State Dining Room. And I just saw there’s also a little Bo replica.” The 400 pound white house replica is made out of white chocolate, and gingerbread with flourishes of marzipan to create the vegetables in the garden, and the furniture in the state dining room. The entire house is edible except the copper chandelier which hangs in the state dining room shadow box. In the East Room the four fireplaces are decorated with fresh garlands, blue hydrangea, seeded eucalyptus and beaded fruit. Four 60” wreaths suspended with silk cord, hang behind the mantles. In the Grand Foyer there are two 15 foot Fraser Fir trees adorned with reflective iridescent glass balls and claret colored beaded glass branches. The Blue Room holds this year’s official White House Christmas Tree—a Douglas Fir standing 18 ½ feet high and nearly 13 feet wide,. The tree is lit with environmentally sound LED lights and decorated with ornaments from previous administrations. “We decided to do something just a little different,” Mrs. Obama said. “We took about 800 ornaments left over from previous administrations, we sent them to 60 local community groups throughout the country, and asked them to decorate them to pay tribute to a favorite local landmark and then send them back to us for display here at the White House. ” Among those local landmarks on display on the ornaments are the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, Pompey’s pillar in Billings, Montana, and the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. The ornaments are hung with blue ribbon embroidered with the words, “reflect, rejoice, renew,” in several different languages. In the Red Room, The White House tradition of a “cranberry tree” was modified by embellishing the mantle with a cranberry garland and two cranberry wraths around the necks of the carved mantle figures. The Green Room showcases two 8 foot dried pepper berry topiary trees made from 400 bunches of Californian grown pepper berries.
There are six living trees with their roots balled and wrapped in burlap at the East Wing, West Wing, and North Portico entrances. These trees will be adopted by the National Parks Service after Christmas is over to be replanted. The decorating and design committee spent 3,400 hours of manpower and started Friday afternoon through the weekend in order to prepare the People’s House for public viewing. In coordination with the East Wing, Residence staff, 92 volunteers from 24 states the First Lady designed the decorations inspired by the “residential and “warm” atmosphere by the House itself. This year – the White House even got a little help from Simon Doonan, the creative director of Barney’s New York – who played a role in the design of the displays this year. During the event today the first lady highlighted two causes which the White House will be supporting this holiday season – local food banks, and the Toys for Tots program. “I know many people approach the holidays in the same way in their own lives, and that at this time of year for so many people, they are looking for opportunities to give thanks and to give back. And we’re doing the same thing here at the White House.” In coordination with the Corporation for National and Community Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the first lady today launched the United We Serve “Feed a Neighbor” initiative. The program will connect Americans to opportunities like delivering meals to homebound seniors, offering professional skills at a food pantry, or planting a community garden and sharing produce with neighbors. – Ann Compton and Sunlen Miller
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and we need a “war tax” to support this style of living while others die for our country
Posted by: nothing more than a photo-op | December 2, 2009, 3:40 pm 3:40 pm
I LOVE the theme – Reflect, Rejoice, and Renew.
I encourage everyone to consider natural decorations this year – holly, fresh boughs, branch wreaths, pine cones – or cut paper snowflakes, gingerbread ornaments, egg white + sugar coated fresh fruit.
Seriously, there’s no reason to spend money on plastic junk that depletes your resources and piles up in landfills.
Posted by: CenterOne | December 2, 2009, 3:47 pm 3:47 pm
I love the Christmas decorations at the White House and am pleased as punch that Obamas are carrying on the tradition. I can’t wait to see their version of the “Barney Cam” to see all of the beautiful decorations.
Posted by: Axey | December 2, 2009, 3:54 pm 3:54 pm
To the last post listed today 12/02 @ 3:47:26PM – Bah hum bug to you! All presidential whitehouses have decorated and celebrated the Holidays since the first President – Republicans & Democrats alike! It is a time honored tradition.
If you support our troops & the war effort, you should be happy to assist – our country needs us – yes more & more.
Cheers!
Posted by: Gary Lyons | December 2, 2009, 3:54 pm 3:54 pm
“And I just saw there’s also a little BO replica.”
Naw, that’s the real incredible shrinkin’ president.
Posted by: Krakatoa | December 2, 2009, 4:10 pm 4:10 pm
Not one word about the other God, Jesus’ birth. Funny after 20 years in a christian church.
Posted by: Stanjones | December 2, 2009, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm
I thought that Christmas already had a theme: The Birth of Christ.
Posted by: Kevin | December 2, 2009, 4:18 pm 4:18 pm
He was never in a Christian church, so, that’s why no mention of Jesus or Christ or a Savior. He was in a hate-filled, black liberation theology church. Obama told the Chicago Sun-Times that god to him is just doing what is right according to his own morals. That’s terrifying.
Posted by: Millard | December 2, 2009, 4:18 pm 4:18 pm
Obama told the Chicago Sun-Times that god to him is just doing what is right according to his own morals. That’s terrifying.
____________________________________
Inaccurate quote, but not nearly as terrifying as George W. thinking God was speaking to him personally and telling him what to do. That’s what the Taliban think as well.
Posted by: tierra | December 2, 2009, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm
He was never in a Christian church, so, that’s why no mention of Jesus or Christ or a Savior. He was in a hate-filled, black liberation theology church.
_________________________________
Have you listened to full sermons by Rev. Wright? Did you attend that church? Have you studied interviews with him? Have you read full texts of his sermons?
What you’re displaying is bigotry surrounded by ignorance, sound bites and parroted talking points.
Posted by: tierra | December 2, 2009, 4:38 pm 4:38 pm
Jesus is the reason for the season!
Posted by: Kathy in Pa. | December 2, 2009, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm
It’s Christmas. Please, give us break. This hate-filled rhetoric is disgusting.
Peace on earth.
Goodwill to all men.
Love thy enemy.
Let’s try it, you guys.
Posted by: Byron | December 2, 2009, 4:49 pm 4:49 pm
“nothing more than a photo-op” | Dec 2, 2009 3:40:10 PM posted: “and we need a “war tax” to support this style of living while others die for our country.”
Did you actually READ this article? …..92 volunteers from 24 states…re-using decorations from previous administrations…. supporting local food banks + Toys for Tots program….. announcing the “Feed a Neighbor” initiative.
There’s no “War Tax” needed for this “style of living”, so stop being a Grinch. I’m sharing my Christmas blessings with neighbors, INCLUDING veterans, and I encourage everyone to do the same.
Posted by: CenterOne | December 2, 2009, 4:51 pm 4:51 pm
The Obama’s and many like his family in America uses this time of the year to Simple reflect, rejoice and renew. Isn’t this the purpose of Christmas? And I sure there has been NO ONE supporting their style of living but THEM. Yes, they have taste, style and money and it didn’t come from their parents or grand parents. It’s real! Hey, it’s REAL Americana
Posted by: sara | December 2, 2009, 4:52 pm 4:52 pm
I thought that Mrs Obama’s explicit references to Christmas and the Christmas season would shut down the silly ‘war on Christmas’ nonsense before it started, but I see the Fundamentalist Republican party has gone too far right for that to be enough. Thank goodness Christians don’t have any history of requiring burkas, so at least they’ll always have that difference from the Taliban.
Posted by: jhw539 | December 2, 2009, 4:53 pm 4:53 pm
Maybe the only way to see that sweet gingerbread house is to crash the Christmas party. Is that chef on the tax payers dime? Six weeks to build a gingerbread house. I will attempt a scaled down version of my house this year. Pretty much 4 side walls with two additional walls for the roof. I will use some icing to hold it together.
Posted by: Huh | December 2, 2009, 5:49 pm 5:49 pm
Posted by: Huh | Dec 2, 2009 5:49:09 PM “I will attempt a scaled down version of my house this year.” Right on ! Kids love gingerbread houses – perfect example of what I meant by decorating without plastic junk made in China.
On another note, Bill Yosses has been the White House Executive Pastry Chef since January 2007 under GW Bush. The folks who work in the White House kitchen generate new ideas and, yes, even inspire new businesses – chefs are a force in the direction of food, wine and service for American restaurants.
Yosses is trained in classical French cooking and been a chef for 30 years – even wrote the book “Desserts for Dummies”. I’m guessing he has been a little busy, so that may be why building the White House replica took six weeks.
Happy Holidays from my family to yours !
Posted by: CenterOne | December 2, 2009, 6:16 pm 6:16 pm
“I LOVE the theme – Reflect, Rejoice, and Renew.
I encourage everyone to consider natural decorations this year – holly, fresh boughs, branch wreaths, pine cones – or cut paper snowflakes, gingerbread ornaments, egg white + sugar coated fresh fruit.
Seriously, there’s no reason to spend money on plastic junk that depletes your resources and piles up in landfills.”
Amen. Conservation is not a partisan issue.
And saving / resisting consumerism is the only thing that is going to get us through this extended recession.
Happy Holidays / Merry Christmas to all the readers, Tapper & crew and the Obama family.
Posted by: oops | December 2, 2009, 6:30 pm 6:30 pm
CenterOne-Wow what positive spin on the whole thing. Yep, I try to only buy American, yet I rail against just about every policy coming out of DC including employing overpaid chefs. Future innovation for this country’s solvency will not come through food.
Posted by: Huh | December 2, 2009, 7:24 pm 7:24 pm
We can’t have the annual feel good X-mas decoration story without snide comments? I wonder what God would make of this one.
Chiefs have made the gingerbread houses for years and nothing is new this year vs. any year past with ANY other president.
Posted by: secondlook | December 2, 2009, 7:45 pm 7:45 pm
Posted by: Huh | Dec 2, 2009 7:24:04 PM posted: “Future innovation for this country’s solvency will not come through food.” Probably not alone, but 400,000 restaurants operate in the US market, adding $240 Billion to our economy. That market takes innovation too.
And yes, I do see the glass half full, not half empty. Heading home to do just that.
Posted by: CenterOne | December 2, 2009, 7:51 pm 7:51 pm
I am offended by this infidel idolatry .
Posted by: nat turner | December 2, 2009, 7:53 pm 7:53 pm
“I wonder what God would make of this one.”
She’d probably think it was a big ole waste of money.
Posted by: Barry Christmas | December 2, 2009, 8:00 pm 8:00 pm
Could we add one more word to this:
“Reflect, Rejoice, and Renew”??
Such as: “RESIGN”
Posted by: dream | December 2, 2009, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm
“This is NOT a Christian nation” -BHO
Posted by: Terry | December 2, 2009, 9:24 pm 9:24 pm
No Kwanza?
Posted by: Terry | December 2, 2009, 9:26 pm 9:26 pm
I am very much concerned that the White House is completely ignoring Buddhism and the approaching the upcoming important Buddhist celebrations.
Posted by: H1N1hysteria | December 2, 2009, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm
Don’t forget Kim Merlin – she was a large part of the decorating this year. The admiral introduced Ms Merlin as the person in charge.. She was so nice and truly was in charge.
Posted by: rez | December 2, 2009, 10:28 pm 10:28 pm
don’t forget Kim Merlin from Illinois, who was in charge of decorating and floral design.. the admiral introduced her as the one in charge. The decor is stunning!
Posted by: jenna | December 2, 2009, 10:33 pm 10:33 pm
what, no rightwingers claiming the Obama’s have corrupted Xmas in some communist way..
will the ‘right’ try to force jolly old St. Nick to show his ‘true birth certificate’ before he accesses American air space?
Will St. Nick be subjected to ‘enhanced techniques’ to find his true point of origin?
Will ex-Gov Palin seek to consult her witchdoctor and give out Xmas recipes only to ‘real Americans’?
Will Santa be labeled as a ‘community organizer’, sponsored by ACORN and radical liberals for handing out toys to tots?
Will Jesus buy an American car?
Peas on oith to all
Posted by: Oh Yeah | December 3, 2009, 12:06 am 12:06 am
The circumstances of Jesus’ birth are much better documented than those of BHO.
Posted by: Terry | December 3, 2009, 12:25 am 12:25 am
secondlook-What kind of chiefs? We don’t need such excess during this time when so many are suffering. A house with 4 walls would do just fine.
CenterOne -Yep, serving corporate food making everyone fat. No wonder we can’t get healthcare costs under control.
Posted by: Huh | December 3, 2009, 12:51 am 12:51 am
Is that chef on taxpayers time?
That chef is the White House chef since 2007.
That chef was the White House chef for GW Bush and his family and is now the chef for the Obama family.
Do you hot-air Republicans really want to got there?
Posted by: Angie | December 3, 2009, 1:24 am 1:24 am
Amazing what can be done on the taxpayers money!
Posted by: Keith | December 3, 2009, 7:43 am 7:43 am
Angie-What makes you think I am a fan of the republicans. You couldn’t be more wrong. Waste is waste no matter who is running things.
Posted by: Huh | December 3, 2009, 10:11 am 10:11 am
Actually, Tery, the circumstances of Jesus’ birth are so poorly “documented” that some people have reasonably questioned whether he existed at all.
I’m an atheist who happens to believe that he did exist, while not being the son of God, but my view is not based on Luke’s charming gospel story or any other scriptural claims. To call the Bible a “document” of any kind is to raise questions about why you don’t consider the scriptural writings of other faiths to be equally authoritative.
As for the White House decorations, this is the nation’s house, and it should be kept looking good. Had the Obamas decided not to decorate or to use far more modest decorations than past administrations have displayed, I guarantee that loud voices would have been raised in protest. People looking for any and every excuse to complain would have asked why the Obamas didn’t want the White House to look as attractive for the holidays as it has in the past, and some would even have identified a sinister motive.
Obviously the 92 volunteers who carried out the decorating scheme felt the effort was worth their time. And good for them. We should thank them for being willing to provide their services for free.
Posted by: Eleonora27 | December 3, 2009, 11:17 am 11:17 am
Huh | Dec 3, 2009 10:11:23 AM posted “Waste is waste no matter who is running things.”
Once again, that’s the mindset of glass-half-full. Decorating the White House for Christmas isn’t a “waste” – it’s a wonderful tradition. Everyone who tours our nation’s house helps pay for this spectacular, uplifting, and educational place.
Sure, we live in an imperfect world. But each of us, including our First Lady, can send out positive ripples with our actions and words. The example set this Christmas was to scale down by using natural materials, recycle existing ornaments, work with volunteers, and highlight local charities. That’s not a “waste”.
Posted by: CenterOne | December 3, 2009, 12:37 pm 12:37 pm
I always look forward to Christmas at the White House, and this year is no exception. Adore that replica White House– my favorite part this year! The ornaments from every state has never dazzled me, but this year that seems to have been done in a clever and interesting way. Good work.
It’s nice to see the White House all decked out. Thanks for the story on it.
Posted by: moderate | December 3, 2009, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
CenterOne – Glad you look forward to it. However 95% of Americans have no clue to what the festivities are nor do they pay attention, but they are billed for it. The excesses such as a 6 week labor intensive gingerbread house on the taxpayer dime is too much. The first lady flew in a plane to Denmark, followed by her husband in AirForce One to lobby for the olympics. Bush flew AirForce One to NM to sign an energy conservation bill. Please do not defend these people. Your partisan dem positions are a bit much.
Posted by: Huh | December 3, 2009, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm
Huh – he excesses such as a 6 week labor intensive gingerbread house on the taxpayer dime is too much. The first lady flew in a plane to Denmark, followed by her husband in AirForce One to lobby for the olympics. Bush flew AirForce One to NM to sign an energy conservation bill. Please do not defend these people. Your partisan dem positions are a bit much. —————— You mean the ginger bread house that every other President has had in the WH? Please don’t forget Pres. Bush’s NUMEROUS Trips to TX, more vacation than any other President. The current President should live in the same style as all the previous ones. Why is that an issue? At least this current FL is using decorations they already had and things that are recyclable.
Posted by: Try the truth | December 3, 2009, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm
Try the truth – I am no fan of Pres Bush, but at least by going to his ranch, the tax dollars required to protect him was minimal. Obama on the other hand shut down Manhattan for his trip to Broadway. These people need to live a lifestyle that mirrors the situation we now find ourselves in economically. During the 80′s, 90′s we were living on the upside of a bubble. Now it is deflating and many are suffering. Excessive celebration by those that are in power is not wise nor is it empathetic. Celebrate Christmas by all means, but keep mind of what is going on around you. I find Obama woefully out of touch. Just my opinion of course.
Posted by: Huh | December 3, 2009, 2:31 pm 2:31 pm
Huh | Dec 3, 2009 2:06:00 PM posted, “The excesses such as a 6 week labor intensive gingerbread house on the taxpayer dime is too much.”
I’m not a “partisan dem” anymore than you only support Republicans. Sure, flying two planes to Denmark was viewed as excessive, but spending too much time on gingerbread ? Common – that’s just complaining for no reason. It’s what a pastry chef is paid to do.
White House chefs are salaried, not hourly employees – so yes, I will defend “these people”. The last White House executive pastry chef, Roland Mesnier, worked there for 25 years under Carter, Reagan, Bush I, Clinton and Bush II. Check out his book – it’s an interesting insight to an interesting occupation.
Posted by: CenterOne | December 3, 2009, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
“It’s what a pastry chef is paid to do.”
Interesting, again who is paying the bill and for how much?
We will agree to disagree. You look the other way at waste. I see the hypocrisy.
Posted by: Huh | December 3, 2009, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
Huh | The cost of Pres. Bush’s numerous trips to TX cost the tax payer a pretty penny. No minimal cost there. The SS had to cover his full ranch 1600 acres. As for shutting down NYC, all they did was stop traffic along the route, reopening after the cars passed. As they have done with every other President. Unfortunately I think that is certain sectors of the American people who are woefully out of touch. Is the expectation that this President should live in a duplex? That last 2 yrs of the Bush Admin, financially things were not good. None of you asked this of him. It was fine that he was back and forth to the ranch, that AF1 & the smaller jet, took his daughters back and forth also. Mrs. Obmama is reusing past decorations, she didn’t buy china as every first lady has because Mrs. Bush spent 500K on a new set 2 mo before they left! Look at what they have done instead of finding fault in the tiniest of things. What, did you expect them to buy a blow up Santa for the front lawn? They are following the WH traditions, why do you begrudge them that?
Posted by: Try the truth | December 3, 2009, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm
Try the truth – The SS only had to cover an area immediately around Bush. To say they were covering 1600 acres constantly is silly.
I have heard the Broadway debacle was on the order of $50,000. If I was president I would have stayed home to play Yahtzee since I do not want to charge the taxpayers for such excess.
“Is the expectation that this President should live in a duplex? ”
I would say after sending so many to their deaths in an illegal immoral war, yes!
I begrudge as you say because we are now broke, and people are continuing to lose their jobs. The White House celebration should be scaled way back to reflect this.
I think what this comes down to is what constitutes excess. I obviously view this quite different from yourself and that is ok.
Posted by: Huh | December 3, 2009, 3:10 pm 3:10 pm
Huh | Dec 3, 2009 2:31:50 PM posted “Excessive celebration by those that are in power is not wise nor is it empathetic. I find Obama woefully out of touch.”
What a Grinch ! How is working with 60 local community groups throughout the country, and reusing ornaments from previous administrations “excessive”? How is focusing on food banks and Toys for Tots “woefully out of touch”? Surely six weeks spent making a bakery creation does not cancel the value of launching the “Feed a Neighbor” initiative.
And no, I don’t “look the other way” about “waste”, I simply don’t find fault when in the balance, there is none.
Posted by: CenterOne | December 3, 2009, 3:10 pm 3:10 pm
Huh, I thought your screen name was particularly appropriate when I read what you wrote in response to my earlier post. You said, “Please do not defend these people. Your partisan dem positions are a bit much,” in response to my quick, innocuous comment that I enjoy reading about the festivities at the WH each year. You did give me a great laugh, I must say. I have been called a lot of things on these boards over the past year, but a partisan Dem has never been one of them. I criticize the president and his administration so often that I go out of my way to say something positive when I can, such as here.
But seriously, as critical as I often am of government excess and of the president’s priorities, I think they get this just right. The WH is, remember, not just the First Family’s residence, but the nation’s home. It is a public building, one that should reflect our country in all its glory. I was frankly afraid that the current occupants might be tempted to downplay the Christmas hoopla, saying they wanted to be more multi-culti and not privilege the Christian holiday. Thank goodness those fears were baseless. Thousands of people will enjoy those decorations in person, at various tours and functions at the WH this month, and more will enjoy them vicariously. I don’t think that is a waste, in the greater scheme of things. And that comes from one who shared your frustration at two planes flying to the Olympic bid.
Posted by: moderate | December 3, 2009, 6:59 pm 6:59 pm
Posted by: Huh | Dec 3, 2009 12:51:48 AM:
“The circumstances of Jesus’ birth are much better documented than those of BHO.”
Short version…. NOT.
Longer version: The exact date of Jesus’ birth is unknown. The common Western standard for numbering years, in which the current year is 2009, is based on an early medieval attempt to count the years from his birth.
The Gospel of Matthew places his birth under the reign of Herod the Great, who died in 4 BC/BCE, and the Gospel of Luke describes the birth as taking place during the first census of the Roman provinces of Syria and Iudaea in 6 AD/CE. However, most scholars generally assume a date of birth between 6 and 4 BC/BCE.
Message to Huh: Change the year of your calendar from 2009. It should be 2004 plus or minus 1.
Gee, the year of Jesus’ birth isn’t very well documented, now is it?
And what about his birthday Dec 25th? Well, for starters, that date wasn’t decided upon until Liberius, Bishop of Rome, ordered adoption of Dec 25… in 354 AD.
And obviously, that’s using the Julian calendar. When Jesus was born, the Hebrew calendar was in use. So do you celebrate his birth on the correct Hebrew month and date?
Huh???
Posted by: Silent 3 | December 4, 2009, 1:37 pm 1:37 pm
sorry, misread post attributions.
Missive aimed at TERRY
Apologies to Huh.
Posted by: Silent 3 | December 4, 2009, 1:43 pm 1:43 pm
I’m sixty years old and I never thought I’d live to see the day when people would carp about The White House Christmas decorations and festivities.
It’s Obama Derangement Syndrome at fever pitch. If The President said that the sun rises in the east, some of you would immediately start arguing that it actually rises in the west.
Posted by: Brooklyn Democrat | December 4, 2009, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
you house is amazing
Posted by: Emily Dalton | December 10, 2009, 9:46 am 9:46 am
I attended this press event. It is quite remarkable. The who presentation is quite spectacular. Hats off to the White House Staff.
Posted by: Luke Wilbur | November 22, 2010, 2:05 pm 2:05 pm
This is a disgusting display of excess. In our current, well deserved, time of economic distress, wasting these resources decorating and celebrating is an embarrassment to all US citizens. I wonder how the Chinese, to whom we are so deeply, deeply indebted feel about this waste. When they invade and burn down the White House, we will be able to blame it on wasteful spending like this.
Posted by: john smith | December 12, 2010, 9:36 pm 9:36 pm