I don’t know the answer to that question. There are so many people in the country — with many going to Washington — who want to celebrate the historic occasion, that maybe it’s OK to be little excessive.

I can’t wait for it to be over. I consider it a delay in forging ahead and I honestly feel it would have been great for Obama to have offered the money it will all cost to some needy charity or group of persons. I know people need to celebrate but not to the tune of millions. The economic climate demands a downscale, I believe.

Click here on this text to read my New York Post column.

From the way people are talking now, you would think that it is only in hard times that ostentation is vulgar. The Obamas appear to have taste, so I am assuming that the Inauguration will be a dignified ceremony followed by a jolly national bash, rather than a display of wealth and privilege — and that it would be tasteful even if he were coming to office in prosperous times.

They are corny, aren’t they? From an old world. America can’t afford a corny old-world celebration (even though Obama is an idea worth celebrating). What will the First Lady will wear? Is that exciting? Going from one celebration or star-hosted party to another to see who is there — is that a thrill? Think of all the people in the world who don’t know how they will care for their families now who will see all that boring old-fashioned nonsense on television – and will know how expensive it must be. Many are angry already. I hope they don’t watch.