We have nearly had enough of this economic downswing; actually a recession, mind you, over almost the previous eight months of 2008. It has affected all of us, myself included. This recession has been a-coming for quite a long, long time. The government knew it; banks also knew it, and nobody took control and did literally nothing to stop the oncoming train wreck! World financial imbalances tossed major (and some not so major) countries into eternal financial recessions as well, at the same time the United States underwent it's throes of financial death. Gas and fuel pricing went sky-high this year, as one little example. Automakers now are demanding (in billions) $31,000,000,000.00 from the U.S. Government; and this is not all...they need at least $75,000,000,000.00 to over $100,000,000,000.00 just to keep themselves afloat; and they are not even FDIC insured!. Banks lost. Homeowners and small to larger businesses lost. To target the organ of the USA, it is in a great trial and tribulation period. With so much tighting of the financial belt in businesses, downsizing personnel and mass layoffs, here comes our next President, who, I learned just 15 minutes ago will NOT, I emphasize, will NOT relax his inauguration ceremonies to at least set a prime example and assistance to the US taxpayers, but in the direct view of the entire world at large to witness. Gala Balls, dancing in the streets, multitude's of parties, parades, mass food feedings, mass drinking parties and flow of liquor, beer and wine are prevailing on the 20th of January 2009 in Washington, DC and elsewhere. No estimate of what all these parties and diplomatic balls will cost, but it is expected to be into millions. If it were me, and of course, I will never be any more in life than I already attained, I would go ahead with the inauguration swearing-in, and then retire to the White House. Where is the respect for this office for President? Where is the respect for the people and citizens of the USA? Where is the respect for the financial burdens placed upon everybody...including Bill Gates for that matter (in-interview with Wolf Blitzer/Bill Gates, CNN, 3,4,5 December 2008). Where is the respect for the taxes people must pay to the US Government? Where is the respect for all those laid-off, or will be laid-off soon? This list can go on, and on...and we know it. So, President-Elect Obama, seems your getting off to quite a sparkling start! I will remember you, and probably everybody who attended your Gala Events on the 20th of January 2009, next time I pay my thousands I owe yearly on my Federal tax return. I'm positive you will find more ways to toss taxpayer's money out the window over the next four years, too. It is almost Christmas in less than three weeks. I best read my "Sanity Clause" before "Santa Claus" comes to town!