While it's important for Americans to stand by their newly-elected president and to honor his renewed role as President of the United States, there is no reason for an expensive inauguration.
At a time like this, where our economy is still struggling to become as strong as it used to be, costs should be cut for such events.
We ask that the Obama Administration set an example by have a zero-cost inauguration, perhaps a simple ceremony in the White House with those already scheduled to work on that day. Let the media share this event with us through photos and videos, and we can celebrate in this way. Let the money that would have been spent on the inauguration and any related events be instead spent on grants to community benefits organizations, where it can make a larger impact.