Inauguration Funds Could Go Elsewhere

Re “Bush Enlists Predecessors in Aid Drive,” Jan. 4: This is nothing more than a show from a president who has squandered our taxpayer dollars and goodwill and is now scrambling to show himself as a leader and uniter.

He is continuing with his inauguration plans to spend tens of millions of dollars on pomp and circumstance to congratulate himself. If President Bush truly cared about the devastation and those affected, he would have cut his vacation short and he would not have needed to be embarrassed into raising the pledge of assistance from $15 million to $350 million in a matter of days, nor would he be foolishly spending about $40 million on a day of parties to further inflate his ego.

Is sacrifice only meant for others? If Bush truly cared about his fellow man, he would put aside the parties and instead use the donor funds for relief efforts.

Marina Riggio

St. Augustine, Fla.

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It appears that the presidential campaign for 2008 has already begun. Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, courtesy of his brother, George, will be getting a lot of photo ops that will give him an early advantage on potential competitors for the 2008 Republican presidential candidate. Fascinating how George Bush can take advantage of a disaster to further his personal and political desires.

Gary Goldman

Los Angeles

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Dear President Bush: I’m sorry I am unable to donate to the tsunami disaster victims as you have requested. My prescription drug bill this month was higher than my income. Really.

Lorraine Lahr

Studio City