New presidents are allotted $100,000 to overhaul the White House residence and the Oval Office, and the Obamas hired Hollywood decorator Michael S. Smith (known, per his site, for mixing “Old World classicism with very contemporary settings”). But the First Couple isn’t spending that money. They “are not using public funds or accepting donations of goods for redecorating their private quarters,” says Camille Johnston, director of communications for the First Lady. Nor is the couple, who reported $4.2 million in household income in 2007 tax returns, using money from the White House Historical Association, a privately funded foundation that paid for a $74,000 set of china shortly before Laura Bush left town...The White House declined to disclose the budget, saying that all expenses would remain private as a result of the Obamas’ decision to absorb the cost.Well, well...that certainly is a new attitude in politics isn't it? They are entitled to the redecorating cash but refuse it, unlike the last regime which bought nearly $100k worth of dishes. I bet after this every president after Obama will follow his lead, and this little redecorating budget will go unused. Obama the trail blazer.
I'm putting my stake in the ground right now, it's going to be a new day in America, this is another small sign of change. I know it's hard to be patient. Obama promised change and we want and need change, NOW. But I know this mess wasn't made in a day and it won't be changed in a day, and it's small little changes in attitude and direction like these that show me that he's the real deal and that change will be coming. I will try to remember this moment when I go on my next rant.
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