[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/12/04/art.inaug.b.gi.jpg caption="Preparation for Obama's inauguration is already underway in Washington, D.C."]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Oprah's going to Washington along with everyone else. The daytime Diva plans to do her television show from the Nation's Capitol during inauguration week.
Estimates are that 3 million people may show up for this historic event...the swearing in of the first Black President. The mayor of Washington says it could be as many as 5 million.
Some will come to watch and some to celebrate. There will be numerous parties and even formal balls.
But according to a CNN opinion poll out today about the economy, 79 percent of Americans say things are going badly in the country right now and 42 percent say the recession is serious.
News of layoffs and pleas for government bailouts continue. The bad news about the economy shows no sign of letting up, so is it really time for a huge celebration?
Obama insiders won't reveal any details of the inauguration plans but they tell CNN the party will go on. We just don't know how big a party it will be.
Here’s my question to you: Should Barack Obama scale back his inauguration celebration in light of the economic crisis facing the country?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Diane from Barneveld, New York writes:
I think he should have his day like every other president. This is the first time in a long time I've been interested in an inauguration and I imagine there are others that feel the same way. Let us have our celebration and see history made.
Jay from Atlanta, Georgia writes:
Absolutely! This is a government, not a frat house. The party ends with Bush. Time to get serious.
JaRee writes:
No way should he scale back. This is once-in-a-lifetime celebration that most of the country has been waiting for. I think we can afford to take a break for one day out of the year to welcome in our new President.
Linda writes:
Absolutely and I believe that he will to set an example. I'm living and working in Macau and Obama is the big hope for the world. He will have to work miracles to live up to the expectations, but this would send an excellent message to Americans and the world.
Christopher from Houston, Texas writes:
Absolutely not, Jack. Given that we are in a huge mess with the economy, daily lay-offs and the Big-Three bailouts we deserve something to smile about. We should honor and recognize this fantastic moment in history; which I, personally, never thought I'd see. This is the symbol of hope for our country. Let's forget about the issues for a day and just enjoy the moment.
Dion from Dallas, Texas writes:
There are two major things that this nation needs now: (1) a celebration that won't cost the average citizen a dime and (2) spending to spur the economy. Let's have a big party with someone else's money and live through the celebration vicariously.
Eric from Tamarac, Florida writes:
Barack Obama's celebration is something that will be remembered for all time. This inauguration would serve as a great coming together of the American people to raise the country's morale and hope during these trying times of economic stress. Make it big. Make it loud. Let the world know that what we have done is historic. We are proud to be Americans and we are ready to begin a new and hopeful chapter in our history.