D.C. Inauguration Security: $28 Million. Souvenir Scarf: Priceless
With two million people planning to crowd the Mall for Obama's swearing-in and the subsequent release of a dozen winged unicorns, the District of Columbia is spending $28 million on security, including extra police forces and high-tech surveillance systems.
They're even preparing for the unlikely event of a terrorist whale attack…
Using a Homeland Security grant, the D.C. government is installing a $350,000 set of special loudspeakers, which use sonar technology, along Pennsylvania Avenue and the Mall, according to District officials. Dozens of prerecorded messages will be ready to play for the crowds.
Of course, at least eight of these messages will be David Plouffe saying "You helped shape history! Now treat yourself or a loved one to an official limited edition Obama coffee mug."
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Anyone heading to DC for the inauguration might be interested in this guide: "Where to Pee in DC: An Insider's Guide for the Inauguration" Sounds goofy, but there's a shortage of available bathrooms on and around the National Mall where the inauguration takes place. It's available on ebay for $3.75 (item # 120351046988).