Celebrating Democracy

Obama's inauguration ceremony costed the treasury $170 Million. It was a momentous occasion and it may deem fit enough to spend all that money from the treasury. Its also interesting that the REAL cost of the ceremony was more than just that. It also includes all the effort, time and money spent by the people who thronged the Mall in Washington and others who followed elsewhere elsehow. This made me wonder about the Republic Day Parade that I am used to witnessing each year on the 26th of January in NewDelhi. A number of Govt departments take part in it and a lot of people witness it as well by thronging the Rajpath. We realize that there are two types of Cost associated with these "Public" Celebrations of Democracy - A State Cost that all the Tax Payers pay and a private cost for all those who wish to follow it.

It made me wonder about the Democracy and Celebrations relating to that. Democracy very similar to "The Law" is reflected in "The State" and the process of forming "The State". Niether "The State" nor "The Law" knows emotions, hunger, pain, anger or any other feelings. If that is the case how can there be a Democratic Celebration? It cannot be said that ALL people would like to celebrate the Day or all people may not like to celebrate it the way "The State" chooses to. So, how is it justified in using tax payer money for Celebrating Democracy? Does that mean there cant be another Republic Day Parade or an inauguration Ceremony like the one Obama had? No. This is democracy. Its possible. I am sure if people could be allowed to contribute to a celebration fund that could be used to stage these events, I am sure it is possible. When millions throng to attend the ceremony, wont it be easy to get the $170 Million funding through public contribution? If people love to support the ritual, then more money will be collected and more money can be spent. But if people are not interested in the ritual, it would just die out. Fair. Ain't it?

Please liberate the Tax payer.

PS: Going by public funding assumption, guess the support and the scale of support the following would have had - Inauguration Ceremony of Obama, Sangamam State function of TamilNadu, Republic Day Parade, Independence Day Address, Beating the Retreat function after the Republic Day, Flag hoisting ceremony at Wagah Border, Karnataka Day Celebrations, Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (Indian Diaspora Day) etc...