Over the last few days, I've read a number of articles related to the grandiosity of the Presidential Inauguration. Pleas to tone down this event in light of the recent tsunami tragedy have been met with skepticism and partisan attacks. Today a story was printed that shows that other Presidents have had the class to step out of the limelight when warranted.

Bush could take a cue from predecessors who purposely told their supporters to tone it down. For a president already saddled with criticism that he's to[o] close to the powerful and to big business, the symbolism of simplicity and frugality leading into his second term might have helped him for four years. The case is powerful: We are at war, with kids dying. We are running a monstrous federal deficit that is being passed onto other generations and the United States remains under terrorist threats. Keep it simple, George.

One wonders what Thomas Jefferson or Franklin Roosevelt would say to the picture of wealthy contributors lining up for parties with ticket prices that could feed a family for a month.

Roosevelt's last inauguration came in the bloodiest year of World War II. Seven months after D-Day, he simply took the oath of office, delivered a 557-word speech and went back to the White House. There were no parades or parties because of lumber shortages and gas rationing. Everyone sacrificed, even a president who had every reason to celebrate a fourth election victory.

Not only are we facing one of the greatest natural disasters ever, but we are at "war". How about showing some humility, for once?