The Corporate Victory Lap

Trey Smith

More than 400 donors, including AT&T Inc and Microsoft, have contributed money to help pay for the festivities to mark President Barack Obama's inauguration to a second term, organizers said on Friday.

The committee of Obama supporters organizing the parade and other gala events did not say how much money has been raised so far, disclosing only the list of "benefactors," most of whom are individuals.

In 2009, the presidential inauguration committee raised a record $53 million for his first inauguration, refusing corporate donations and capping the maximum donation at $50,000.

This year, the committee is accepting funding from corporations and has encouraged gifts of $250,000 from individuals.

~ from AT and T, Microsoft Among Donors to Obama's Second Inauguration via Reuters ~

For any of you out there who are still under the delusion that Corporate America isn't tickled pink that Barack Obama won a second term, look who is lining up to fete him this month. The very same corporations that can't seem to invest in jobs have more than sufficient funds to play a role as hosts of egregious parties and galas for the already well-to-do.