Signals' Economy Stimulus Plan

From what I can gather our Presidential gifts (I say "our" because they belong to the U.S.) are either in the National Archives or various Presidential Libraries.

Link To Story Here

One of the most iconic scenes in Raiders of the Lost Ark is the one at the end where the Ark of the Covenant is put in a large crate and filed away in a gargantuan government storehouse filled with thousands of other boxes, never to be seen again. When I was an undergrad, one of my more left-wing professors criticized this scene as right-wing propaganda that unfairly portrays government as wasteful. It turns out that the scene was more accurate than either Steven Spielberg or my professor knew

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/a45b1e8c9955.jpg[/atsimg]


~~I propose a GARAGE SALE! of epic proportions to stimulate the economy!~~


Why couldn't we? Isn't that what you do when times are rough? Let's ebay some of this stuff, it's just sitting there & this country is BEYOND broke!


Pics of Nixon Gifts

Here's one from Elvis-
[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/39bbc0c72c63.jpg[/atsimg]

Another Link

In this moment of heightened public confidence in government, the presidential gift process offers the potential for staggering embarrassment and diminished accountability. The current fragmented process for logging, valuing, and managing gifts to the president defies bureaucratic logic, and appears designed more to frustrate accountability than enhance it. One could not design a more unwieldy system if one started out to do so.

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/4f8a70e5e697.jpg[/atsimg]


Couldn't we at least pawn some of this stuff to get us going?



Don't Even Get Me Started On What We Are Giving To Other Head's Of State!!/Vogue Story Link

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/0e96d5e309aa.jpg[/atsimg]

Thoughts?


[edit on 30-12-2009 by Signals]

Sorry Signals, Since this is ATS I am going to put on my grey, boring, hat of rationality here.

First off, I don't think the money would be enough to make a difference.

Secondly, we could end up pissing someone off. My relatives woudln't want me hawking their gifts.

Thirdly, it would make the US look too desperate.

But your post does bring to light the lavish gifts these people give and receive.

I know I heard once that President Clinton received so many ties he rarely wore the same one twice.

But that is another job I want to add to my fantasy resume. Lavish gift buyer for heads of state.

[edit on 31-12-2009 by nixie_nox]