Atheist challenges inauguration words

SAN FRANCISCO — An atheist who sued because he did not want his young daughter exposed to the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance has filed a suit to bar the saying of a prayer at President Bush’s inauguration.

Michael Newdow notes that two ministers delivered Christian invocations at Bush’s first inaugural ceremony in 2001 and that plans call for a minister to do the same before Bush takes the oath of office Jan. 20.

In a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Newdow says the use of a prayer is unconstitutional. The case is tentatively scheduled Jan. 14.

Last year, the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals tossed the same lawsuit, saying Newdow did not suffer “a sufficiently concrete and specific injury.” But the decision did not bar him from filing the challenge in a different circuit.

More than $4.5 million raised for Bush events

Washington The Presidential Inaugural Committee raised more than $4.5 million last week, increasing the total amount of donations to $18 million, or about half of the $35 million to $40 million it plans to raise to finance three days of events including fireworks, the swearing in, a parade and nine balls.

Money raised last week came from 25 corporate donors and 10 individuals who contributed $25,000 to $250,000, the maximum allowed by the committee. Three individuals and 11 corporations each contributed $250,000, according to the committee’s Web site, www.inaugural05.com, which was updated Friday.

“We have seen a great deal of enthusiasm from people who are committed to ensuring that the 55th inaugural is a success,” said Tracey Schmitt, a spokeswoman for the committee. “People understand that this is one of America’s greatest traditions. … They are excited to be a part of it, and it is their generosity that makes the events affordable for everyday Americans.”

The estimated cost of the three days of inaugural events does not include security, which planners have said will be the tightest in history.

Donors who contribute $250,000 become “underwriters” of the inauguration and receive tickets to balls and a lunch and dinner with Bush and Vice President Cheney. Those who donate $100,000 also receive tickets to events reserved for top contributors.

Hand-cut crystal lamps awaiting Bush as gifts

Washington President Bush will have to clear space on a couple of White House end tables for the gift commemorating his second inauguration – a pair of hand-cut, crystal hurricane lamps engraved with a likeness of the nation’s mansion.

Created by Lenox Crystal of Lawrenceville, N.J., the 18-inch high lamps, made of pure lead crystal, feature a silver-plated base engraved with Bush’s name and the inauguration date. A similar set, with the Capitol etched in the lamps, will be presented to Vice President Dick Cheney.

This is the fifth year that Lenox has been asked to create the inaugural gift, the only gift Bush will receive from the nation.

Design and creation of the gift was coordinated with Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, and his wife, Patricia.

“Our Founding Fathers wrote our national documents by candlelight,” the senator said. “Many leaders guided our nation with the aid of lamps like these. This new design connects us with our historic past.”

Billionaire: Use party money as tsunami aid

Washington Dallas billionaire Mark Cuban has a suggestion for President Bush: Cancel the inauguration parties and donate the money saved – some $40 million – to the tsunami victims.

The irreverent, outspoken Dallas Mavericks owner won’t say how much he has given to the disaster victims, but his Dec. 31 proposal on his Web site has generated controversy – and support – on the Internet.

“My point was that this was a great opportunity for the president to stand up and say that we are committed to aid, but we need to take a first step towards austerity so we can reduce the deficit,” Cuban said Friday via e-mail.

“This unique celebration of American principles will not detract from the relief that President Bush has proposed and the American people are providing for the victims of this disaster,” said Jill Willis, spokeswoman for the Presidential Inaugural Committee. “The inauguration is an American tradition that we should continue to honor and celebrate.”