Inauguration Assignment Prosposal

To: Burnis Morris From: Dalton Hammonds RE: Story Outline: “Déjà vu on Pennsylvania Avenue” Subject: The benefits (or lack thereof) of having a presidential inauguration ceremony if the person that is being inaugurated is already in office. Scope: I will research costs of past inauguration ceremonies and determine whether or not it is a monetarily responsible action in this tough economic climate. Need: The public should know about how money is spent during inauguration ceremonies and how this inauguration ceremony in particular compares with other inaugurations throughout history. Methods: This story can be documented by comparing numbers from previous inaugurations and relating them to the one happening on January 21. Other economic figures will also be called upon in order to tell a complete story and to ensure the reader other avenues are being explored. Sources: Government databases (United State Senate website), Ebsco host for documents, records and other information will also be used to determine the costs of different events. I will also explore news stories written by credible sources and organizations that serve the purpose of checking facts. There is also an option of talking to somebody in the Marshall community about the cost of the event and its effects. Presentation: This will be a one-part opposite-editorial piece that will provide a different perspective to the traditional inauguration experience. Follow-up: There may be some public outcry in regards to the cost of the ceremony, which could provide other story angles and topics.