On Tuesday night May 22nd, in Washington, DC, the Republican National Committee held a "Presidential Gala," featuring George W. Bush, several members of his cabinet, and most of the top G.O.P. leaders in Congress. Introducing the President, Vice-President Dick Cheney told the 2000 people in attendance, who had paid a minimum of $1,500 a seat or $15,000 a table to be there, that "George W. Bush has restored honor and integrity to the presidency."

Really?

"Among the 121 names on the organizing-committee list for the dinner," reported The New York Times, "are lobbyists and executives from oil, gas and nuclear-energy companies that helped shape the White House energy plan, from manufacturing concerns delighted by Mr. Bush's early decision to overturn workplace ergonomic rules, from credit card companies grateful for Mr. Bush's support for a bill to make it harder for people to escape their debts in bankruptcy and from cigarette makers encouraged by reports that the government may drop a $100 billion racketeering lawsuit against the industry. Many of the corporate executives on the list have also been enthusiastic supporters of the president'' plans for tax cuts of more than $1 trillion over the next decade."

This event, which netted $23.9 million for the GOP, is the first time that President Bush has stepped out as the Republican Party's fundraiser-in-chief. Not only is he continuing the previous administration's blatant use of the White House as a money machine, he's taking it to new lows. According to the Times report on the Presidential Gala, "donors who wanted to be seated next to a particular cabinet member or other Republican official were directed to make the request to the Gala committee and the decision would be made partly on the basis of how much they had contributed to the party."

Members of the Republican National Committee's "Regents" (people who give $250,000) and "Team 100" ($100,000 donors) were treated to an even more intimate dinner at the Vice President's official residence the night before. The White House has so far refused to release a list of the attendees.

Ordinary Americans who did not make or could not afford a $1,500 contribution or a $100,000 check were told that they would have the opportunity to vote on the decisions of the country's board of directors, ahem, the Bush Administration in three years. At which point their votes might be counted.

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, "gala" is defined as "a festive occasion, especially a lavish social event or entertainment." It comes from the Old French word galer, which means "to make merry." So far, the 2000 lobbyists, CEOs and fatcats who made merry with the President and his cabinet indeed have lots to celebrate. The rest of us can only stand in silent protest, as our country is sold off to the highest bidder.