Dining with your fingers isn't as rude as your mother said it was...

A few days ago, the President came to NC and held a $2,000 a plate fundraising luncheon in Charlotte. They didn't allow silverware. Here's how it was reported by the News & Observer, the main Raleigh newspaper:

For $2,000 a plate, donors listened to Bush's campaign speech and dined on beef tenderloin and chicken salad sandwiches, fresh fruit and gourmet chips. At the bottom of the program was a note: "At the request of the White House, silverware will not accompany the table settings."

Apparently, the White House didn't want the president interrupted by the clinking of silverware.

"And we thought President Bush's economic policy was backwards," said Allen, the Democratic chairwoman. "Two thousand dollars for a 'luncheon' with no way to eat it. This takes the cake. Or it would if there was anything to eat it with."

So the next time your mom says it's not ok to eat with your fingers, you can tell her that if the President does it, it must be acceptable. Maybe it will become the latest chapter in my dining room project...