THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 

              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.



DATE: Monday, January 27, 1997              TAG: 9701250003

SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A10  EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letter 

                                            LENGTH:   20 lines

A WASTE OF MONEY

While listening to ``Headline News'' I noted with concern the story on the inauguration and especially the $12 million cost to the taxpayer. The last time I checked, this country was in debt - serious debt.

While a formal ceremony may be called for at the time of a president's initiation into the office, an affair that costs millions of dollars the second time around is just another example of irresponsible government. A simple ceremony in the Oval Office and then ``back to work'' would be much more appropriate.

It's high time we start running this country like a business.

BOB MUNSEY

Virginia Beach, Jan. 18, 1997