To the editor:

I’ve always wondered how many people could be employed on a more or less permanent basis with the money spent on campaigns and inauguration balls (more influence solicitation in disguise). Both parties spend way too much.

Perhaps there might be a little left over for public education and universal health care. But then where is the glamour for doing such sensible outreach? Hang on to your wallets as our cost of living is likely to rise as all of this flamboyant activity spending likely does not come from the heart. What a huge waste of money. Forty million dollars could have provided our soldiers in Iraq with protective gear like bulletproof vests etc. prior to send off; then again, where is the glamour?

Richard Heckler,

Lawrence