Byrd of different feather

Sen. Robert Byrd died after serving more than 50 years as a U.S. senator from West Virginia. All over his state, medical research centers and highways are named after Byrd. He helped build those facilities following the rules of the Senate and the Constitution.

Washington state used to have Byrd-like representatives (Jackson, Magnuson and Foley), but now we are represented by our roadblocking congresswoman. One of her high priorities is to ensure that the Waltons (owners of Walmart) don’t have to pay any estate tax when they die. She says she supported the North Spokane Corridor, but voted against funding it.

Byrd could also tell the difference between choosing to go to war and going to war to defend our country. He opposed Iraq and Afghanistan, which have now become the longest wars in U.S. history. Our congresswoman supports funding these wars because she needs votes from the active and retired military personnel living in this district.

Byrd was able to change over his career, from opposition to strong support of civil rights. Our congresswoman, on the other hand, is becoming a stronger corporate sponsor. Perhaps Walmart will name one of their superstores after her.

Pete Scobby

Newport, Wash.