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First ladies have earned trips

Thu., July 9, 2015

A June 25 letter from Collin Galloway decried the cost of Michelle Obama’s recent trip to Europe, as if she were the only first lady to travel abroad at taxpayers’ expense. News flash: They all have.

Laura Bush still holds the record at 212 days abroad. Obama doesn’t even come close. Singling her out is hardly fair.

First ladies are goodwill ambassadors and are often more popular than their spouses. They tirelessly tour schools and military bases and meet with heads of state and their families on these trips. They receive no salary, so I say, let them have this perk. They’ve earned it.

Rose Rhoades

Spokane

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