OPINION:
Praise for the dead should always be leavened by some deserved criticism (“Bye, Bye Byrd,” Comment & Analysis, Tuesday).
Certainly the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd had an illustrious and long career in the Senate, fighting every inch to enhance the economic welfare of West Virginia, though many times for questionable projects financed by the taxpayers of the nation. While this sort of thing is standard practice for politicians, Mr. Byrd elevated it to a fine art during his various positions of power in senatorial committees.
If there are to be objections to his long career, they are mostly in the field of foreign policy, as he encouraged giving away the Panama Canal and a less-than-friendly attitude toward our long-term allies, including Israel.
I’ve no doubt there will be numerous public buildings, schools, bridges and roads named after Mr. Byrd in West Virginia — all in tribute to the legacy of his pork barreling for the state that he represented.
NELSON MARANS
Silver Spring, Md.
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