I find it startling that the same people who gave President Bush eight years to destroy the economy now show such impatience for the recovery package, passed just five months ago, to kick in. Further, the recent attacks on Rep. Tim Walz — claiming he can be bought and paid for — are despicable.

Clearly, these folks have not known Walz as long as I have. Walz was my daughter’s inspiring teacher at West High School. She traveled with Walz and his wife, Gwen, to China and found endless support from them as she went out on her own. Walz was the coach who turned around the Mankato West football team in the 1990s.

I am proud that Walz comes from Mankato, because I know he carries this community’s principles and ethics — an integral part of him — to Washington.