Like many Americans my thoughts and prayers are with the people of London. My deepest sympathies are extended to those who lost a loved one in the recent terror attacks.

137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy.

In six short years, small business owners and family farmers will once again be assessed a tax on the value of their property at the time of their death, despite having paid taxes throughout their lifetime.

Eliminating the death tax is particularly important for the many small business owners and family farmers that call Central Washington home.

The road ahead is not easy. Iraq is currently the center of the war on terror.

We know we must win the war on terror to protect innocent people and the freedoms that define our way of life.

This is a form of double taxation and it's simply unfair.