Thank you for your article exposing former Washingtonian Tom Stewart's efforts to sell his $125 million Vashon Island ranch.

Ostensibly, Stewart's decision to move to Arizona the company he owns and of which he is CEO - Services Group of America - was based on his distaste for Washington State's estate tax.

Stewart's legal counsel is likely skilled in circumventing tax law; as such, basing his company's move on the estate tax was a ruse - his decision was made for rational reasons.

Stewart's 1998 violation of campaign laws - of which he was convicted - underscores his contempt for the democratic process. And his aversion to estate tax emphasizes a desire to return to the concept of landed gentry. Stewart is the antithesis of our Founding Fathers' ideal citizen.

The ridiculously oversized American flag that remains flying atop his company's former Delridge headquarters immediately casts doubts on his interpretation on that sacrosanct symbol of liberty, truth and justice. To paraphrase Ambrose Bierce, patriotism isn't the last refuge of the scoundrel, it's the first.

So, to Thomas Stewart: Good Riddance. The proud State of Washington is better off without convicted felons. Please take that abused, exaggerated version of Old Glory with you. But don't welch on the capital gains from the sale of that $125 million ranch: You owe our children a legacy more noble than greed.

Jeffrey Long

Alaska Junction