President Obama rarely allows a photo opportunity to pass without using it to make some political point. So one has to wonder what significance to attach to the prominent place in the House of Representatives gallery Gov. Martin O'Malley was given, seated near the First Lady, during the president's speech to the joint session of Congress Thursday.

Could it be that Mr. O'Malley is being considered as a possible Democratic vice presidential choice after the current inept incumbent is dropped from the ticket?

Since the governor certainly shares most of President Obama's views and philosophy, that way he could share with the other 49 states what he has done to, not for, the state to Maryland.

Chuck Marks, Perry Hall