According to your story ("O'Malley plans more travel to foreign nations," June 15), Gov. Martin O'Malley is the target of predictable attacks from political opponents who evidently think Marylanders don't understand our prosperity and security depend on active engagement in world. The truth is that Governor O'Malley, as did his predecessors, including Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., recognizes that Maryland companies and universities need to be more integrated and visible around the world. I know from my own experience as U.S. ambassador to Romania, as well as other work in Asia, Europe and Latin America, that delegations led by state governors are valuable. Particularly for smaller states such as Maryland, these high level, high visibility trips boost the credibility of our exporters and put Maryland investment opportunities on the map.
All of that is good for jobs in our state. Maryland leaders need to be more international, not less.
Sen. Jim Rosapepe,College Park
The writer, a Democrat, represents Maryland's 21st District.