Thomas F. Shields letter (Dec. 30), spinning claims we owe congressional Republicans a debt of gratitude for holding the line on taxes, is the worst bit of misinformation imaginable. All we owe Republicans is the “debt” to which I have no gratitude for.

Under the Democratic plan, no individual making under $250,000 would have seen an increase in taxes — period. End of story. Republicans held hostage that plan until the president agreed to extend the tax breaks for the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans for two years. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that it could add $3.5 trillion to the deficit. Thanks for that.

The Republican party wants the public to think they are "deficit hawks" and "fiscal conservatives." The truth is they demand tax breaks for the wealthy without replacing the lost tax revenue, or try to offset the loss by cutting spending on the poor and elderly. Republicans and the Bush Administration increased the federal deficit by $4.9 trillion. Thanks for that.

Trickle-down economics does not work. The wealthy and large companies, historically, put their tax savings in the bank. It does not spur hiring or spending. It grows wealth. Nothing more.

Congressional earmarks make up less than 1 percent of the federal budget.

Employment improves as a natural part of recovery, not because of Republicans.

I am a small business owner. I provide jobs. Like many others, due to the economy, I am facing the loss of my home.

Thanks, Republicans.

David D.T. Marquis, Lewiston