Rep. Tom Shields wrote a Santa’s list to the Sun Journal (Dec. 13). Included were common sense and fiscal responsibility for Maine Democrats and putting away of congressional Democratic partisanship to act like Americans during the war. He also wished for a balanced budget and control of spending, though he did not blame Republicans who are doing the spending and creating the deficit.

It is unfortunate that he continually criticizes others who do not agree with him. He has indicated some ideas that he believes would solve some state problems, but has not appeared willing to make compromises on his and Democrats’ ideas. He also seems reluctant to say Republicans may be to blame for some problems at both the state and federal levels.

He claims partisanship by Democrats on questioning the war. He may not have noticed that many Republicans are asking the same questions on the war, as well as the ethics of the Bush administration.

The partisan politics does not just lie with Rep. Shields and Republicans. Democrats provide plenty of their own.

Maybe a good holiday present would be that our elected officials put aside their own egos and partisanship and work together to help the citizens of our state and country. Is it fair or ethical to give the wealthiest of our society tax cuts while cutting vital, lifesaving services from the neediest?

My holiday wish is for elected officials to do what is best for all of us, not a select few.

Stan Tetenman, Poland