We no longer have a government “Of the People, by the People, for the People.” What we have is a government of the rich, by the rich, for the rich.

In order to make up for a host of irresponsible fiscal policies, the Republicans in Congress have taken billions from programs that help babies and children, the hungry, the homeless and the seriously ill.

Also, I do not understand how our country will compete in a global economy with student loans drastically cut.

I wish to thank Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins for their long-standing opposition to drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Providing a few more billions for some oil company to secure enough oil for two years makes no sense. With good leadership, we could be looking diligently for alternative sources of energy. I hope wind power does develop, not only in Maine but all over the world. Looking at a few windmills sure beats breathing polluted air. They won’t add to global warming, and they would save us money.

Nancy Willard, Woodstock