The factual statements in Dr. Thomas Shields’ letter (Jan 14) are hard to dispute. It’s difficult to defend yourself from your own history, meaning the economic/ political history of Maine under Democratic rule. So his letter must be discredited as “party-bashing” – he names and blames one party for Maine’s problems. But before anyone dismisses it as “garbage talk,” consider its accuracy.

If our economy can be likened to a car, the business community would be considered the engine, government the driver, and beneficiaries of entitlements are the passengers. Under Democratic rule, passengers are added to the car, and when it falters under the load, the driver pounds on the engine with a hammer. This is how the business community is treated.

Most people in government want what’s best for the public. Democrats see through the prism of a government-centered life. If the state treasury is full, all is well. Any problems should have a state-centered solution.

While that is good-hearted, it ignores some basic economic realities.

The programs that care for the needy cost money, provided by taxpayers. Employers create taxpayers, and if government unburdens businesses from taxes and regulation, there would be the kind of prosperity to pay for those programs.

The chamber of commerce is perfectly responsible in making recommendations to the state. Members know how to run their businesses and are simply asking to be treated fairly.

Then the engine will have the strength to pull the load placed upon it.

Gerry Gelinas, Lewiston