The accelerating job losses during the past 13 months point to the nation’s dangerous economic situation. Immediate and bold action is needed to prevent another Great Depression.

One would think that would motivate people to come to the defense of their country. Unfortunately, Republicans have, instead, decided to make cheap partisan political points.

The people and party that brought on $5 trillion in new debt during the last eight years, that just three months ago committed the government to $8.7 trillion in asset guarantees, now claims that $800 billion to rescue the economy is fiscally irresponsible.

Sen Susan Collins is the greatest disappointment. Along with a few others, she cut the recovery act by $108 billion, including $21 billion in school construction money and funds for Head Start, education funding and aid to states. She demanded lessening proposed tax cuts for the middle class. How much of that $108 billion would have come to Maine? Apparently, now that Collins has won re-election, she is no longer willing to fight for Maine.

According to economists, the current bill is already too small to do much good. Some, such as Paul Krugman, say the amount must be doubled to get the economy working again.

My company just cut hours for employees by 10 percent. Several hundred thousand people lost their jobs last month.

Collins must support full funding.

Jonathan Albrecht, Dixfield