This is in response to the story, “Maine to get $900M from stimulus,” printed on Feb. 21.

I find it disturbing that state finance commissioner Ryan Low and Gov. John Baldacci have extended an opportunistic and desperate hand out for a piece of the misnamed federal stimulus package.

Low said, “The administration was moving forward to make sure all requirements are met to accept money earmarked for the state – and any funds that may be reallocated if other states don’t accept theirs.” They also warn us not to look at stimulus funding as an easy way to balance the state $838 million shortfall. Low continued and stated, “We want to make sure we’re right there at the head of the line.”

Sens. Snowe and Collins have the dubious distinction of being two of the three Republicans who voted for the massive spending package. Not a single Republican in the House voted for it.

According to another article in the Sun Journal Feb. 21, “Stocks have plunged to a new 6-year low after the burst of bill signings, bailout announcements and presidential pledges.”

I do not understand how bailing out irresponsible state legislatures, such as Maine’s, who refuse to live within their means, is going to stimulate the economy on a macroeconomic level.

Who is going to pay for all the reckless spending?

This is not the kind of change I can believe in.

Kirk R. Lundstrom, Lewiston