Kenneth Murray (July 29) accuses Democrats of blaming George W. Bush and Dick Cheney for all the problems this country struggles with.

I do not believe they caused the horrible mess in the Gulf, the meltdown of our financial system, or the climate change the Earth is experiencing, etc., but I do believe that their philosophy of no regulation gave BP the freedom to be careless and ignore safety.

Worker exploitation is not a pretty sight, as witnessed by what has happened and still does in the coal mines. Unions have saved workers from being exploited for generations, but they need to be regulated the same as other organizations. We live by rules, that’s how we get along and ahead. Greed exists and needs to be controlled.

Was reform of health care and controlling the power of the insurance industry long overdue? Certainly.

I was very pleased to read the editorial “Crackdown on medical fraud” (July 29). I believe that is the right direction. Don’t throw out programs that are essential for so many — get rid of the fraud.

It would be such a plus for everyone if Republicans would stop saying no to every solution and try to help. I am pleased that Maine’s two senators are on the people’s side occasionally.

By the way, 1 percent of $18 million (Tony Hayward’s retirement) is $180,000. People should think of that when filling up their gas or oil tanks.

Nancy Willard, Woodstock