Thomas Shields is again trying to rally Mainers to his Republican party using fear tactics and taking great liberties with facts (Sept. 23).

Claiming “liberals” are the reason U.S. Marines don’t carry live ammunition at U.S. embassies, one needs a high security clearance to have factual information on this. That information falls under “Rules of Engagement” which are highly classified.

According to Capt. Kendra N. Motz, Marine Corps Media Officer, Division of Public Affairs, “ROE are classified and release of that information would jeopardize the Marines and U.S. interests.”

Amazingly, Shields ties U.S. respect to the issue of embassy security?

Shields claims Maine people woke up and elected a conservative for governor. There were five gubernatorial candidates that year. Paul LePage won 38.1 percent of the vote. Eliot Cutler won slightly less at 36.7 percent . Had they been the only two on the ballot, I doubt that LePage would be in office.

Societies are judged historically on how they treat the least of the people, the poor, disabled and elderly. Capping benefits is responsible government, but not by doing so blindly as Maine Republicans have.

Nationally, conservatives seek to make the country better by breaking the backs of that needy population while making sure the rich get all the breaks.

The Republican Congress has been the least productive in history. It’s clear Republicans decided to tank the economy after 2010 to ensure the best chance to win back control of the country. Those people are the conservatives Shields aligns with. Winning is more important than governing?

David Marquis, Lewiston