The downgrading of the U.S. credit rating by Standard & Poor’s was expected; it surprises me that the administration was taken by surprise or took it as vindictive action.

The downgrade, the first time in U.S. history, is based on the inability to prioritize spending, and to develop a coordinated plan to balance the nation’s budget.

It is laughable when non-conservatives try to explain how government doesn’t need to conduct itself as conservative taxpayers do; to buy what can be afforded and borrow only if absolutely necessary; and maybe do without.

The U.S. is more than $14 trillion in debt. Is there any rational person out there who doesn’t think there’s something wrong with that situation?

Thankfully, we live in a country where we can vote the scoundrels out. Get rid of politicians who do not have the discipline to say no to spending money the country doesn’t have on earmarks and special interests. Voters must make their voices heard again in 2012 as they did in 2010; remove those who cannot or will not control and prioritize the spending of the people’s tax dollars.

Infrastructure is needed, as well as a working education system and protection for citizens at every level — that is not the spending issue. The issue is the obscene amounts of tax dollars wasted.

It would be bad enough if it were just tax dollars, but the nation is now borrowing the money.

Enough is enough. Voters must let them know at the ballot box.

Amedeo Lauria, Sabattus