I fail to understand liberal mentality. Reports are that Marine guards at an embassy do or don’t have live ammunition based dangerously on that ambassador’s decision. This is alarming, but typical of the wimpy, apologetic thinking that has spread throughout the Obama administration.

There is no embassy or consulate immune from attack. The nation has lost respect.

In Maine, until 2010, the liberals who dominated the Maine Legislature for 40 years nearly did the state in. The state owed billions in unfunded retirement and health benefits; unchecked agencies were spending freely; and Maine government was unfairly regulating and discouraging businesses. (Businesses create the jobs and revenues that Maine needs.)

The Maine people awakened in 2010 and elected Gov. Paul LePage and like-minded conservatives, who began to correct those long-term problems. That is a large task requiring more time. Some corrections cannot take effect until 2013-14.

It was painful to undo some of the generous, no-longer-affordable benefits that liberals had granted. The basic government responsibility is to care for those who cannot care for themselves (the physical and mentally disabled, the children, the infirm elderly, etc.). The able-bodied have temporary assistance programs to start them on self-support.

This November, voters should evaluate not what the Democrat liberals say (talk is cheap), but what they did. Their actions and voting records speak louder than their words. A strong slate of conservative Republicans deserve election to continue to inject common sense into Maine government.

Thomas F. Shields, Auburn