I have been a staunch Democrat most of my life. However, I’m have become quite dismayed over my party’s feeble attempt at trying to balance the state budget. The United States is a democracy. That means everyone has a vested interest, both personally and financially, in providing our society’s services and protections.

By selectively taxing isolated groups to bear the burdens of financing our multiple expenses of state government under the guise of public health, we are anything but democratic.

We are all responsible for our government services and should, as equally as possible, share in the cost of running the state of Maine. The 1 percent sales tax reduction during the recent economic high, which no longer exists, should be reinstated so that most of us share the burden, not just select groups such as users of dining facilities, motels, tobacco, alcohol, snacks and haircuts.

Carl Seaward, Wilton