The recent economic and social issues show that citizens of Maine and the United States need to wake up. China was once called “The Sleeping Giant.” I think the political and economic apathy of most Americans proves that we now claim the name of “The Sleeping Giant.”

About 66 percent of Maine voters supported the transportation bond. How can we borrow more money? Gov. John Baldacci’s administration only attempted to restructure taxes when the stock market plummeted in September 2008. I think they were about 40 years too late.

Americans need to wake up and admit that we don’t care enough, politically or economically. We are gluttons in every sense of the word.

If we do not wake up, we will allow socialism and government to take over our lives.

I hear the whining about unemployment rates. It is our fault as a collective people. We have failed. We need to bring back manufacturing and stop selling out companies overseas.

In the 1920s, tariffs and American isolationism led to the Great Depression. The 1920s are over and today we need tariffs. Globalism and socialism will lead this country to a similar fate.

Patrick Henry stated, “Give me liberty or give me death.” This man desired liberty that we take for granted today.

Bring back the basics in government, schools and homes and we will bring back common sense.

A thought-provoking quote from ancient Greece: “We do not commend you for being silent, but we condemn you as a fool.”

Garret Vainio, Lisbon