The Dec. 27 Sun Journal included a syndicated column by Froma Harrop about “so-called Republican moderates.”

As a registered independent, a taxpayer and a small business owner, I have been very critical of Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins. I did vote for both, and I do believe they work hard for Maine. That being said, I also send them letters and call them (always with respect, although not always in agreement). It is my constitutional right. I have opposed them on the stimulus bill, health care, etc.

When Harrop wrote that Collins was “less than useless,” I thought that was beyond the call of duty.

With all due respect, just who is Harrop? Is she from Maine? Has she ever been in Maine? Does she know where it is on a globe?

How about the “less than useless” senators who sold out for a price? How about “less than useless” Howard Dean? How about “less than useless” Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Harry Reid, Sen. Chris Dodd, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, Sen. Chuck Shumer, and head of the class — really useless Rep. Barney Frank (remember the Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae debacle)?

Is progressivism and fiscal rectitude a smokescreen for transparency?

As Samuel Clemens once said, “There is no more criminal element in America today than the U.S. Congress.”

Bruce R. Hufnagel, Sweden