I would like to praise Sen. Susan Collins for her vote in favor of President Bush’s tax cut plan. This was an important and courageous decision that will correct many of the flaws in our tax code.

I am a retiree and an investor. I am lucky to be happily married and a homeowner. Our tax code, unfortunately, penalizes me for both of these facts. The double taxation of dividends and the marriage penalty run contrary to the American dream. Why should people work hard their whole lives to build a nest egg and raise a family if the government is going to cut the legs out from under us?

Sen. Collins and her peers should be applauded for taking the initiative to make our tax policy reflective of American ideals.

Our country has been mired in a recession for some time. Our government cannot afford to sit on the sidelines any longer, and the president’s tax cuts are exactly what our country needs to get going again. The small business tax credits, the relief aimed at the middle class, and the dividend cut will put money back into people’s pockets, get them spending again, and help hard-working Americans get back to work.

I also take exception to the May 15 editorial, which stated that this proposal does not reflect the Yankee way of life. Since when are higher taxes and more government involvement in our lives representative of our independent way of life? We should thank Sen. Collins for her vote and look suspiciously at any legislator who opposed this plan.

Norma M. Sicotte

Sebago