Sen. Susan Collins has gained a reputation as a “RINO” (Republican in Name Only) by occasionally opposing the Bush administration. Perhaps she wanted to erase that reputation by giving Bush what he wanted with the intelligence bill.

However, in trying to get back into the good graces of the White House, she made it clear that she’s not very concerned about keeping illegal aliens (some of whom are terrorists) from obtaining drivers’ licenses nor does she appear particularly concerned about the enforcement of the immigration laws.

Time will tell, but politics appear more important to Collins than good legislation. The bill, which she has helped to ram through, is meant to make people believe that something is being done and does virtually nothing to improve national security.

John H. Frecker

Baileyville