The March 13 op-ed, “Favorite Democratic strategy: ‘Operation Change the Subject’,” by Rep. Stephen Bowen, R-Rockport, should be read with a few additional thoughts in mind.

First, employment growth nationwide is running at about 200,000 jobs a month with companies across the industrial spectrum adding employees, not just replacing workers.

Second, the growth in gross domestic product is running around 6.2 percent, the highest it has been in 50 years.

Yet, in Maine we are seeing virtually no change in the number of employed. And, to give our wonderful governor the benefit of any doubts, our economy seems to be stagnant with only taxes capable of being viewed as a growth industry.

If Maine is such a great place, with enlightened leadership, why aren’t we partaking in this economic boom?

William Chapman

Rockport