John Balentine takes issue with the Interstate 95 “Welcome Home” sign, laments the removal of the former “Open for Business” sign, and makes a blanket remark about Democrats “forgetting” the lessons of the last recession (“Here’s Something: Boos and Bravos,” April 3).

We haven’t forgotten, just as we haven’t forgotten that whenever a Republican governor declares that his or her state is “open for business” it really means that consumer protections for water, air and food will likely be stripped away along with other pesky impediments to a larger bottom line. We are reminded of how “strong” the economy is when the stock market rallies and businesses do well, but the economy that the rest of us navigate still dictates second jobs, barely adequate health insurance, and food insecurity. We are not fooled.

Jim Corbin
Portland