Saying the new tax on beer, wine, and soda has nothing to do with Dirigo Health is like saying the sun has nothing to do with crops.

Yet industry lobbyist Newell Augur is trying to convince readers that getting rid of the tax won't hurt the badly needed insurance program. That's simply untrue.

I'm sure I enjoy beer and wine as much as Augur does. But I also appreciate the vital work Dirigo Health is doing, saving lives and keeping people out of poverty.

Most of all, I appreciate the courage of our legislators in taxing such luxury goods as alcohol and sugar to protect the health of Maine people -- especially people who can't afford many luxuries.

The Statehouse had to deal with a huge deficit this year, and while a small tax on drinks was bound to be unpopular with some businesses, lawmakers understood that people come first.

The Chamber of Commerce is making itself look mean-spirited by attacking Dirigo Health.

And there's little point. I'll buy just as much wine, beer, and soda as I always did, and others will, too.

So by taking health insurance away from children and working families, the Chamber and its members are just squandering goodwill.

In these difficult times, business leaders should try to be part of the solution.

I'm voting to keep the new tax. Taxes aren't a burden. They're a responsibility -- a responsibility the Chamber's members should be willing to share.

Charlie Bernstein

Augusta