Kevin Baker’s column “In the News: A Matter of State” (April/May 2005) shows the author was just another sour-grapes loser in the most recent election, and I am glad he’s not holding his breath for an apology. I did have the privilege of being born in Massachusetts and had a wonderful education in the New Bedford schools, where I was made well aware of the history we native sons are proud to claim. Can you imagine trying to compare the great character of John Adams with the current politicians in the little “bean” state where millionaires buy their elective office? Would you trust your daughter to be alone with one senator or to go into combat with the other? If the state has earned the nickname “the Socialist Republic of Massachusetts,” perhaps there is a reason.