Biden, Democrats have many accomplishments
In his letter of July 23, “Time for Accountability,” Brian Day makes one cogent argument and several that are fatally flawed.
I would acknowledge that President Biden and those in his inner circle have sought to shield him from scrutiny and to downplay his moments of cognitive failure. The president had to do one thing in his June 27 debate: convince the American people that his age would not preclude him from being fit to serve for another four-year term. He failed. This will soon be old news as the president has done the courageous and honorable thing by withdrawing from the race. Unlike the de facto leader of the Republican Party, he placed the country ahead of ego.
The assertion that the Democrats in this administration “have failed in every category to do anything” is ludicrous. The president assembled a coalition to help Ukraine remain free and he rebuffed autocrats throughout the world, he re-established respect for America among our allies and strengthened NATO, he successfully managed the end of a devastating pandemic, including the massive and rapid distribution of no-cost vaccines, secured bipartisan support for mammoth action on climate and infrastructure. He secured passage of legislation to pave the way for the United States to produce chips that are essential to the production of vehicles, beginning the end of our dependence on chip manufacturers in other countries. He enhanced health care coverage for millions and lowered the cost of prescription medication and insulin. He signed legislation to address the gun menace that threatens our country.
Day states that “the economy is still hurting most people.” While the effects of inflation are a great challenge, it is now close to the 2% target set by the Federal Reserve Board, which is expected to pave the way to reducing interest rates twice later this year. Unemployment is at historic lows, massive job creation has taken place, wages have markedly risen, and the stock market is near historic highs. No recession has occurred.
The accusation that “crime has risen to unacceptable levels” is demonstrably false. Crime, including incidents of violence, has decreased under President Biden. You can look it up.
Day states that “the world is in turmoil” and that this was not an issue four years ago. Four years ago, the world was in the throes of a highly contagious and lethal pandemic and the United States suffered far more death and misery than it would have had to due to the incompetence and downplaying of the seriousness of it by then-President Trump. Who would reflect upon where we were four years ago with nostalgia?
Oren Spiegler
Peters