I know many of you who read my rants believe that I am a pessimist. I’m not sure you are wrong: this is what happens when you watch the changes in our nation over 75 years. However, I try to read the good stories about real Americans whose efforts make small changes which sometimes become great reform in our country.
I become hopeful when I watch television shows like “Sunday Morning” on CBS. They always have uplifting stories about regular people who “go the extra mile” for others. I am always thrilled when I read stories about others whose positivity I may never know. These are the men, women, and children who think of others before themselves and represent what it means to be an ‘American.’
My days are spent in the very dark and ugly caverns of American politics. I seldom find the good in those who live lives of luxury and privilege in Washington. But once in a while, I am surprised, usually by a younger member of Congress.
If you have read previous posts on my blogs or on publications to which I contributed, you are aware that I was not Joe Biden’s biggest fan. I had no animosity toward the former vice-president, but I believed we needed change in Washington, especially at the top. I favored a younger candidate who would ideally be a woman, hopefully progressive, and whose ethnicity was not pure white. This would have represented our nation today, which averages 38.2 years of age, dominated by women, 51-49 percent, is leaning progressive, and becoming more diverse than expected every year.
I will be the first to admit that President Biden has surprised me. He surrounded himself with some of the most experienced and talented men and women in their fields in his cabinet and as his closest advisers. His efforts to distribute the Covid-19 vaccine quickly are admirable and saved thousands of lives. His efforts to remove some of the damage caused by Donald Trump’s administration are returning democracy to our nation. But there’s more.
The President is restoring our relationship with our allies, including the leaders of nations bordering the United States. For example, Biden met with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday. Not once in four years did Trump meet with them; he was too busy on the phone with Vladimir Putin and Mohammed bin Salman or playing golf.
Biden’s agenda to “Build Back Better,” which involves social programs to improve the lives of the majority, is slowly moving its way through Congress. This will benefit all Americans for decades to come.
Initially, the CBO reported its concerns that the programs involved would increase the national debt. However, today it has revised its estimates and stated that increased tax revenues would bring $8 billion under the previous estimate.
There are several requirements expected from our presidents — first, unequivocal loyalty to their country’s people. Second, experience in government and knowledge of every department in Washington. Third, exceptional intelligence that is mixed with common sense. And fourth, a solid work ethic, especially when our nation’s people need them the most.
President Biden has displayed all these requirements and has earned my respect.
Between 2017 and 2021, I lost faith in not only my government but also the American people. The change began on November 8, 2020, when Biden defeated Trump by more than seven million votes, and the turnout was historic. Real Americans voiced their demands at the polls and by mail, and we will not stop. This country belongs to the people, the government, and those we elect. No longer will we allow Washington to rule over us: they must once again serve us.
Thank you, Mr. Biden. You have restored my hope and some of my faith.
Op-ed by James Turnage
Sources:
Politico: Electric vehicles spark discord at Biden’s trilateral summit; by Andy Blatchford, Sabrina Rodriguez, and Gavin Bode
Daily Kos: The Tide is Turning – Friday’s Good News Roundup; by niftywriter
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Gage Skidmore’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Jonathan Kos-Read’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
