Sitting in the seat of President of the United States is a tough job to perform, but much easier to critique. We have had our share of great Presidents (no one is perfect), as well as bombs. Although President Joe and I may not agree on every topic/issue, I am very thankful he is our President during these turbulent times. With President Joe’s leadership there is some reason for optimism and hope.

Why Optimistic????

1. President Joe believes in the United States of America, not just America. States rights are important but our nation is geographically large, operationally complex and diverse requiring laws and policies that are observed by all states. Change is a constant and the men who drafted the constitution took care to ensure that every generation would adapt the national government to their needs.
2. President Joe believes in a level playing field. Without racial and environmental justice and economic equality, our country cannot succeed in the 21st century. Supporting a level playing field is reinforced by quality education for all. Our Congress needs to make decisions based on what is best for the many and not just a few.
3. President Joe believes that the United States of America must be focused on both short-term actions and long-term planning. While Child Tax Credits helped (and should be approved to continue to help) reduce poverty today, we must for example be setting climate change direction to ensure our children and grandchildren have an environmentally safe world to live in.

Why Not Optimistic???

1. Disinformation is overwhelming. As citizens of the United States of America we all as President Joe is fond of saying…Are trying to make sure we can put three squares on the table. Listening and discoursing with each other is critical, but disinformation only muddies the waters. As citizens civic duty is critical so we can advocate for national actions with global impact.
2. As our forefathers feared, running the government can become about power and money rather than serving the greater good. Often I wonder how many of our politicians sleep at night. Dark money supports the 1%. Effective decision making is all about compromise, but we live in a time when compromise is no longer allowed to be an option. The battle is not over being conservative or liberal; it should be about being honorable and ethical.
3. Unity is not possible if our hearts are not caring and are minds creative. Going back to “how it used to be” is not an option. As a country we are better than that, especially when “how it used to be” was best for a few, not most. I am so ashamed and embarresed when I watch/listen to leaders whose only goal is to divide citizens against each other.

I understand the above may sound naive. I understand that I do not know all that is needed to be known to conclusively make the above statements. But I do know a) that our present direction as a country could lead to the end of our democracy and b) that I appreciate President Joe’s efforts to speak and work for all citizens and position the United States of America for the third decade of the 21st century and going forward.