Letters to the Editor | Nov. 29, 2024

The political attacks on the Biden administration were based largely on misinformation. Those who voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 election believed the lies. This Thanksgiving season, as I grieve the outcome of this election, I am grateful for the last four years. I believe history will show President Joe Biden did a commendable job of delivering relief from a raging pandemic and a reeling economy. Among his accomplishments are passing legislation to rebuild our infrastructure, building clean energy, and bringing the manufacture of silicon chips back to the U.S. through the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act. Most of all, I am thankful for the tone set by Biden. He put his head down and worked hard to get things done instead of spewing hateful, racist, and vulgar rhetoric. He chose cabinet members with experience and good character. He displayed professionalism rather than showmanship. These next four years will look very different, and it will be difficult for most of us. Thank you, President Biden.

Sandra Detweiler, West Chester

The Sunday editorial on Donald Trump’s cabinet picks is an excellent must-read. One of my favorite sayings is, “Elect a clown and expect a circus.” Well, in this election cycle, this statement was never truer. The editorial covers many important aspects, but I will focus on only a few. First, Trump did not get elected in a “landslide.” He got less than 50% of the vote. No matter how many times he wants to boast about his mandate, it didn’t happen. The Republicans barely hung on to the House majority and picked up a few Senate seats. Hardly a mandate. This election didn’t make him king.

As the editorial states, “[T]he Senate must do its sworn constitutional duty: complete background checks, hold hearings, and vote to accept or reject the nominees.” These checks and balances are clearly in the Constitution and cannot be swept aside by the president. The Senate cannot go on recess during this critical phase for confirmation. Please write, call, or email your senator and express your concern that the king cannot just appoint nominees without the consent of the Senate. No excuses. No nominee rubber stamps. No recess appointments. Follow the Constitution.

Susan Thompson, Media

With the continuous stream of proposed candidates being put forth for the coming reign of Donald Trump, how can there be any doubt of his intention to elevate himself as the one and only supreme leader who can solve all problems? Most of these individuals lack any experience, training, or expertise in the critical offices for which they are being proposed. Indeed, some nominations are outright laughable, yet deeply concerning for the well-being and security of the country.

And what makes these candidates so worthy that Trump’s MAGA followers think they can bypass the usual investigation and vetting process? They all must be carefully considered and checked out. Furthermore, a slash-and-burn approach to dismantling important agencies (with chaos and disruption to follow) doesn’t make America great, it makes America regress. How is this for the good of the people and the country? All of this is merely to make Trump feel like the big dictator he wants to be, with his retinue of yes-men and women kissing his ring.

Elsbeth Wrigley, Wyndmoor

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