Last night President Biden had a state of the union address going over his first 100 days in office. First subject was Covid 19. He was going over the success of the rollout and getting the vaccines into Americans and addressing people’s hesitancy and encouraging everyone to get vaccinated. I feel he is riding the coattails of what Trump started as developing a vaccine in “warp time.” I don’t give Trump credit for much, actually maybe two things, but he started this. Unfortunately of all the bragging he does, this is one major accomplishment, he really could have milked. Instead he was too concentrated on berating others and spreading lies. I do think Biden handled the distribution part much better than Trump would have. So there you go, unbeknowst to either, a Republican push for a vaccine and a Democrats push to get it distributed.
Biden also proposes free preschool for all Americans and free community college too. I have to know more to comment on that. He addresses gun violence and I agree with him there. I remember when Trump was elected he was all for gun control. He had one meeting with the NRA and made a complete change. Love to know what was said, I’m sure it had to do with money. Anyway Biden stated that this is what the majority of American people want and I believe this is true. Why can’t we vote on specific items. Have a universal vote on gun control only, see what the people want. Isn’t that what this country is all about. Instead we have to vote for these people in a package, take it or leave it and the biggest hurdle, donations to keep these people in office. Very frustrating.
I was waiting for him to talk about immigration because I am not in favor of him allowing all these unaccompanied children to flow into America. Yes we need a new immigration plan, have for many years. Unfortunately another major item that our representatives don’t want to compromise on.
He addressed the threat of Russia and China and I was pleased with his responses. He remarked on returning to work with our allies to combat world issues, I also agree with that. He spoke of terrorists, abroad and home grown white supremacy. His plan was big on infrastructure and the creation of blue color jobs. This is another item that both parties agree need addressing. Give a little boys and girls.
Ending the occupation in Afghanistan. He stated a fact that was eye opening, yet not surprising. That fathers and sons have participated in this long war, generations affected. He gave a date for withdrawal of troops. Again, this is what Trump started, one of his pledges was to get out of Afghanistan.
Biden addressed taxes and restructuring of the IRS. He wanted to raise taxes on people making over 400,000/ year. Well I’m all for that, (I’m also for a straight percentage tax rate for all) He wants to close all the tax loopholes that the wealthy get away with. How the top earners in our country end up paying zero taxes! Of course this is not popular and it is something the Republicans and Democrats will not agree on. This is how he wants to pay for all of the above agenda.
These proposals come with a HUGE price tag. Trillions of dollars. The Republicans came back with their own plan for addressing the infrastructure part of the proposal. It’s still in the trillions, just less. Come on, give something up! compromise will ya, for the sake of your constituents! Show it can be done. Work for us, not yourselves and power grabbing or approval from other colleagues.
All and all I found it positive and a little idealistic, but you have to start somewhere. I appreciated the tone of the speech, after four years of rants, criticisms, and downright lies. Its very nice to have a calmer leader.