In time, Biden’s term will be honored

Regarding Jeff Robbins’ column on Joe Biden, I agree unequivocally that to properly vet and evaluate a POTUS, time must pass for a president to be objectively critiqued. According to Gallup Polls, when President Harry S Truman chose not to run for reelection, his approval rating was at 22% in early 1952. Notwithstanding, Truman’s accomplishments during his presidency are astounding. Truman brought an end to World War II (American military strategists who proposed a full-scale invasion of Japan speculated that it could lead to another 10 years of war and over 1 million American casualties). His Fair Deal expanded Social Security and fair employment practices. The Truman Doctrine provided aid to Greece and Turkey combating communism. The Marshall Plan rebuilt Europe post-World War II and combined with the creation of NATO brought unparalleled peace and prosperity to the war-ravaged continent. Finally, Executive Order 9981 desegregated the armed forces and helped contribute to the Civil Rights movement.

Biden’s accomplishments during his one term as president are impressive. The American Rescue Plan provided financial assistance to families struggling to pay their rent or food during the pandemic. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act provided federal funding for our nation’s crumbling. The Chips and Science Act accelerated the manufacture of semiconductor chips used for everything from automobiles to refrigerators. The Inflation Reduction Act provided $55 billion to combat the threat of global climate change. Finally, working collaboratively with N.A.T.O., Biden provided urgent military assistance to Ukraine helping thwart Vladimir Putin and Russia’s attempt to negate Ukrainian sovereignty.

Biden will be remembered in history along with former reviled Presidents Harry S Truman and Lyndon B. Johnson as one of the most significant presidents in American History.

Lawrence E. Bonk

Roselle