Letter from Warren Ainslie

Biden, Dems Have Not Failed Us

The editorial in the July 4 edition of “Hometown Oneonta” [“Damn, Nation”] contained a jarring disconnect. It listed six factors helpful to citizens as they think about who should lead, but then went on to ignore them and state that both parties have failed us. I think it would be helpful to apply them one by one to see how things stand.

Communication: At the debate, Donald Trump made wild statements with no basis in reality, while President Biden struggled to get his message out, both failed. Political skill: Trump, a reality TV star with a checkered business record, has little, while Biden has years of experience and it shows. Point to Biden. Decision making: Bad decisions by Trump during COVID likely led to many more deaths.

Biden has strengthened the economy and NATO. Point to Biden. Vision: To be fair, both do have a vision for America—Trump’s autocracy, in which some people are above others, opposed to Biden’s democratic ideal of liberty and opportunity for all. Personality: An insecure Trump versus a compassionate Biden. Character: Trump a convicted felon, Biden a man of faith and family. Score: Trump 1, Biden 5.

I would add a seventh factor, hiring. Biden and the Democratic Party have assembled an amazing team of competent people resulting in the most successful administrations of the last 50 years. It’s not a one man show.

Warren Ainslie
Richfield Springs