Not a joke, this salute’s for outgoing Joe | Letters

In a couple of months, we will say goodbye to President Joe Biden, one of the most decent, empathic, kind, generous, honest and patriotic politicians our nation has ever seen.

He has been at t he forefront of our politics for decades and leaves office after a momentous term as president. His achievements are exemplary. Consider the creation of millions of new jobs, reductions in some drug prices, an impressive infrastructure plan, an incentive to manufacture computer chips domestically, support for labor unions, and choosing to tackle climate change in a big way.

Biden has also brought inflation under control after it spiked, strengthened NATO and brought American leadership around the world to a pinnacle. He's been among the most consequential presidents. Unfortunately, he quickly became unpopular, despite these accomplishments. He obviously made some mistakes that were amplified in our political arena.

We, as a nation, owe Biden immense gratitude for how he has conducted himself as a leader and how he achieved many lofty goals, despite his party having only a slim majority in the Senate and a Republican-led House for the last two years.

Live a long and healthy life, Mr. President. We will miss your friendly voice and assuring smile.

Sharpton and Hostin divide our country, not Trump

It disgusts me to hear remarks by the Rev. Al Sharpton, "The View" co-host Sunny Hostin and others stating that Kamala Harris lost the presidential election because racism and gender bias are still alive in this country.

Did it ever occur to them that she lost because people didn't think she did her job as vice-president well; because energy prices spiked during the Biden-Harris administration, causing record-high inflation; because she favored access to late-term abortion; allowed undocumented immigrants to cross the border at record levels and then denied it; and supported spending taxpayers' money on sex-change operations for incarcerated criminals?

National exit polls suggested that the economy and the state of democracy were virtually tied as the number one concern of voters.

It seems like whenever something doesn't go their way, people like Sharpton and Hostin play the race or gender card. This election inspired more African-Americans and Latinos to vote Republican. So, I guess, according to Sharpton and Hostin, those voters are "racist", too?

Sharpton, Hostin, etc., are the ones who are dividing this country, not Donald Trump. It's time for them to get over it and examine the true factors of Harris' demise.

Why it's reasonable to despair

I am writing in response to Tom Moran's recent column that carried the print headline, "Despair for now. But here's why Democrats should cheer up."

I despair because so many Democrats stayed home, despite knowing how utterly unfit Donald Trump is for the office of president, or any office.

I also despair because the man who incited an insurrection attempt in order to stay in power will put his hand on the Bible on Inauguration Day 2025, and swear to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

He violated that oath when he was president before. Why are we giving him a second chance?

I despair.

Mom won't like what Murphy plans

After President-elect Donald Trump's victory, Gov. Phil Murphy said he will "fight to the death" against Trump initiatives and actions that are "contrary to our values."

Supposedly, this will include Trump's proposal to remove federal income taxes from the portion of Social Security benefits that are currently subject to the tax. Is Murphy insane? This will plan will help senior citizens like my mother immensely.

And, will Murphy fight Trump's plan to get rid of federal income taxes on overtime pay? This will help the entire middle class very much.

The governor's "Trump Derangement Syndrome" is out of control. By the way, Trump got more votes last week than Murphy did in his second gubernatorial run in 2021.

Dem governors should pick their shots

It looks like a number of Democratic governors are having a meltdown over the results of the presidential election. In taking aggressive stances against Republican President-elect Donald Trump, they have chosen a very shortsighted and foolish path.

The Democratic Party espouses unity rather than division. It is the duty of a governor to improve the well being of those he or she represents. Most likely, the largest share of the billions of federal dollars available to states will go to the states whose leaders have wisely chosen sugar over salt.

Kudos to our neighboring Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul of New York, for one.

A short pro-Trump message

For approximately a year, I have been reading long anti-Donald Trump letters to the editor from central New Jersey writers, particularly from one family in Yardville. I must admit they are very well written.

My letter will be short. With Trump's election, it is my hope that they will enjoy the prosperity of the next four years.

Joke of the day

Thank you to columnist Paul Mulshine ( "The last laugh is on the Democrats" ) for explaining the humor of Donald Trump. Like millions of Americans, I failed to see how funny it was when Trump attempted to overthrow the government on Jan. 6, 2021.

I can't wait for Trump's next comic routine, what the Borscht Belt comics called "shtick." I'll look forward to Mulshine pointing out the humor of millions of immigrants being rounded up and placed in detention camps. I'll probably miss the joke when Obamacare is repealed.

Hail to the Comic-in Chief!

Wet and too wild

In the midst of our very serious drought conditions, why do some residents continue to water their lawns?

Just asking.