President Biden shows empathy, competence
I have been thinking about the Hebrew phrase, “Chazak veematz,” which means, “Be strong of good courage.” I believe that it takes courage to live in our world today. I am Jewish, 65 years old, and am speaking to those in our country that have been discriminated against, due to the color of their skin, religious beliefs, sexual identity, immigration status, financial situation, educational status, or other reasons.
Before the last presidential election, I listened to President Biden during a town hall. I appreciated Biden’s empathy. One of the questions at the town hall was about advice for a college student that had stuttered since he was a young child. President Biden discussed what it was like growing up and stuttering. Biden talked about the fact that stuttering is the only handicap that people still laugh at. He discussed how many people feel that stuttering has to do with intelligence, and how this notion is wrong. He told the audience that if anyone feels they could use assistance with stuttering they can reach out and he will help. Biden described how important it is for parents to allow their children that stutter to finish their sentences, to feel confident and supported. Biden talked about standing in front of the mirror and practicing poetry. He would look in a mirror because when you stutter, to get the words out you contort your face, and it is embarrassing. Biden talked about how no one has the right to mock someone for something they cannot control, that is not their fault, no matter who they are. Biden emphasized, we must reach out and be kind to each other. I cried listening to Biden. I knew at that time this was a person that cared about others, that was running because he believed the soul of the nation was at stake. Biden still believes this. I believe the soul of the nation and democracy is at stake.
I think about the people around the country that are angry with President Biden for the support he gives Israel and for seeming to ignore the thousands of casualties in Gaza. This is not the case. Biden has consistently been in talks with Netanyahu and has been putting pressure on him to bring the hostages home and to curb the aggression. The fact is, Netanyahu has his own feelings about how things should go. Netanyahu knows that as soon as Israel stops fighting, he will be out of power and will most likely land in jail. I recently heard a discussion on National Public Radio, talking about Biden’s unwavering support for Israel. Biden’s support for Israel goes back to his youth. During family dinners, Biden’s father used to discuss the Holocaust and how horrific it was. Since that time Biden has believed that people that are Jewish deserve and need their own homeland. President Biden believes in a two-state solution, Netanyahu does not.
Biden is humble and does not seem to want to discuss his administration’s accomplishments. President Biden truly cares about this country and the people that live here. He has experience in foreign policy, and as many will remember, when Putin invaded Ukraine Biden was able to bring NATO together to support Ukraine in its darkest hour. Biden traveled to Ukraine. It is not Biden who is holding up funding for Ukraine, it is the MAGA Republicans that do not understand history and what could happen if Putin wins this war. I know many Americans are tired of supporting Ukraine, though please understand that the fall of Ukraine is dangerous to democracy all over the world and could be the start of World War III. Plus, the needs of Ukraine are creating jobs here in the United States.
President Biden is doing his best with what he has. It is not an easy time to be president. Our world is a scary place right now. I know deep down that with President Biden in the White House, there is an experienced, empathetic, and knowledgeable leader. I can hope for a better world for my children and trust things will work out.