This week’s question: What advice would you have for President-elect Joe Biden as he begins his term this month?
The Buzz is a weekly question about an issue affecting the residents of Hampton Roads.
I would surround myself with people who are well informed. I would listen to what they say biased and unbiased. If no one has an opposing side, then find one. Then make a decision on facts and consequences. Delaying decisions can sometimes be a best practice. Sometimes leadership requires not doing anything.
Michael Hutson, Virginia Beach
You will be pressured to slide left; however, you will be more successful from the center. Take a more “what are America’s vital interests/objectives” approach to national security policy issues. Play hardball with China, Russia and Iran, or America loses. Finally, stay healthy and mentally sharp. The thought of Kamala Harris as president is too scary.
John R. Baer, Yorktown
Wade very carefully into partisan political waters. Listen to all Americans. I believe that there are tens of millions of us who strongly favor a leadership that returns us to a more centrist democracy, recreating a society of decency instead of incivility, and of compromise for the common good.
Keith A. Taylor, James City County
I would suggest to him that, before rushing headlong into any transformational changes for the whole country, he keep in mind that 75 million voters, representing about 47% of the votes cast, did not vote for him. His election was not an overwhelming mandate.
Don Vtipil, Norfolk
Dear Joe, please encourage the Justice Department to vigorously pursue all legal avenues for prosecuting Donald Trump and his cronies for the crimes they have committed, no matter how long it takes. Letting their heinous acts go unpunished would not be merciful, but rather a cruel, cynical abdication of duty.
Michael Holloway, York County
I do not agree with the anti-Biden insurrection tactics on Jan. 6, but President-elect Joe Biden is not going to bring the nation together by continuing to advance socialistic and gun control agendas that started with Lyndon Johnson’s failing programs. Doing so will increase entrenched polarization and anger, which we do not need.
Joseph L. Bass, Suffolk
Please look for constructive ways to nurture recovery of the trampled civic expectation — presumption — of truthfulness and respect for fact as the grounding for everything in the civic and political realm.
Steve Corneliussen, Poquoson
Political leadership is a difficult role. “You can’t please all the people all the time.” Surround yourself, President Biden, with advisors, staff and appointees who have the best interest of this nation at heart. Continue with your most resounding trait: having empathy for others. Follow the Constitution and letter of the law in all your decisions.
Ross Kearney, Hampton
Millions of people feel the election was rigged and unfair. I disagree but deal with it head-on. Establish a fair and equally-represented body to thoroughly investigate the last election and our voting process. It is worth spending the time and money to bring us closer together and put more trust in this very core issue.
Dal Paull, Norfolk
My suggestions for President Biden are: Don’t promise what you cannot deliver, and deliver more than you promise.
James M. Walsh, James City County
The advice I give is mitigate the COVID19 pandemic; do the right thing for us, the people; and repair alliances overseas.
Robert Neely, Newport News
Be fair, make everyone do their job, place experts in strategic places and enforce laws that protect all Americans equally.
Get rid of obstructionists.
Gail Kent, Newport News
Before occupying the White House, President-elect Joe Biden should have an expert HAZMAT team detoxify the building. Once it’s been cleared of the miasma, Biden should have them do it again to make sure that the Trump stench is permanently gone.
Ken Powders, Chesapeake
Reinvigorate the economy by getting the vaccinations done. Convene the Governors’ Council, place “Warp Speed” under the National Guard, give states $7 billion and the authority to activate all the Guard personnel necessary, adopted whatever procedures they need and coordinate with the CDC. Keep everyone else out of the way.
Dave McGinnis, Williamsburg