‘ Together we can reach new heights’

President Joe Biden’s inaugural address was what our nation needed to hear. We face significant issues, but if we can work for the common good, there is little we can’t achieve together. It is a new day in America, and together we can reach new heights in combating the pandemic, reducing inequality and unifying our country.

One of the primary things I’ll most remember from the events leading up to Inauguration Day and from his address is the time he devoted for reflection for the more than 400,000 Americans we have lost to COVID- 19. His reflection combined with proactive measures to help us combat the pandemic are exactly what is needed during these challenging times.

Steven M. Clayton

Ocean, N. J.

Former Vice President Mike Pence’s decisions to wish Vice President Kamala Harris well with a phone call, to greet National Guard members protecting our Capitol and to attend the BidenHarris inauguration helped smooth an otherwise rough transition of presidential power.

Maybe there is a sense of redemption at play in those decisions. History will judge Pence based on the entirety of President Donald Trump’s term.

However, despite likely ulterior motives and positioning for a 2024 presidential run, Pence made a decision to uphold his constitutional responsibility to affirm the electoral count despite pressure by Trump and his extremist supporters, and that proved pivotal.

Whatever the reasons or motivations, Pence deserves our gratitude and history’s grace, especially if one ponders what might have been had he decided to act differently.

Michael Peterson

Hillsboro, Oregon