From: Larry Shade
Columbus
Whether there is a Republican or a Democrat in the White House, the opposite party in Congress will challenge much of that president’s agenda. But both sides still must be willing to negotiate. No president has 100% control of the issues he faces; much of the other responsibility is in the power of other departments or outside forces.
Congress is responsible for passing legislation to benefit and protect our democracy. The Federal Reserve’s mandate is to provide a stable economy by adjusting targets for employment and inflation. Oil is produced and sold by many countries around the world with the Middle East having a big influence. Thus, the global market determines the price of gas with the US having limited control.
One area where the executive branch needs to take control and respond quickly is when the health and safety of our people are at risk. Such a time is now with the coronavirus pandemic. The Trump administration reacted slowly by refusing to take the pandemic seriously. Progress was slow despite the development of two vaccines. The Biden administration made the pandemic a priority and progress increased, but progress was limited because of the continuing conflict between the two parties. By the end of 2021, only about 60 percent of those eligible had been fully vaccinated.
America has had a history of responding to all its crises by putting aside our differences and rallying together to defend our country and keep America strong. Today the United States is being confronted with a host of dangerous adversaries. How will America respond?
