Jan 12, 2024 2 min read

Despite many problems around the world, Americans have much to celebrate in the New Year. The recently released December jobs report shows continued job growth, with wage gains outpacing inflation. It is the strongest upward trend in 20 years. Notably, wealth across all income levels has increased over the last three years. Inflation, fueled by the pandemic and supply chain issues, is being brought under control.

Compared to other developed nations, the American economy is stronger, growing and thriving. According to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, our country has managed to achieve a “soft landing” while not long ago a recession seemed inevitable. The stock market has achieved record highs.

Last week, the FBI reported more good news – violent crime is down in America. For example, Detroit recorded the lowest number of homicides since 1966.

So why do many Americans believe our streets are dangerous and our economy is in ruins? The answer is simple – well-funded conservative media campaigns and political pundits repeatedly tell audiences things are terrible. This negative propaganda is designed to expand the political power of an extremely wealthy minority by frightening and discouraging the majority.

The current U.S. president has helped us recover from a once-in-a-century pandemic, built infrastructure, helped farmers, fostered new technologies and improved health care for millions. He pushed through legislation to bring semiconductor and other manufacturing home. Despite the false claims to the contrary, we’ve seen increased energy production while addressing the reality of climate change. President Biden has many achievements to list, yet many never hear about any of them, while others ignore or deny them.

The previous president gave massive tax cuts to the very wealthy, increasing both the deficit and income inequality; not much else, unless you want to count dividing Americans.

Donald Fitch

Amity