In his State of the Union Address, President Biden delivered an optimistic vision of America.

He touted his accomplishments: infrastructure funding, healthcare savings, economic progress (12 million new jobs and the lowest unemployment in 50 years), and uniting global allies against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

In my opinion, Biden proposed tangible policies to improve the lives of all Americans: expanding high-paying jobs for blue-collar workers, regulating “junk fees” (on credit cards, flights, hotel stays, cable services) that cost consumers hundreds of dollars a month, expanding prescription drug savings, police training and accountability, protecting individual liberties, and continued support for Ukraine.

By contrast, the deadpanned Republican response by Arkansas Governor Sanders described a dystopian America. Sanders lobbed personal attacks and invoked culture wars. Using acronyms and concepts unfamiliar to most Americans, she criticized Democrats for “woke fantasies.”

Sanders claimed that Republicans support freedom, despite what I believe is clear evidence that Republicans are obliterating women’s reproductive rights, banning books, and censoring school curricula to present an inaccurate version of history and contemporary society.

Sanders proclaimed the difference between the parties: “The choice is between normal or crazy.” But she got the sides confused.

The MAGA agenda involves repression, lies, and aid and comfort to the wealthiest Americans and global dictators. The Democratic agenda supports economic progress that reduces class and racial inequities, protects individual rights, reduces health care costs, and safeguards the environment at home and abroad.

Voters have rejected the MAGA agenda. If our two-party system is to survive, the Republican Party must return to its senses.

SHERI BERENBAUM

State College

Submitted by Virtual Newsroom