To the Editor:
Re “In Farewell Tackle, Biden Warns of an ‘Oligarchy’ Taking Form in America” (information article, nytimes.com, Jan. 15):
On Wednesday evening, from the Oval Workplace within the White Home, Joe Biden delivered his farewell handle to the nation. It was not only a closing handle to his 4 years as our president, but additionally a farewell handle to his 50-plus years of public service to the nation that he so clearly and deeply loves.
He selected to not “crow” about his many legislative accomplishments, or all that he feels he did to enhance the welfare and the well-being of us, the American folks. As a substitute, probably the most memorable a part of his speech embodied a warning that the folks should maintain their guard as much as thrust back the risks posed by a small group of tech oligarchs who’re wielding undue and harmful affect over our lives. Though he didn’t say so explicitly, he was additionally warning of their undue affect on the person shortly to be sworn in as our subsequent president.
He stated that it’s as much as us, each considered one of us, to guard one another and to guard this nation. Mr. President, we’re grateful on your many lengthy years of service, and sir, we’re nicely suggested to take your warning to coronary heart.
Ken Derow
Swarthmore, Pa.
To the Editor:
President Biden’s farewell is a bittersweet second for America. He took workplace because the nation struggled to get better from Covid and tried to handle the assault on democracy initiated and fueled by the person who will likely be our subsequent president. His expertise within the federal authorities and his promise to make use of his 4 years as president centered on our nation’s future have been reassuring to the nation.
His lengthy listing of accomplishments is testimony to his distinctive political talents. For many presidents it’s how they’d be remembered. Nevertheless, for Mr. Biden, his failure to guide on the singular most grave menace to our democracy for the reason that Civil Struggle will likely be how he’s remembered.
What non-public thought centered him on operating for re-election we’ll by no means know for positive. We do know the impact. A convicted felon will quickly be our president.
Sadly this will likely be Mr. Biden’s legacy.
Sidney Weissman
Highland Park, Ailing.
To the Editor:
President Biden, in 17 minutes you stated a lot. With tears in my eyes I thanks. Tears of gratitude for all you’ve gotten achieved and tears of concern for what’s forward. Your warning is felt. I’ve felt powerless. You gave me the braveness that I — not a billionaire — might help overcome these occasions. I pray you’re proper.
I taught my kids to play by the principles. It’s bizarre to observe many adults and leaders so comfortably not play the identical means and nonetheless be capable of sleep at evening.
Sure, the Statue of Liberty — and America — stands tall, sways with the wind and shines. Could it — and we — proceed to take action.
We’re perpetually grateful on your service, President Biden. Really feel good. You probably did make a distinction. We are going to carry your message.
Dody Osborne Cox
Guilford, Conn.
To the Editor:
Like President Harry Truman, President Biden will likely be considered extra respectfully by historians than he’s considered by his contemporaries. Having entered workplace with the Covid-19 pandemic nonetheless raging and on the heels of a deep recession, Mr. Biden has left the U.S. with an economic system that a current article in The Economist calls “the envy of the world.”
Furthermore, in response to Russia’s assault on democratic Ukraine, Mr. Biden has organized and led a navy provide coalition of greater than 50 nations that, for 3 years, and nonetheless counting, has sustained Ukraine’s brave battle for survival.
Even a one-term president will be traditionally important. America’s best president, Abraham Lincoln, served solely six weeks of his second time period.
To the Editor:
I used to be shocked to learn “Contemplating the Value of Buying Greenland” (DealBook, Jan. 13). This isn’t a innocent “thought experiment,” as you framed it.
Episodes such because the Louisiana Buy date again to an period wherein territory — and other people — have been handled as property. The post-World Struggle II worldwide order, which the US performed a central position in creating, acknowledges peoples’ proper to self-determination and outlaws territorial acquisition by the menace or use of drive.
I helped advise Greenland on its self-determination choices again in 2001, and the core precept stays the identical: Greenlanders have the suitable to find out their very own political future.
From a U.S. perspective, the important thing to safety is constructing and sustaining alliances. Sadly, the incoming administration appears extra intent on burning bridges than constructing them.
Chimène Keitner
Davis, Calif.
The author is a professor on the College of California Davis Faculty of Regulation.
To the Editor:
I learn “Residing By way of Wildfires Leaves Psychological Scars” (information article, Jan. 10) with nice curiosity. Nevertheless, I used to be dissatisfied by its heavy emphasis on “lasting psychological hurt,” “nervousness” and “post-traumatic stress dysfunction,” whereas neglecting an equally necessary message: Most individuals are resilient.
Research after examine, throughout nations and contexts, has proven that persons are remarkably resilient within the face of adversity. Even amid the devastation attributable to the Los Angeles fires, the human spirit’s capability to endure, get better and thrive is a strong story that deserves consideration.
It is usually value emphasizing {that a} key consider fostering resilience is help. Sturdy connections with household, buddies and neighborhood members are important in serving to folks navigate trauma and emerge stronger. In these troublesome occasions, encouraging people to hunt help, supply assist and construct networks of care is essential. These acts of connection and compassion are what resilient folks do and what permit communities to heal collectively.
By focusing primarily on the psychological scars of wildfires, we threat overshadowing this hopeful reality. Sharing tales of resilience alongside accounts of trauma can encourage readers and empower them with instruments to face their challenges. It’s not about denying the difficulties however displaying that even within the darkest occasions, restoration and development are attainable.
Caren Baruch-Feldman
Scarsdale, N.Y.
The author, a psychologist, is the writer of “The Grit Information for Teenagers” and a co-author of “The Resilience Workbook for Youngsters.”
Close to-Dying Experiences (or Not)
To the Editor:
Re “Finish-of-Life Phenomenon Grew to become Actual After They Survived to Inform the Story” (information article, Jan. 12):
Thrilling and enchanting because the near-death experiences might have been to those that had them, I’ve a unique clarification for them.
A 12 months or so in the past, I dislocated a hip. It’s the worst ache I’ve ever had. Within the emergency room, I used to be administered ketamine in order that two docs may bodily wrest my hip again in place.
In the course of the 20 minutes or in order that I used to be underneath the affect of this robust drug, I noticed myself in a tunnel of clouds, drifting towards a vibrant mild, and realized I used to be in heaven. If that is dying, I assumed, I’m OK with that!
After all, it wasn’t dying, nor do I consider it was near-death. It was, reasonably, the affect of a powerful drug that made me consider I used to be elsewhere. Given the truth that our mind, underneath stress, is able to many “miraculous” talents, I believe that the near-death experiences are merely the mind’s “ketamine” in motion.
Christopher Lukas
Sparkill, N.Y.
