To the Editor:
Re “In Farewell Address, Biden Warns of an ‘Oligarchy’ Taking Shape in America” (information article, nytimes.com, Jan. 15):
On Wednesday evening, from the Oval Workplace within the White Home, Joe Biden delivered his farewell tackle to the nation. It was not only a closing tackle to his 4 years as our president, but in addition a farewell tackle 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 an alternative, probably the most memorable a part of his speech embodied a warning that the folks should maintain their guard as much as keep off the hazards 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 mentioned that it’s as much as us, every one in all us, to guard one another and to guard this nation. Mr. President, we’re grateful in your many lengthy years of service, and sir, we’re properly 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 well from Covid and tried to handle the assault on democracy initiated and fueled by the person who shall be our subsequent president. His expertise within the federal authorities and his promise to make use of his 4 years as president targeted on our nation’s future have been reassuring to the nation.
His lengthy record of accomplishments is testimony to his distinctive political talents. For many presidents it’s how they might be remembered. Nonetheless, for Mr. Biden, his failure to steer on the singular most grave risk to our democracy for the reason that Civil Conflict shall be how he’s remembered.
What personal thought targeted him on working for re-election we are going to by no means know for positive. We do know the impact. A convicted felon will quickly be our president.
Sadly this shall be Mr. Biden’s legacy.
Sidney Weissman
Highland Park, Unwell.
To the Editor:
President Biden, in 17 minutes you mentioned a lot. With tears in my eyes I thanks. Tears of gratitude for all you will have accomplished 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 — will help overcome these occasions. I pray you’re proper.
I taught my kids to play by the foundations. It’s bizarre to observe many adults and leaders so comfortably not play the identical approach and nonetheless be capable to 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 without end grateful in 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 shall 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 recent 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 may be traditionally vital. America’s biggest president, Abraham Lincoln, served solely six weeks of his second time period.
To the Editor:
I used to be shocked to learn “Considering the Cost of Purchasing 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 by which territory — and folks — have been handled as property. The post-World Conflict II worldwide order, which the USA performed a central position in creating, acknowledges peoples’ proper to self-determination and outlaws territorial acquisition by the risk 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 correct 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 College of Legislation.
To the Editor:
I learn “Living Through Wildfires Leaves Psychological Scars” (information article, Jan. 10) with nice curiosity. Nonetheless, I used to be disillusioned by its heavy emphasis on “lasting psychological hurt,” “nervousness” and “post-traumatic stress dysfunction,” whereas neglecting an equally vital message: Most individuals are resilient.
Study after examine, throughout international locations and contexts, has proven that persons are remarkably resilient within the face of adversity. Even amid the devastation brought on by the Los Angeles fires, the human spirit’s capability to endure, get well and thrive is a strong story that deserves consideration.
It is usually price emphasizing {that a} key think about fostering resilience is help. Robust connections with household, pals and group members are very important in serving to folks navigate trauma and emerge stronger. In these troublesome occasions, encouraging people to hunt help, provide 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 fact. Sharing tales of resilience alongside accounts of trauma can encourage readers and empower them with instruments to face their challenges. It isn’t about denying the difficulties however exhibiting that even within the darkest occasions, restoration and development are doable.
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 Children.”
Close to-Dying Experiences (or Not)
To the Editor:
Re “End-of-Life Phenomenon Became Real After They Survived to Tell the Tale” (information article, Jan. 12):
Thrilling and enchanting because the near-death experiences could have been to those that had them, I’ve a distinct rationalization for them.
A yr 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 medical doctors might bodily wrest my hip again in place.
Throughout the 20 minutes or in order that I used to be underneath the affect of this sturdy 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 demise, I believed, I’m OK with that!
After all, it wasn’t demise, nor do I consider it was near-death. It was, somewhat, 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 feel that the near-death experiences are merely the mind’s “ketamine” in motion.
Christopher Lukas
Sparkill, N.Y.
