Your political career began as the youngest person ever elected to Congress. You end your career as the most experienced person to hold the office of President. Undoubtedly, the decision to give up power and pass the torch was not an easy one. Throughout your 50 years of dedicated service you have kept faith with the American people. You have exemplified the highest principles and values of this great nation. You chose country over self. Thank you, Joe.

You selected a highly qualified cabinet that looks like America. You chose the first Native American to ever hold a cabinet position in our government’s history and appointed the first Black woman to the US Supreme Court. You chose a strong and fearless Vice President, Kamala Harris, that if called upon would be ready on “day one.” Thank you, Joe.

History will record your tenure as POTUS, though short, will be revered for achieving the most consequential bi-partisan legislation of the last 60 years. For that, we thank you.

Taking office we were facing a pandemic which would kill one million Americans. Wall Street economists were predicting a recession with businesses shuttered, workers unemployed and children quarantined from school. The challenges were staggering. Without trepidation, you passed the American Rescue Plan. It supported families, displaced workers and businesses to traverse the obstacles of the worse pandemic in 100 years. You forged the most aggressive mass inoculation in our country’s history, saving countless lives. For that, we thank you.

From your legislative initiatives, we have emerged from the pandemic with the most robust economy compared to any other country. Grocery prices, though high, are beginning to trickle downward. Inflation has fallen to a three-year low of 2.5%. Fifteen million jobs have been created since 2021 with a 3.5% unemployment rate, the lowest in 50 years. For that, we thank you.

Goldman Sachs predicts that if your economic policies continue under a Harris/Walz administration, the economy will continue to grow. In contrast, Goldman Sachs predicts a Trump economy with tariffs will stagnate the economy, cause inflation and burden low income families with an additional $4,000 in annual costs.

Beyond your legislative accomplishments, there is one more factor deserving our highest praise. You have restored honor, integrity and respect to the highest office our country bestows, the Presidency of the United States of America. For that, you have our gratitude.

Philip Keyes

Baraga