To the editor: President Biden in his Christmas address encouraged the country to pursue a fresh start. He said we should be viewed as Americans doing what’s best for our country and not party. We should also be proud of our country and build it together.
Maybe the President was responding to a September New York Times poll which asked Americans if they think our country is the greatest on earth. 69 percent Republicans and 37 percent Democrats responded yes. In July the Rasmussen poll asked whether they were very proud to be an American. 74 percent Republican and 44 percent Democrats responded yes. A recent Quinnipiac poll asked if America was invaded by a foreign power would you stay and fight or run? 68 percent Republicans and 40 percent Democrats would stay and fight.
These polls are troubling, and the President is ignoring its seriousness. It won’t get better because of his harmony call. Many aren’t proud to be Americans and don’t think our country is great or worth fighting for. If a foreign power attacked us a big percentage of Americans would give up. China, Iran and Russia are cognizant of this weakness?
Why do so many hate America? Most are Democrats. Biden should ask them. It’s a serious national security problem when a majority of the people dislike this country. Who or what’s influencing people? Biden and political leaders better find out or we won’t have a country.
Frank Mazur
The author is a South Burlington resident and former Republican legislator.