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Brad Kramer’s My Point of View column published Dec. 4 is a good reminder for readers to reexamine the value of said column to the community.

It is a common occurrence in Mr. Kramer’s contributions to include some name calling, and he continues this trend right away with mentioning “the insufferable” Al Gore. Why is this necessary, and why does the Tribune continue to publish this column despite its own request to keep public discourse positive and respectful?

Mr. Kramer asserts that Trump walked the walk when it came to the deficit and managing the border. However, the gross federal debt increased by $7.8 trillion during his term. The tax cut did not pay for itself, nor did the border wall get built, nor did Mexico pay for it. Recently, bipartisan legislation was generated in the U.S. Senate to improve border security. It was never acted upon primarily due to Trump’s insistence that the bill not come to any Senate debate, let alone a vote. Is that what he means by walking the walk?

The dream team cabinet? We already know what happened with Matt Gaetz. Many others remain under increasing scrutiny for their character, actual accomplishments and lack of expertise. Shouldn’t we expect a cabinet that represents the best that this country can offer — both in terms of character, knowledge and experience?

Elon Musk promises two years of pain. Pain for who? And why? Has anyone from the Trump organization explained to the taxpayer/citizens the impact of unchecked tariffs on our pocketbooks?

Can we expect that educational access and equality, health care access and affordability, Social Security/Medicare and national security will be protected let alone improved, or is dismantling all of them part of the pain? Are victims from the increasingly frequent and powerful national disasters, who saw their homes and communities destroyed, also insufferable and soon to be on their own?

In Minnesota, Harris and Klobuchar received more votes than Trump. Democrats retain control of the Minnesota Senate and are tied in the House. I think it is safe to say that those results do not constitute a Republican mandate let alone serve as an indicator for a lack of patriotism.

Peggy Bennett was re-elected, again. She did not receive all the votes. However, it should be expected that the level of public support shown must reflect her accomplishments while serving this district. Anyone receiving twice as many votes as the challenger must really get things done. Thus, shouldn’t we expect her to deliver real solutions for our wastewater treatment plant? Shouldn’t we expect her to lead and deliver a solution resulting in a fully staffed hospital and clinic? Shouldn’t we expect her to improve health care access and affordability? Shouldn’t we expect properly funded public schools? Shouldn’t we expect state government solutions that provide real relief to local property, city and county taxes? Or can we expect more pain?

Jeff Miller
Albert Lea