Rating Donald Trump's first address to Congress
Daily Times Reader Panel members weigh in on President Trump’s address to the Joint Session of Congress.
Improved, but not quite there yet
I wanted to be positive about this speech that some have called Trump’s first speech with a presidential tone. It was covered in upbeat utopian icing instead of the past dystopian gloom. It was more about we than I. Trump practiced in the car, used the teleprompter and wore a new blue/white tie instead of red.
However, I’m angry Commander-in-Chief Trump didn’t take responsibility for the raid he authorized, instead redirecting onto his military commanders the responsibility for Ryan Owens’ death. “And they lost ‘Ryan,’” he told Fox News.
During his speech, for his political betterment, Trump put Ryan’s heroism and Carryn Owens’ grief on exhibit — and when applause lasted more than 2 minutes, he went off scrip to ad-lib, “he just broke a (applause) record.” A typical insensitive remark.
I know of no failure for which Trump has taken responsibility.
Presidents take responsibility for failures. This is Trump’s next big presidential step.
George Timothy Mason
Salisbury
Speech wonderful, Democrats’ disrespect disappointing
A number of things caught my attention. Foremost, I believe this speech was when Donald Trump crossed the bridge from campaigner to president. His tone, demeanor and agenda were very presidential, probably one of the best I have heard in decades.
Trump clearly showed his support of the military. His agenda to rebuild the armed forces is bold and important. Trump also vowed to finally clear up the Veterans Administration’s woes. Maybe veterans of our various wars and conflicts will get the treatment they so righteously deserve.
What also struck me was the unacceptable disrespect shown by the opposition party. There was the group dressed in white, rather reminiscent of a bunch of Ku Klux Klan members, who were also almost exclusively Democrats.
At the end of the speech, the Democrats immediate emptying out from the hall was an unheralded breech of decorum. It is considered proper protocol to wait for the president to leave before leaving themselves.
Arie Klapholz
Ocean Pines
MORE OPINION: We need truth on Trump's Russia ties
Speech left many questions unanswered
The speech brought back memories of a pre-teen looking at the large toy catalog Sears used to distribute before Christmas. I would look through it and create a two- or three-page listing of toys I wanted, ignoring my parents’ finances.
The president laid out a long list of expensive “toys,” with no indication how to pay for them. Part of the wish list was cutting revenue sources — going back to Reagan-era concepts that increased the national debt.
One concern is the potential reliance on tax credits in the ACA redesign. Credits alone will give no benefit to half of our population who pay no taxes now. They also mention reimbursable tax credits — which indicates a desire to reimburse rich friends, adding to program costs and the deficit.
Many of those now covered will not be able to afford the remainder of their family’s insurance costs.
Will the ACA redesign include reforming the health insurance industry?
Dick Taeuber
Salisbury
Let's hope all the promises are kept
After watching the president’s address to Congress, I must say he did conduct himself more presidentially than I have seen yet — and I do believe he wants to make America better.
The problem I see is that one person cannot make America better. This country has to become unified, and I don’t see any effort on his part to ensure that Congress will work together to make this happen.
He has a lot of dreams and expectations. I won’t live to see it, but after he is through with all of the projects, it sounds like paradise. I still believe these are all predicated on getting the country unified.
Running a government or country is a lot different than a business, where one person has all the control.
He is definitely right that the murder rate is extremely high, which is not acceptable, and that illegal immigration is draining our resources. Health insurance is a major problem, but there doesn’t seem to be a consensus on how to fix it.
Let’s hope all the promises are kept and that this country is on its way to becoming greater.
Rose Carey
Delmar
MORE OPINION: Democrats' outrage over Sessions is partisan witch hunt
Impressive speech, optimistic outlook
President Trump’s speech to Congress impressed me.
I believe he was genuine and reached across both sides of the aisle.
All things being said, I hope he can pull everyone together. Civilized discussion is important, especially with America’s representatives.
The highlight of the evening was a tribute to Navy SEAL William “Ryan” Owens and his widow, Carryn Owens. I also appreciated the president’s push for better-paying American jobs. Economic revival and national security appeared to be his main focus.
Health care is back on the table. I sincerely hope all sides can stop their childish bickering and come together around solutions for the average taxpayer, who is paying the increased costs.
Military spending is also a concern. No one in their right mind wants a war; however, we live in a world full of hateful fanatics who dream of making Americans suffer.
Optimism is good for the soul.
Carl Crumbacker Sr.
Eden
Tone good, but Trump is still Trump
Trump’s address seemed to be a kickoff speech to a new campaign.
It completely lacked details on how he might accomplish the goals he defined.
It ignored funding needed to fix Social Security. All that needs to be done is to make all Americans pay the same Social Security tax rate, rather than as it now is, which has Americans making less than $126,000 pay 6.75 percent, while above that threshold, higher earners pay a decreasing percentage of earned income.
His honoring the legacy of the Navy SEAL was appropriate; what was not appropriate was his use of it to say the mission was not a mistake.
He embarrassed our nation’s veterans and all of us, by joking about setting a ratings record for applause.
So this address was good for its tone, for the most part.
But Trump is Trump. His inability to deliver on promises will soon become clear. Where will we be then?
Geoff Smoot
Hebron
MORE OPINION: If only fake news were so easy
Speech was satisfactory, Democrats’ conduct childish
Because I find political theater and its hypocrisy so loathsome, I have watched only a handful of presidential speeches to Congress during my lifetime.
Curiosity about how Trump would deal with the political swamp creatures compelled me to watch his speech Tuesday night.
He laid out his agenda. He was positive. He was conciliatory. His delivery was much better than I anticipated. The devil will be in the details, but Tuesday’s speech was not the time for details.
On the other hand, Democrats attending the speech reminded me of petulant children compelled to sit at the table until eating all the Brussel sprouts on their plates.
It is essential that opposing opinions about policies be heard and considered. These should be made known in a constructive manner, with dignity — not with surliness, anger and rehearsed sound bites.
Democrats should negotiate with Trump about his proposals; if they do, the country will be better for it.
Ernest I. Cornbrooks III
Salisbury
Address correctly focused on illegal aliens
I was pleased with the tone of President Trump’s address, and I’m glad he emphasized abuse suffered by citizens at the hands of illegal aliens. It is unconscionable our government allows these criminal illegal aliens to stay and victimize citizens.
Imagine the pain and anguish of a parent whose child was murdered by someone who ought not even be here.
It is time to resume enforcing the laws of our nation.
The president said, “Our obligation is to serve, protect and defend the citizens of the United States.” It is not our government’s job to tell Border Patrol agents to turn a blind eye to people and drugs flowing across our border or ignore visa overstays and corruption by employers looking for cheap labor.
If we enforce laws duly enacted by Congress, most of the illegal alien problem will correct itself.
Then we can talk about the wall and the “Dreamers.”
Carol Frazier
Ocean Pines
More opinion from DelmarvaNow: