Here’s what more than 200 Boston.com readers hope for in Biden’s first 100 days
"Thanks for making America sane again."
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In American history, the first 100 days of a presidency hold weight as a predictor of success for the rest of the term. Before taking executive office, President Biden vowed to get straight to work with a goal of 100 million vaccines distributed within his first 100 days. Hours after the inaugural ceremony, Biden began swiftly signing executive orders in the Oval Office and effectively undoing several Trump administration policies, including re-joining the World Health Organization, and implementing stricter measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Since then, Biden has signed more than a dozen orders of varying issues, aimed at getting the virus under control, the climate crisis, immigration reform, and others. This week, Biden signed an order to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and protect women’s reproductive rights.
On the first day of Biden’s presidency, we asked Boston.com readers what they hoped for, and what message they’d like to send to the Biden-Harris administration. Of the many issues to focus on, the main priority was a clear choice by readers.
75% of 234 readers chose “COVID vaccine distribution” as a major area of focus, understandably. As of Thursday afternoon, more than 25,711,600 people in the United States have been infected with coronavirus. The second choice (13%) was “Helping Congress pass his $1.9 trillion relief package” followed by immigration reform and student debt loan relief (4.1%), A federal mask mandate and addressing the climate change crisis (2%) came in as the least voted on priorities. Many wrote in to say congratulations to the newly-elected administration, while others wrote that they hoped his strive for unity was not an empty promise.
Here’s a roundup of messages to the Biden-Harris administration from readers
Responses were lighted edited for length and clarity.
“There’s a lot of work needed to move beyond this era of many crises, but with truth and the actual work of governing together we can do it. Ask all Americans to do their part.” — Diane Emery, Melrose
“Mr. President, as your administration uncovers facts from the previous administration you should inform the public. We should know what kind of situation you truly inherited. Please use the media to tell us the truths we were denied for the last four years…You have my trust and I hope you are safe always. God bless you and your families for the sacrifices you are about make on the behalf of all of us.” — Celia Souza, Halfmoon, N.Y.
“Thank you for stepping up to serve in this difficult time. Please get our kids back to school, the teachers and school staff all should be head of the line for the vaccine.” — Karen Busey, Marshfield
“Thanks for making America sane again.” — Chris, Boston
“There is a small window of opportunity to make all sides feel heard and understood. We have become so polarized that we cannot see good in the other side. Few of the things on the list will be accomplished and sustained unless we deal with with the cracks in our foundation…We cannot wish away the anger and unrest that have been unleashed on both the right or the left and we cannot blame it all on Mr. Trump. He gave voice and focus to something festering well before he ran for office.” — Donna Jenkins, Dracut
“Please make sure that you live up to your words with real meaningful actions that bring us all together.”
“President Biden and Vice President Harris, congratulations on your election victory. It hasn’t even been one full day and both [of] you are a breath of fresh air. Your press secretary is a breath of fresh air. I’m happy to see that if she doesn’t know the answer, she says she will look into it. It’s not okay to be controversial and belittle the press for doing their job. I am happy to see you’re trying to get control of the pandemic and that’s great. The number of people who have died due to this pandemic and lack of leadership in the White House is pathetic. This country is better than what has gone on for that past four year. I am thrilled to see you hit the ground running. As part of the middle class that is struggling, please get the stimulus checks out to the country as soon as possible. I don’t understand how Republicans can think that someone who makes $75,000 a year is rich and cannot be struggling? Please do not change the parameters on which checks are issued. Thank you and god bless.” — Dave Tucker, Lynn
“Think before you act; what impact will your decisions have on your constituents. Remember your constituents are the American citizens. Future citizens are those who go through the process to come to this country legally.” — Jeanne Petropoulos, Cambridge
“Help us heal.”
“Objectively and honestly address the divide and legitimate pros/cons of the liberal left and conservative right. Focus on defining and solving problems with real facts, not political ends.” — John OD, Marshfield
“Good luck on turning this country around to help us get out of this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic” — Beth Budner, Auburndale
“Great leaders do not pander to interest groups, but identify the REAL MAJOR issues facing the country, work with ALL sides to come up with the BEST solutions, and then as the leader, articulate to the public the importance of these issues and actions to be taken. DO NOT BE DIVISIVE.” — John, Newton
“Thank you for giving us hope for a new America.” — Donald Washington, Hyde Park
“Best wishes to.you. Your caring attitude is much appreciated!” — Susan Holaday, Charlestown
“Don’t screw it up, please. Let’s really take a hard look at the definition of equality.” — E. Breen, Newburyport
“We’ll be watching and hold you accountable!” — Jaime, Medford
“You have done a lot of excellent work even before the inauguration and your cabinet appointments and other staff appointments seem outstanding. I went to bed last night feeling comfortable that our country finally has capable leadership for the first time in 4 years — and had a good nights sleep.” — Dan Kaplan, Wellesley
“Please try and pass universal healthcare. The costs of healthcare are getting ridiculous and the savings will help all Americans.” — Chris G., Woburn
“I am 81 and have had a successful life. I want to do something to help the country that made it possible. Find something that we, the ‘old people’ can do to assist in the healing. Please give us a central focus with a leader to help figure out the best way to help our country. God bless you and guide you to the path that restores our unity.”
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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