Not to mention how he is handing Donald Trump a nation better off than when he took office
Recently, President Joe Biden took to the podium in an attempt to “recap” his foreign policy achievements for the nation.
I want to caution everyone of a tactic departing politicians often leverage in which they fill out their own “political scorecard” for the liberal media to banty about and use as historical fact moving forward. Most of the time the actual truth lies somewhere between the bookends of the “true/false” spectrum.
But Joe Biden is absolutely delusional in his characterization of his accomplishments as the 46th president of the United States.
Biden sought to frame his presidency as a transformational one, claiming he was handing off a nation better positioned to compete in a new era to President-elect Trump, than the one he inherited from Trump four years ago.
“New challenges will certainly emerge in the months and years ahead, but even so, it’s clear my administration is leaving the next administration with a very strong hand to play, and we’re leaving them and America more friends, stronger alliances. These adversaries are weaker and under pressure. An America that once again is leading, uniting countries, setting the agenda, bringing others together behind our plans and missions,” Biden said in remarks at the State Department.
“The United States is winning the worldwide competition compared to four years ago. America is stronger. Our alliances are stronger, our adversaries and competitors are weaker.”
Mr. President, frankly, I’ve never heard such intellectually, dishonest rhetoric in all of my years following politics.
I pen this particular column primarily to benchmark the status of our country in several areas. Anyone paying attention and willing to be objectively analytical must agree Joe Biden is “absolutely NOT” leaving the United States in better condition than when he took office.
Joe Biden spent the first half of his presidency enacting plans to steer at least $1.6 trillion to transform the economy and spur a clean-energy revolution which is failing miserably and costing taxpayers money during a time is isn’t easily accessible.
Utility bills have never been higher. Electricity costs have risen 25% under the Biden administration per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics which tracks the average cost of electricity across U.S. cities every month.
Gasoline prices during the Biden administration have risen well over 50% at the pumps. When Biden took office in January 2021, gas prices were an average of $2.4 per gallon across the country. Even though they’ve come down a bit, the average price per the graph below from Forbes.com is around $3.47 per gallon.
The New York Times, a publication which is certainly no friend to Donald Trump, reports that compared with four years ago, grocery prices are up about 20%, which is devastating families everywhere.
A recent Department of Homeland Security stats factsheet reporting on border encounters since 2021 shows an historic nationwide border collapse allowing 11 million illegal migrants to enter our country with hundreds of thousands of unaccompanied alien children unaccounted for and at risk.
Finally, but far from comprehensively, the United States has never received less respect from our enemies or our allies, militarily.
Recently, two top U.S. generals who oversaw the evacuation from Afghanistan testified before lawmakers that the Biden administration was chaotic in it’s approach and planning for the evacuation. Thirteen U.S. service members were killed by a suicide bomber at the Kabul airport in the final days of the war by the Taliban due to a lack of support.
For Joe Biden not to acknowledge many errors during this poorly planned evacuation and to continue to applaud his decision-making is a slap in the face to Gold Star families and our troops everywhere.
That’s not leadership. In fact, it highlights the dark cloud of ignorance and apathy that has enveloped the Biden administration since 2021.
So, don’t forget where we are and where we truly were prior to the Biden administration. And don’t allow the liberal media to change history when reflecting on the failed presidency that is preparing to exit the White House.
So, how safe should our citizens really feel? It will surprise some.
The United States of America is considered by most to be the most powerful nation on earth.
So, how safe should we currently feel as her citizens?
In October 2024, the Biden administration’s Department of Homeland Security released their 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment which indicates the “threat of domestic and foreign terrorism” in our country.
This is, of course, tantamount to the IRS reporting on how your tax dollars are being squandered every day in Washington.
Frankly, the report may as well have instructed U.S. citizens to build bomb shelters, stockpile food and water and purchase ammunition.
The threat to our citizens’ safety is as high as it’s ever been. Yet, the secretary of Homeland Security assured the nation, we are in good hands.
“It is because of the remarkable DHS workforce, and our close collaboration with our federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners, that we are able to meet the challenges and keep the American people safe and secure,” said Alejandro N. Mayorkas.
So, given the state of the union, how would you grade the Biden administration for its role in keeping Americans safe? In my opinion, there is no mark low enough to score this administration’s lackadaisical approach to homeland security.
The report captures the highlights of several security topics. This is a Reader’s Digest version:
Public Safety and Security: The terrorism threat environment in the Homeland is expected to remain high over the coming year… foreign terrorist organizations, including ISIS and al Qa’ida maintain their enduring intent to conduct or inspire attacks in the Homeland.
Illegal Drugs: Illegal drugs smuggled into and sold in the United States by transnational and domestic criminal actors continue to pose a lethal threat to communities in the United States.
Influence Operations and Transnational Repression: We expect the Homeland will face threats to public safety from state actors using subversive tactics in an effort to stroke discord and undermine confidence in U.S. domestic institutions.
Border and Immigration Security: Migrant encounters at our border have steadily declined since the beginning of 2024… (Note: The report ignores the previous 3.75 years when the administration allowed millions of illegal migrants to cross our border and “paid for the cost of the move and lodging” with your tax dollars!)
Critical Infrastructure Security: Domestic and foreign adversaries are expected to continue to target our critical infrastructure via prepositioning, cyber, and physical attacks.
Economic Security: Our adversaries – including the PRC (China) – will continue non-market policies and practices, economic espionage and coercive economic tools, and illicit acquisition of technologies and intellectual property to undercut U.S. and partner competitiveness.
What a glowing report of success! Isn’t it simply unfathomable that given this level of threats to our nation, the Biden administration refuses to secure our borders?
It’s equally disturbing that we still have liberal leaders in Democrat (stop saying “democratic, please) pockets of our nation who continue to harbor illegals using your tax dollars and refuse to work with the incoming Trump administration to make America safe again?
It won’t be long until illegals already in our country make a mass exodus to the nearest sanctuary city or state – PERFECT!!
Folks, we must not forget there are nations and entities that despise America and our allies. And the Biden administration has emboldened these people to take action on their hatred.
It is a religious war for some rogue nations. The goal is to destroy “the great Satan” as they describe the U.S. Israel, of course, is described as “the little Satan”.
It is a power struggle for other nations. Their goal is to bring the U.S. to her knees economically and militarily.
Leadership with the resolute desire to put Americans first and gain the respect and yes, even fear, from other nations is critical. We must have a president who will build on American exceptionalism rather than diminish it.
And even then, it will take more than a man. It will take the favor of God.
We are in the process of righting this ship, but the real task lays ahead. Do not fall into the pre-911 mentality! Continue to diligently pray for our nation and DO NOT BE WEARY IN YOUR WELL-DOING!
Our work has only begun.
Donald Trump will not make America great again – you will.
Marshall University football had a chance to leave their mark in history with a 2024 Sun Belt championship which could be revered and remembered for decades by loyal Herd fans – without blemish.
But fair or not, NCAA transfer portal, NIL and the players choosing to exit the program prior to playing in the Independence Bowl, will create an “asterisk” by the Marshall 2024 football season in the record books – forever.
What a needless travesty for the university, the remaining players loyal to Marshall and the fans who support them.
“We are the sons of Marshall” means something in Huntington, WV.
Verse] We are the Sons of Marshall Sons of the great John Marshall Year after year we go to Marshall U Cheering for our team and gaining knowledge, too Proudly we wear our colors Love and loyalty we share Sure from far and near You always hear The wearing of the green But it is the Green and White of Marshall U!
This is what Marshall University stands for, and always will.
Huntington, WV. usually has little to celebrate. We’ve seemingly gone years without any standout achievement on which we can hang our hats with pride. With most of our manufacturing industry gone, Marshall University has been a shining light on a hill for a town, once known as “The Jewel City.
Known for winning more football games than any other Division I-A or I-AA team in the 1990’s, Herd football had endured a decade drought of championships.
But that all changed on Saturday, December 7th, when our Thundering Herd, with Coach Charles Huff at the helm, defeated the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana. The Herd was dominating in every facet of the game, winning 31-3, bringing the first-ever SBC Championship trophy back to the Huntington!
It was an emotional high for Herd fans. Many of us had watched throughout the year as the team grew on both sides of the ball, re-inspiring the “We play for championships” mentality we hold so near and dear to our hearts.
It felt good – really good. Sadly, that exuberant feeling was short-lived.
Rumors surrounding Coach Huff’s contract not being renewed came to life the following day as news of his departure was shared. After four years as Marshall head football coach, he would move on to other challenges and away from Huntington.
Shortly after that, a myriad of players began announcing their intention to enter the NCAA college football transfer portal. Not just a couple of players, mind you, but several players, including many starters and the top three quarterbacks announced entering the portal.
Ironically, around the same time, Herd fans learned Marshall would face the nationally ranked Army in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on December 28 in Shreveport, LA.
Now, Herd fans are passionate fans. No one ever said we would win any awards for diplomacy. I’m often dismayed as to how some make personal attacks. We should be very careful in avoiding negative statements about any coach or player on a personal level. Fans certainly have the right to complain, don’t get me wrong. But never make it personal.
We should revere these young men who have sacrificed daily to achieve their goals and begin building foundations for the rest of their lives. During a recent interview, Coach Huff compared football to life. In his statements, he was clear this wasn’t just about winning a football game but winning in life. Good words, which should be honored.
The transfer portal officially opened on Monday, December 9th and officially closes on December 28th. Per a recent USA Today column by Chandler Vessels, although the deadline is the 28th, “teams who are still competing in the postseason will get an additional five days after the seasons end” to enter the portal.
“When a player decides to enter the transfer portal and notifies their university, the university has 48 hours to report this information to an online database that lists athletes seeking to continue their careers at other institutions. Coaches from different programs can access this database in real-time, as it is continuously updated with new information. This allows them to begin recruiting these players immediately.”
Here’s the fly in the buttermilk.
Per 247 Sports and College Networth.com; “Players who enter the transfer portalcan still participate in bowl games if they choose to do so. This allows athletes the opportunity to showcase their skills one last time with their current team before transitioning to a new program.”
Will Herd players decide to play in a game for which they’ve worked so hard to earn?
I certainly understand the pros and cons for the player and the university of the transfer portal. Marshall obviously benefitted from the portal this year.
The question is, will the very same portal that helped the team during the 2024 season, adversely impact a finality of the year for which Herd fans embrace so dearly?
Now, I write opinion, so this is my op-ed snippet only and it’s based on the facts as I understand them to be correct. But I would love to see these wonderful student athletes, who have given so much of themselves to Huntington and to each other, finish the season outright. I would like to see them play, if only for their fellow teammates who may have to endure a devastating bowl game outcome void their presence.
Marshall University is a special institution, with unique passions and memories of the past. I can think of no better way to honor those memories than by competing to the best of our ability – to the end.
Free State Patriot 