THE United States, erstwhile number 1 world super power, now has a new president, Joseph "Joe" R. Biden, a former senator and vice president to then-president Barack Obama.
The brash, trash-talking former president Donald J. Trump took a thrashing at the polls by a mild, composed and calculating candidate from Wilmington, Baltimore. Of course, there were charges of fraud and irregularities in the 2020 US presidential election, but nothing has been proven, hence, Joe Biden now holds the rein.
To cap his first 100 days, Biden, a Democrat, successfully shepherded the $1.9-trillion Covid stimulus package despite opposition from Republicans. Now, he is into a much bigger plan: the physical infrastructure and human infrastructure programs which promise to build more roads, bridges, airports, seaports and nationwide broadband and technological structures.
In a rousing speech before the joint session of Congress, President Biden declared that the US 'is on the move again,' calling for trillions of dollars to rebuild the post-pandemic US middle class and give new life to forgotten workers.
He proclaimed: America is ready for takeoff. We are working again, dreaming again, discovering again, leading the world again.
He also promised to rebuild the economy and fight inequality with the largest jobs plan since World War II.
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In stark contrast, here in the Philippines, even the ambitious inoculation program suffered setbacks from alleged lack of funds and slow-acting officials that is why we lagged in the acquisition of vaccines.
Also, we are on the brink of losing much territory, particularly in the West Philippine Sea because President Duterte does not want to confront China and earns its ire due to utang ng loob. Such phony, lame excuse from our Chief Executive!
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Biden's proposed $1.8-trillion American Families Plan focuses on child care and education but faces a deeply divided Congress.
He intends to tax the super rich to fund this latest huge spending program.
Meanwhile, our President has ostracized the wealthy and privileged families-the Ayalas, the Lopezes and the Rufinos, calling them oligarchs who do not pay the right taxes.