Dear Editor:

Early in the 21st Century, the United States appeared to falter. Iran was advancing its nuclear program while exporting terror. Cuba remained a hostile outpost off our shores. China was tightening its grip on the Panama Canal. The world depended on unstable OPEC oil from Arab oil exporters, while Europe struggled with open borders, unsustainable social programs, and mass immigration. Russia and China projected power into our hemisphere. America’s future looked bleak in 2024.

Fast forward to 2026. Under decisive leadership, the tide has turned. Panama is realigning with the United States, Chinese influence over the Canal and its ports has been rolled back. The Maduro regime in Venezuela has fallen, with its vast oil resources now oriented toward American interests. Cuba faces renewed pressure and isolation. Marxist influence across South America is in retreat.

In the Middle East, Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities have been crippled by targeted action, choking off its oil exports and regional terror network. OPEC is fracturing, shifting global energy power away from adversaries. In the Indo-Pacific, strengthened trade and defense pacts, including a landmark Critical Minerals Agreement with Japan, are securing supply chains and countering China at key maritime chokepoints.

In Europe, the focus on diplomacy in Ukraine has shifted greater financial responsibility to our allies, freeing American resources while maintaining pressure on Russia.

These seemingly scattered efforts are weaving a new world order: America is safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Decades of Russian and Chinese expansion are being reversed. The Western Hemisphere is reasserting dominance. Our adversaries grow weaker, with Iran diminished as a global threat. The only remaining play of our adversaries is to convince Americans to turn against President Trump.

It’s that simple: Support bold, decisive leadership and America, and the world wins.

Joe Grant

Wiscasset