Dear Editor:

In the 1950s and early 60s, people in America had hope, gratitude and expectations of a bright future. The battle against segregation and Jim Crow in the Democratic South was being won by Eisenhower - another Republican General still “fighting for freedom.” Those were great years for our country and our people.

The Vietnam years lasted almost two decades and cost almost 60,000 American lives. It was a blight in America through five presidents. Jimmy Carter was the first post-Vietnam president and squandered his peace dividend. Bad decisions and weak leadership resulted in 7-8% unemployment, 13% inflation, an energy crisis, and the Iran Hostage Crisis. There was little hope and joy going into the election of 1981 and Carter lost to Ronald Reagan.

Prosperity thrived under Reagan’s rhetoric and leadership as “American Exceptionalism” and the “American Dream” returned. The Reagan Reset continued through the next three presidencies and into the 21st century. The September 11 attacks marked a turning point and discontentment in the electorate costing G.W. Bush a second term. Obama's policy of “Hope and Change” failed. Rather than a Reagan Reset, the country continued in decline and division. Trump’s first three years looked like another successful reset until Covid struck and Biden won the election. Biden’s presidency, like Carters, was a disaster. Once again, we are seeing the first signs of another Reagan Reset. It is time to unify, work together, and let the good times roll.   

Joe Grant

Wiscasset