Dear Editor:

Last week the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ set record highs as investors “voted” their economic confidence. Inflation was at a multi-year low.  NATO countries agreed to increase defense spending to 5% GDP rather than depending on the “generosity” of the U.S. taxpayer. A cease fire was reported in the Israel-Iran conflict. Iran’s nuclear enrichment program was severely compromised by U.S. bunker buster bombs at the uniquely hardened Fordow Facility. The $1.5 billion facility contained almost 3,000 centrifuges and took 6 years to build. Physical damage combined with chemical and nuclear releases will make repairs dangerous, time consuming, and expensive. China and the U.S. announced a framework for a trade deal. This could benefit American businesses and consumers by reducing tariffs and opening markets.

In the Oval Office an important humanitarian milestone was reached when The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed an agreement to end nearly 30 years of conflict. The agreement, while potentially saving countless lives, also secured mineral rights for the U.S. as a partner in rebuilding the economy of the region.

Domestically, the Supreme Court restored the “separate but equal powers” of government by reigning in activist judges who inserted themselves into the Executive Branch decision-making process. The court's decision recognized and strengthened “States Rights” in “Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic.” In “Department of Homeland Security v. D.V.D,” it allowed the continuation of the current administration’s attempts to correct the disastrous consequences of four years of open borders. In “Garland v. VanDerStok,” the court restored the fundamental rights of parents and strengthened religious freedom. It codified parents’ constitutional right to make faith-based decisions about their children’s education and safety.

Last week a rogue state’s nuclear dream was shattered. NATO was strengthened while reducing the cost to the United States. Peace is coming to the DRC after 30 years. Supreme Court decisions add protections to our Constitutional principles of “Religious Freedom,” “States Rights,” “Parental Rights,” and “Separate but Equal” branches of government. The U.S. is returning to the rule of law, to prosperity, and the world is a safer place. 

Joe Grant

Wiscasset