Staff Reports
President Joe Biden warmly welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House, showering him with praise and support. The two leaders had a chance to speak at the United Nations as well. Biden expressed his commitment to Ukraine’s security and emphasized the humanitarian aid and support that the United States has provided. However, even as Biden applauded Ukraine, it’s hard not to notice the forgotten communities in the United States, like East Palestine and Maui, that have been left to deal with their own tragedies.
It’s disheartening to see that it took Biden almost two weeks to visit Maui, a place devastated by wildfires. And when he finally did arrive, his presence wasn’t exactly comforting. He mispronounced residents’ names, told exaggerated stories, and even appeared to fall asleep during a meeting. It’s clear that his visit was more for show than for actually understanding and addressing the fire-ravaged community’s needs.
But it’s not just Maui. East Palestine has also been neglected by the Biden administration. It’s been eight long months since a train derailment caused havoc in the town, and Biden still hasn’t bothered to visit. Even he admits that he has been putting off the visit. It’s a blatant disregard for the people and their struggles. Only recently did Biden appoint a federal response coordinator for East Palestine, something he could have done months ago. The residents have been living in fear and uncertainty, unable to return home due to toxic water and health hazards.
While Biden prioritizes foreign leaders like Zelenskyy, conservative Senator JD Vance of Ohio has been fighting for the people of East Palestine. He has co-sponsored legislation to improve railway safety and has been vocal in criticizing Biden’s inadequate response. Vance has been a strong ally for the residents, assuring them that he has their backs.
It’s also worth noting that Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States coincides with looming funding battles and a potential government shutdown. Representative Byron Donalds of Florida rightly points out that this is not the right time for Zelenskyy to be here, especially considering that the situation in Ukraine is partly due to Biden’s leadership. It’s clear that Biden’s priorities are skewed, and his inability to effectively handle both domestic and international issues is putting the American people at a disadvantage.
Overall, Biden’s actions and priorities raise serious questions about his leadership and his commitment to the American people. It’s time for him to focus on the needs of the forgotten communities within our own borders and stop prioritizing photo ops and diplomatic gestures.
