EDITOR:

This is a direct response to Gary Merrill’s latest letter (April 11), as there was much misinformation in his letter.

Under President Joe Biden, the unemployment rate hit a half-century low of 3.4%. Former president Donald Trump’s lowest number was 3.5%. The unemployment rate stands currently at 3.7%. The unemployment rate was 6.4% when Trump left office.

Gross Domestic Product has risen 22% under President Biden. Trump’s total was 14%. Black unemployment has hit an all-time-low under the current President. Trump claimed it would never be lower than his under his leadership.

Of course there is going to be some inflation. In times of high employment and good wages it is usually one of the pitfalls.

As far as gas prices being lower during the Trump Administration, one of the reasons for such low prices was the pandemic where people were figuratively paralyzed and staying at home. Keep in mind also that oil consumption in China fell by 20%, or 3 million barrels per day. Again, a natural economic law — less demand equals lower prices.

The national debt increased approximately 40% under Trump. President Biden, approximately 20%. Even Larry Kudlow, Trump’s former economic advisor, admits that the economy has not faltered and remains strong under the current president.

(The previous facts stated in this article are from factcheck.com.)

Agreed that something needs to be done about our Southern Border. It should be noted that one of the reasons a very strong bill did not pass is because Trump threatened retribution if Republicans passed the bi-partisan bill, as he knows he can claim nothing is being done about the border during the election if no bill comes to pass.

As far as foreign policy and Mr. Merrill criticizing President Biden about Iran and our relationship deteriorating, Iran backs Hamas and Israel is one of our greatest allies. Has Mr. Merrill ever heard of something called common sense regarding our response and support for Israel after the barbaric attack by Hamas in October.

To end, Gary’s statement about coddling Russia is rather ludicrous concerning the previous administration’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Jerry Rahoi

Iron Mountain