Bradley L. Johnson, Crosby

One primary reason that made America great was the implementation of the Marshall Plan after World War II. This ingenious idea was proposed by the U.S. Secretary of State, George C. Marshall, during the Truman administration and was meant to provide economic aid to help with reconstruction, including food, machinery and other supplies. The European countries receiving aid were encouraged to work together to coordinate recovery efforts. This plan is credited with helping Western Europe recover economically, politically, and socially. It also strengthened trade relationships between the U.S. and Europe and helped to prevent the spread of communism. I consider this plan as an ideal use of soft power.

Unfortunately, the present administration is unraveling our soft power relationships with the rest of the world and seems to be doing it intentionally. The tariffs are a terrible message to other countries that they are unimportant to our success as a nation, and that they are not a necessary part of our continuing success. This is so short sighted, and may be difficult to undo by future administrations. Our quality of life is enhanced by other countries, including immigrants.

Another resource that makes our country great is public radio and public television. The federal government has been subsidizing it for some time, and it has been the best source of nonpolitical news and information, along with educational programs second to none. Cutting this expenditure won’t do much to help out the budget, and is primarily being considered because of a Trump grievance. Quite unfortunate, and very short sighted by Congress.