Biden Connects in Confident, Optimistic State Of The Union Address

Joe Biden was talking to you on Feb. 7. He’s got the back of the American middle class.

The Asian American parts were also clear in the State of the Union address.

You’ll recall Brandon Tsay, the brave 26-year-old who singlehandedly disarmed the Monterey Park mass shooter at the second dance hall location in California. When Tsay stood up and was recognized by President Biden, it was our moment.

Biden saw us and knows our pain. He called for a ban on assault weapons once and for all, saying that in the 10 years, the ban was law, mass shootings went down. After Republicans let it expire, mass shootings tripled.

“Let’s finish the job and ban assault weapons again,” Biden said.

Finishing the job was one theme in a SOTU address that left no doubt. President Biden intends on running again in 2024, the ageists be damned.

That struck me as the one thing hounding Biden leading up to speech night. I detected a touch of ageism out there, which is no less hideous an “ism” than racism or sexism.

And it’s not just among Republicans. There’s a feeling that Biden isn’t vigorous enough for the job. Or that he’s lost a step and is just not up to being the president. It’s probably why 62% of the American people don’t believe Biden has accomplished much during his time in office, according to a Washington Post/ABC opinion poll. A different NBC News poll said 48% felt very uncomfortable about a Biden run.

But if you saw his State of the Union address, you don’t have to worry about Biden.

His accomplishments?

You just haven’t been paying attention. Between the Chips Act ramping up the semiconductor industry in America and the infrastructure plan, Biden has actually done more than you’d expect righting the country immediately after four years of Trump.

The number of things Biden mentioned in his speech was rather astonishing, but they were still only first steps, as he continued to urge Congress, “Let’s finish the job.”

One thing that was apparent from the beginning was a more united feel in general in the House chambers. You could tell by watching Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker Kevin McCarthy. They were like partisanship meters. Harris would jump up and cheer; McCarthy would sit still. On occasion, they both stood and applauded, like on Biden’s “Buy America” plan.

Or when Tyre Nichols’ family was introduced and the call was for police reform. During that section, Harris and McCarthy both stood and ap-

Federal grants available for Hawaii farmers

Aquino mentions there are existing grant programs through Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA), various federal agencies and private grantors to support farmers with safety regulations, start-up expenses, and necessary equipment.

Much of the financial support for farmers comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by HDOA.

Sharon Hurd, the director of the HDOA, said a third round of grants from the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program -- designed to help small farmers and home gardeners so they can grow more of what we eat -- will likely begin receiving applications in spring 2023.

The grants can be used to buy tools, equipment, seeds, and canning equipment, as well as to purchase livestock.

plauded at the same time.

It was an adult government in action.

Of course, there was one moment in particular when the immaturity of divided government reared its ugly head and the juvenile bickering returned. Decorum? What’s that?

When Biden called out Republicans for wanting to put Medicare and Social Security on the line in exchange for a debt ceiling raise, Republicans jeered loudly. Georgia’s Marjorie Taylor Greene could be heard yelling out, “Liar.”

But Biden was in charge and responding with a cool but feisty demeanor.

The president has long said Medicare and Social Security are not endangered under his watch.

“We’re not going to be moved into being threatened to default on the debt if we don’t respond,” said Biden, confidently off script and in control as he addressed the Republicans.

It really was Biden at his best. If you had doubts about him, watch the State of the Union address again on CSPAN. He both stood up to his detractors and related to America.

On abortion, he said, “If Congress passes a national abortion ban, I will veto it.“

He also urged the passing

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Some $3 million dollars in federal grants have been allocated for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program. In the first year, a total of 177 grants were awarded statewide. The deadline passed for the second round.

Hurd told the Conversation (Hawaii Public Radio) “One of the major projects was fencing. In the food insecure communities, it seems evident that they need protection from pigs, mostly, but in other communities, it’s axis deer, and the fence has to be tall because axis deer are very skilled at jumping fences. No sense to grow crops if the pigs come in and have, you know, their way with it.”

Another HDOA grant supported by the USDA is the Specialty Group Block Grant Program. Applications for that grant’s Fiscal Year 2023 is now being accepted. The HDOA will be awarding a total of approximately $450,000 to Hawaii proposals that enhance the competitiveness of Hawaii spe-

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