Donald Trump recently described the Biden years as (paraphrasing) a total and utter failure. Consider:

∙ The stock market had its best two years in 25 years;

∙ The unemployment rate was at near-record lows and currently is at 4.2%;

∙ Jobs created were very close to 16 million. Granted, 25% of the jobs were government positions but 75% of 16 million equals 12 million … a pretty good number;

∙ Worldwide inflation ran rampant during the post-COVID years — as predicted by most, if not all, economists — due to demand stifled by the pandemic. The 2024 U.S. inflation rate — between 4% and 4.5% — is a decrease from a high of 7% under Biden;

∙ The number of small business applications exceeded 16 million during Biden years.

Don’t label me a disgruntled/dismayed Democrat. In 1962, I voted for Sen. Charles Percy (R) in 1962 and Ronald Regan in 1980. While living in Peoria, Illinois and Iowa City, my vote went to many Republican candidates for city, state and federal positions. A straight ballot has never been cast, including the 2024 election.

A longtime fan of the Chicago Cubs (talk about disgruntled/ dismayed), my hope is the Cubs will deliver a Biden-like performance in 2025.

Ken Milani

South Bend

Happy retirement

For many years, the first thing I would read in the Sunday Tribune — even before I started on the crossword puzzle — was Jack Colwell’s column. I’ll miss it. While I was one of those “left-wingers” he sometimes irritated, I didn’t stop reading him. (Really, I’m just a liberal Democrat, but in these parts, that’s a left-winger.)

In fact, my first byline in the Tribune, a Michiana Point of View article on June 11, 1991, defending the legacy of George McGovern, was in response to an unsigned editorial that may have been written by Colwell. Much of what I know about Indiana politics comes from reading Colwell’s column.

At 89, Colwell has earned his retirement. But his suggestion that he may offer occasional wit and wisdom gives me hope. Happy retirement, Jack! But don’t hesitate to type out another column when the spirit moves you.

Stephen Wylder

Elkhart

Carter’s standards

I was sad to learn of the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

After Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, I think he was one of the best presidents our country has had.

He and his wife helped to build many homes for Habitat for Humanity. The last one was in Mishawaka.

He is the only president to live to 100.

I was privileged to hear them speak at Notre Dame.

He may be the last president we will see that had the moral and ethical standards he demonstrated.

May you rest in peace.

Jean Barton

Goshen

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Here’s hoping for a Biden-like performance from the Cubbies | Letters