Most Americans struggling in current economy
The median annual income for Americans in 2024 was about $84,000. Keep that in mind as you read the following statistics: In 2025, food price increases outpaced their 20-year average, a median home today costs $419,122, utility costs rose 12% this year over 2024, employer-sponsored family health insurance increased 6% in 2025, the cost of sending one child to day care increased by $1,546 from 2023 to 2024, and student loan debt has hit a record of $1.81 trillion.
Also consider the following information. The inflation rate for November was 2.7%, lower than expected. However, middle income household paycheck gains were 2.3% this past year and low-income gains were even lower at 1.4%. The unemployment rate in November was 4.6%, the highest it’s been since September 2020. Top all this off with two other facts — over the past year, wealth of the 10 richest American billionaires soared by $689 billion and the share of total U.S. wealth by the top 0.1% is now at a record high of 12.6%.
For Donald Trump and his billionaire cronies, a “Golden Age” of prosperity may be a reality. For most of us, however, this year was anything but.
Rich Israel
Bethlehem
Trump speech was a disappointment
It is common practice for a president of the United States to address the nation when there is a crisis or national emergency. Last evening, I watched and listened with disappointment as our commander in chief yelled at the camera about everything from affordability to immigrants who live in Minnesota. I have to ask, what was the point? Neither topic is a matter of national emergency. I can only assume he thought that his snarling would make his mistruths and poor poll numbers go away and make us believers of his accomplishments so far this term. I found his overall delivery very uncharacteristic of a president. Whoever advised him regarding this televised speech to the country needs to rethink the overall approach. Once the accusatory address started, I’m sure a large majority of viewers either switched channels or mysteriously became deaf. The American public is a lot smarter than Donald Trump gives us credit for. We, middle class Americans, know what we can afford and not afford. It’s a joke that a billionaire who is not in touch with the middle class is telling us he is doing a great job. Please excuse my snarky attitude, but give me a break.
Mark Atwood
Lower Nazareth Township
Trump speech was latest in his petty behavior
The highlight of President Trump’s recent address to the nation were the words “good evening, America.” After that, his speech descended into an abyss of gross exaggerations, little factual information, and blistering attacks on former President Biden and Democrats. Not surprising behavior since this speech was just another tirade following his cruel remarks regarding the tragic murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, along with the derogatory plaques he hung under the White House presidential portraits of Barack Obama and Biden.
Trump has repeatedly shown us that he is a petty-minded man consumed by his own ego and lust for revenge against critics. Just look at how quickly he turned against one of his former strongest allies, Marjorie Taylor Greene, who he used to call a “brilliant” and “incredible woman” but now calling her a “ranting lunatic” after she called for release of the Epstein files.
Barbara Adamcik
Freemansburg
What’s in a name? Obamacare subsidies
I have an idea that will end the prospect of current Obamacare enrollees having their subsidies canceled: Congress comes up with a new plan that has a very detailed description that, in fact, changes nothing from the current plan. But, most importantly, it calls it TrumpCare. To further promote this plan, have this “new” legislation signed ceremonially at the Trump Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Either there or on a boat in The Gulf of America.
Allan Bevevino
South Whitehall Township
Understanding, sensitivity, goodwill should be valued
I feel a need to express what I am sure is in the hearts and minds of many of us: Where is our heart, compassion and sensibility as a nation? Values such as sensitivity, understanding, diplomacy, charity and goodwill are now noticeably absent in the administration of our government’s policies, both foreign and domestic. Recognition and inclusion of such values now appear to be looked upon as fruitless and a sign of weakness. A reflection of man’s history, especially at this time of year, would suggest just the opposite.
Pat Mazza
Easton
Health care crisis in America is near
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie’s conversion from diehard Trump supporter to defender of Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) subsidies is almost comical. He has noticed which way the wind is blowing and has suddenly become a champion for continuing the subsidies that allow uninsured lower income Americans to afford health care. Heroic? Not exactly, since, as he admits, any such measure would never pass the Senate. An opinion piece by Mackenzie (The Morning Call, Dec. 22) regarding health care is full of fine words but no actual proposals. Not surprising, since the GOP has no viable ideas regarding health care access. Modern medicine may be humankind’s greatest achievement, but it doesn’t come cheap. Other advanced nations manage to deliver top-quality health care at affordable prices where we can’t. Why? Because as long as you run everything through insurance companies, which are a deadweight on the system, health care is going to be unaffordable for the uninsured. 2026 may be the year when our health care system finally collapses, as millions suffer because it is priced out of reach. Maybe then “single payer,” which eliminates the middleman and is the only sensible solution, won’t sound so scary.
Lucy Horton
South Whitehall Township
The Morning Call publishes letters from readers online and in print several times a week. Submit a letter to the editor at [email protected]. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication.
