Mr. Trump... You're No Ronald Reagan
On January 20th of this year, Donald J. Trump will raise his right hand and promise that he “will, to the best of (his) ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” His left hand will be placed on the Bible that President Reagan used during his swearing in ceremonies. Mr. Trump – in this homage to the 40th President – is clearly trying to evoke Mr. Reagan’s gravitas.
At best, this is a great irony. For starters, Ronald Reagan was THE consummate cold warrior. As an unblinking foe of the former Soviet Union, he correctly branded that nation “the evil empire”. These were strong words that were not well received in the U.S.S.R. Of course, President Reagan went well beyond offering caustic rhetoric; he committed resources. He kept up the pressure until the U.S.S.R. was no more.
For most Americans, the Cold War is a relic of history. Not so for most Russians, especially Vladimir Putin. Russia’s President, a former KGB agent, rules over a kleptocracy that is no less evil than its previous incarnation. Senator John McCain has referred to Putin – correctly – as a “thug” and a “murderer”. Putin, who leads the only nation that poses an existential threat to the U.S., has taken quite a liking to our President-elect (for whatever reason). In Donald Trump’s view, Russia has somehow become a potentially benevolent nation – even as Vladimir Putin continues to cozy up to our sworn enemy, Iran. I pray that, at some point, being a loyal American becomes more important than supporting Donald Trump (I hope).
Finally, in addition to reciprocating the “bromance” with Putin, Trump has dishonored President Reagan’s mantle in at least one other major way. Reagan signed an immigration bill in 1986 that went well beyond a “path to citizenship”. Indeed, it gave actual amnesty to 3 MILLION people (overwhelmingly Mexican) who had entered the U.S. illegally. Let. That. Sink. In.
To be transparent, there are many areas in which I strongly disagree with Reagan, including his disastrous supply-side economic policies – though I will point out that he often strayed from Republican orthodoxy. (For example, he raised taxes nearly a dozen times as president to try to close the budget deficit.)
At this point, Donald Trump is no Ronald Reagan.
Associate Supervisor, inventory control associate, equipment operator, material handler
8 年With respect to the author, this article is negative rhetoric and uncalled for as Mr. Trump hasn't even taken the office, much less the oath of office and has no track record as president to judge him by. It is negative and unfounded articles like this that continues to fuel the fire of distrust, anger and hate in the hearts and minds of all whom will read it. We are supposed to love our wife/brother/neighbor as we love ourselves instead of tearing each other down, especially before they have started down the path that lies before them. Have faith, have hope and give people a chance to prove themselves by their deeds. Peace be unto you and yours.....