Given the unappealing options in the election last November, I really didn’t have a choice but to vote for the lesser of two undesirables: Donald Trump. Not with unbridled enthusiasm mind you – but I’ve never voted for a lying, elitist socialist and wasn’t about to start now.
That said, so far – in the few short hours he’s been president – I’m pleasantly surprised with Mr. Trump. His inaugural remarks were short, straightforward and patriotic. Unlike most of his predecessor’s speeches, the words “I” and “me” were used sparingly. Most encouraging, he acknowledged that “we-the-people” are supposed to be in charge of our government. How refreshing!
Beyond the rhetoric however, since he’s never before held public office, it’s way too early to tell what a Trump presidency will look like. Matthew Continetti writing at the Free Beacon gives us some predictions based on what we’ve seen so far ~
Donald Trump’s inaugural address was a stirring call for national unity and a declaration of war against the establishment in Washington, D.C. The speech was vintage Trump: politically incorrect, critical of both parties, amped up, biting, strongly delivered, and wildly ambitious. Anyone who believed Trump would change his beliefs or style when he assumed the office of the presidency was proven wrong. He’s not going to change. And he’s not going to let up.
Trump espoused his worldview in remarkably few words. He is a vituperative critic of the post-Cold War international system. Where the architects of that system see it as a bulwark of stability and global prosperity, Trump sees it as diminishing the United States in favor of foreign countries and an international class of wealthy political and financial elites. Washington has been serving its own interests, he said, and not the people’s. That ends now. His America will turn inward, focusing on domestic stability, education, infrastructure, and jobs. The one exception will be the fight against Islamic terrorism, where Trump is prepared to join with autocracies in pursuit of common goals.
So who knows? The next few months should be very interesting. One thing’s for certain, unlike the last POTUS, this one is proud to represent America.
Watching the parade this afternoon, Trump seemed visibly moved several times at the deference and respect shown him by the passing military contingents, perhaps realizing for the first time the awesome responsibility that comes with being commander-in-chief. [I never once saw that reaction in Barack Obama by the way, a man whose last action in office – pardoning PFC Manning for treason – was a slap in the face to every member of the military, past and present.]
Best wishes Mr. President. And God bless America.
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Updated: 1-21-17
Another good one from Michael Ramirez via Patriot Post ~
