By Tim Baldwin
The president of the United States is undoubtedly a sobering position. National interests are complex, security is precarious, consequences are far-reaching, and people are critical. Despite Donald Trump’s campaign rhetoric, he is changing tunes. What should we expect?
There are two essential things that got Trump elected: his stance on immigration (i.e. building a wall), and “drain the swamp” promise (e.g. prosecute “nasty, crooked” Hillary). Since Election Day, Trump has taken a different direction. When asked about prosecuting Hillary, Trump said, “I’m going to think about it … I don’t want to hurt them. [The Clintons] are good people.” As for the wall, Trump said a fence and “virtual wall” would work too, but he really wants to work on an immigration bill.
Trump is also already demonstrating he is anything but an outsider. His executive choices, mostly, are longterm federal insiders. As for constitutional jurisprudence, Trump is content with “settled law,” such as gay marriage. Presumably, rulings on abortion are included here. So much for uprooting “bad decisions.”
By appearances, Trump may be as “establishment” as prior presidents. This will upset many Trump supporters: they really believed he was their savior. Trump’s presidency may prove mostly that the federal system is too established and fortified to be intruded by anyone, including a billionaire “outsider” president. If Trump fails to “Make America Great Again”, where will Trump supporters focus their anger next election?
By Joe Carbonari
There are basic standards of human decency. America has always striven for the best. Let’s not let an eddy in the flow of progress deflect us. After a post-election meeting with Donald Trump, President Barack Obama remarked that the presidency was a “sobering experience.” We must assist Trump in his sobering. The world, and its problems, will not wait
We humans adapt well. As individuals however, and as societies, we have our laggards, particularly in times of rapid technological and societal change, such as waht we are now experiencing. For many it brings anxiety; for others, opportunities; for some, loss. For those left behind Trump offered hope, but how will their skills be used, their deficiencies addressed? Many voted for him. Some are loud; some impatient. It is time for action. “Jobs now” is not a partisan call.
In similar manner, the disorder in the world must be addressed. We cannot be the world’s peacekeeper, but we can, and ultimately must, take the lead. For many we represent the best that the peoples of the world have achieved. Let us display that by both our courage and our restraint. Bullies do not survive long.
We must work together and lead by example. That example must be based on the energy and the efficiency of our economy and the cooperativeness and inclusiveness of our society. Our needs in infrastructure, education, and energy are not partisan, and the measures addressing them must not be either. At our best we work together.