The Face of Our Nation

Although the Constitution doesn’t specifically say so, it goes without saying that the President is The Face of Our Nation.  He (or she) represents us to the rest of the world, and what they think of when someone mentions “The United States of America.”  Therefore it should be a person of utmost integrity, wisdom, graciousness, and eloquence.  It should be someone who makes us proud to be Americans, who encourages us all to work together, and be the best we can possibly be.  And who parents can tell their kids: “I want you to grow up and be just like him!”

And with that in mind, the Republican Party is preparing to nominate none other than:  Donald Trump, a person who, rather than fosters honesty, integrity, teamwork, and national pride, does just the opposite.

Here is just a smattering of where his “leadership” is tearing our nation apart:

• Election workers are being bombarded with death threats.

• Grand jurists in Georgia who indicted Trump have been threatened.

• A manifesto for a terrorist in El Paso echoed Trump’s language. 

• Politicians are attacked or harassed outside the workplace, such as the attack on Nancy Pelosi's husband.

And that’s just the short list.  There's more here.

And of course two impeachments, four indictments, multiple bankruptcies, investigations, audits, and accusations of fraud.  Oh and then there was that riot he instigated on January 6.  His lawyers claim he did nothing wrong, but with my own ears I heard him say “March to the capitol and fight like hell!”, followed by accounts of him gleefully watching the events on TV and not attempting to make them stop.

His supporters say they like him because he is “a strong fighter..  Whether or not that’s an asset really depends on what it is one is fighting for.  In Trump’s case, whenever he fights it’s usually about his ego, or doubling down on some false statement, or because somebody had the audacity to criticize him.  And his “fighting” generally involves schoolyard-style name-calling and insults.  This so-called strong fighter also tweeted out "Never surrender!" as he was surrendering to authorities.  As much as we libertarians  value freedom and minimal government, I hesitate to use the word “fight” to advance these worthy goals.  Liberty is better achieved via logic, persuasion, and diplomacy.

To stay out of trouble, walk this path.

Trump constantly whines that his enemies are all out to get him, and it’s all so unfair!  I must point out that, yeah, the Democrats have made it very clear from Day One that they are indeed out to “get him”, and will use every possible tool and weapon they can muster, and worry later whether the charges stick.  My advice to Trump would have been to walk the straight and narrow and keep it clean.  But clearly, that’s asking way too much. 

All these attacks from the Left have evidently not made a sizable dent in support from his loyal followers.  But again I ask:  is this the kind of person you want to present as The Face of Our Nation?

Didn’t he promise to drain the swamp?

Ok so I’ve bashed his personal qualities; now onto his so-called “accomplishments”.  Let’s start with his biggie: the tax cut.  One more time, altogether now: A tax cut without a corresponding spending cut accomplishes nothing!!  Spending increased by about $6 Billion during his term as president.  Ditto for federal regulations and the economic costs thereof; despite his promises, it was pretty much business-as-usual during his term.  And his trade wars with the rest of the world was a major loser.  Now in all fairness, government spending and regulations always increase, regardless of political party or promises.  But the fact is: he is NOT some Messiah who drained the swamp and imposed government restraint.

He also gets accolades for appointing three conservative judges to the Supreme Court. Sorry - I am not amused.  Let me point out the obvious:  the President cannot create vacancies on the court.  He just got lucky that three of them retired on his watch.  Are his supporters claiming that if some conservative other than Trump had won the Presidency, that they would have appointed liberal judges?!?!?

So will he win the 2024 general election?  It’s too early to say with certainty.  If he loses, take note, Republicans; your party is crashing, big time.  That would make, what is it now, Trump’s fourth major loss?

• 2020 Presidential election:  Lose!

• Georgia Senate runoff:  Lose! (after telling  Republicans not to bother to vote).

• 2022 midterm elections:  most of his endorsed candidates Lose!

Now I am not a Republican, and I really don’t care what happens to your party - but you Republicans should.

What if he wins?  A couple of thoughts:  First, assuming that he is convicted on at least one of the charges for which he is currently indicted, he will surely attempt to pardon himself.  Nobody knows how that will work out.  Secondly, what will he do this time when his term ends?  Urge his followers to rise up again and form another violent mob to keep him in power?  Repeal the 22^nd Amendment (limits the President to two terms) and run again?  Either way, it won’t end gracefully. 

Now do not presume that I am some kind of Biden supporter.  I disrespect Joe Biden as much as I do Trump, although for different reasons.

 So what is the wise voter to do?  My advice is, as always:  Vote for a person you believe in.  Find a candidate for which you agree with on policy, and respect for personal values.  Someone who has done good things, and that you want to continue to do likewise.  Consider everyone on the ballot.  If nobody qualifies, then stay home.  Wouldn’t that would make a splash?  They ran an election but nobody came!

And for gosh sakes, don’t even think about “negative” voting:  selecting someone you can’t stand, just to keep the other guy from winning.  That strategy is 100% guaranteed to bring about terrible results.