Even though it is cloudy this morning (literally), I’m still pretty sure the sun came up in the East as it always does. As it will for the next four years.
I have some thoughts about why American voters chose to elect Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States, but will save those for another post. The more important question is, “How do those of us who adamantly opposed his candidacy react to last night’s outcome?”
The response is simple. And it is based on the Hillary Clinton ad which asked the question, “Who do you want to be a role model for our children?” Although posed to differentiate between the two major contenders, the answer is and always will be “every one of us.”
So think about all the times you believed Donald Trump set a bad example during the campaign. Then do the opposite. If you believe he disrespected President Obama, remind others that the office, regardless of its occupant, deserves our honor. If you cringed when he declared only he had the answers, remember none of us is all knowing and seek out the wisdom of others. If you were offended by his philosophy to take revenge ten-fold when you feel wronged, be more understanding and forgiving.
I have no doubts there will be more Benghazis, San Bernardinos and Orlandos in the next four years. Instead of calling for investigations to find who to blame, ask our leaders to use their energies and resources to learn from these experiences and take the appropriate actions to prevent other tragedies.
And if during his term of office, the next president is ill or injured. Do not remind everyone how he exploited Hillary Clinton’s bout with pneumonia during the campaign. Hope for his quick recovery.
In other words, be the role model you know you should be if Donald Trump never existed. And, maybe, just maybe, we can become a role model not just for our children but for the nation’s leadership as well.
For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP
Thanks (gulp/sigh)
Well said. Hope this attitude prevails.
That sounds good and responsible. Now let us see if Trump can earn our respect. And our nation’s?? The ball is in his court.
Wise and great words to live by. I’m trying to put my disappointment and sadness aside
and get on with it.
In the aftermath of this election, I think we all need a new challenge. I have decided that one person is not worth the effort now. Let’s get on the wagon to somehow get term limits in place. We are paying our senators and representatives to hide under an umbrella of state and federal “rules”. These rules are evidently forever. Not only that,we have created a super class with benefits till death. Nothing like the common folk must endure. The questions become: 1.how do we get these people out of office. 2 how do we impose term limits. 3 how do we get their benefits and insurance to match ours? This is going to be the hardest job of all. Ancient Rome only fell after the rulers felt they were reaching godly status. We seem to be on the same track with timing being the only variable. Term limits must come..