Let’s be real, there were many unsavory factors in play that resulted in the election of President-elect Donald Trump on Nov. 8, 2016. And as Mr. Trump continues to assemble his White House team, let’s all hope he will be able to strike the right balance for the sake of our beloved Republic.
Interestingly, the “change” that the American people voted for in the recent general election was the legislative agenda that the Republican leaders had blocked President Obama and his Democratic supporters from passing through the Congress over the last several years, limiting the chances for finding real solutions to the country’s many challenges, facing working class families. And consequently, that Republican obstructionism gave rise to Donald Trump, birtherism and his campaign promises to build the wall and end and replace Obamacare.
Now, with President-elect Donald Trump preparing to take the helm of our government on Jan. 20, 2017, some people feel Mr. Trump is overwhelmed at the prospect of having to lead the U.S. and the world. With absolutely no experience in government, some believe he is in way over his head.
With that said, Mr. Trump has received the majority of the electoral votes and will be sworn into office in about two months, on Jan. 20, 2017. At that time, President Trump will be expected to deliver his inaugural address, laying out his vision for America during his administration. Also, at that time, it is my sincere hope that Mr. Trump will deliver a message of hope, harmony and healing, striking a tone of reconciliation that will bring us together as a nation, helping us realize our destiny is one and the same. In essence, Mr. Trump will need to reassure us that he wants to be the President of the nation whose policies and practices demonstrate that all Americans matter.
So, unlike the Republican leaders who vowed to make President Obama a one-term president, setting out to obstruct him at every turn, Democrats share the sentiment that they are willing to give President Trump a chance, vowing to support him in his efforts to continue to make America a great nation, while viewing government as a positive and creative force in society.
As individual Americans, it is up to us to make government more responsive to the American people. Now, with the general election behind us, it is up to us, the people, to make those in power deliver, building greater hope and opportunity for all of us. We must foster greater civic education and a commitment to community engagement.
Additionally, we must stay involved by attending meetings and maintaining a high level of civic engagement. And, if we have to, we must make some noise, “the kind of noise that, to the inner ear, is the sweet music of free institutions.”
It is my opinion that Democrats should greet the election of Donald Trump with a “cheerful spirit,” realizing there will be a day of reckoning.