Like
most concerned Americans, I watched President Trump’s inaugural speech with
great interest. I even re-read the transcript several times, but this didn’t
change my initial impression. I found the speech ominous, uninspiring, and even
offensive at times. Politicians accused of having prospered at the expense of
the people must have cringed.
What resonated the most, with me, were phrases
like “ravages of other countries…stealing…destroying our jobs,”
“crime…gangs…and drugs…this American carnage,” and “rusted-out factories
scattered like tombstones.” Dark images, indeed.
There was hope and promise in the speech as well, but no
mention anywhere of Constitutional freedoms of religion and speech and the
right to bear arms. He stressed power to the people, but not individual
responsibility, free enterprise, or equal opportunity. And in anticipation of the Women’s March
scheduled for the next day, I thought he might have mentioned the Right to
Life. But he didn’t.
In spite of these negatives, I am
encouraged by Trump’s vision of the future. Except for perhaps one or two
questionable choices, he has surrounded himself with superb cabinet picks and
agency heads, and he has indicated that he is willing to listen to their
counsel. I expect these talented leaders to dampen the president’s hubris and
rein in the tyrannical impulses of his out-sized ego.
One thing is for sure: Donald
J.Trump is going to shake things up. He is not going to put up with the partisan
obstructionism of Chuck Schumer and the congressmen who boycotted his
inauguration. But he may not get everything he wants either: he will have to
get used to the idea that a Republican-led Congress will not always go along
with his policies on such issues as trade, taxes, and immigration.
If President Trump’s inaugural speech
signals anything, it is that we are in for a wild ride. Hang on.
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