Living in an ever-changing world

Jan 11, 2017 Editorial, Features / Columnists

In nine days, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. It is a political development that has left Hillary Clinton and many others in the US and around the world completely baffled.
Many have opined that it was the biggest upset in the history of American politics, while others insist that the system is flawed because Hillary Clinton obtained nearly 2.9 million popular votes than Mr. Trump. But it is the Electoral College votes that matter. Whatever people may think, the truth is the decision to elect Donald Trump to the presidency was based on the democratic process in the US.
This is a lesson for all to realize that the exercise of democracy is not perfect. It could sometimes be messy. However, as long as the rules of the process are established, agreed upon and accepted, then it means that they cannot be changed conveniently or after the fact when the hope or wish of some voters is not realized.
Democracy permeates most institutions in the US and around the world. It can be a sore point for those who cannot achieve what they set out to accomplish. While most Americans uphold democracy as the ideal, they are quick to question the process which allows for a majority vote, especially when their proposals, resolutions, ideas and/or suggestions are defeated. There is often some merit in any proposal, resolution, idea and/or suggestion which has been made. It however, does not mean that it will be accepted by the majority.
Donald Trump from all appearances was not the candidate of choice for even the Republican Party, of which he was the presidential candidate, but it seems that his utterances and promises resonated with a large sector of the population. Simply put, he marketed himself well to the people. For many, he was not polite or cordial to those who stood in his way, but at the end of the day, it was about what the people wanted to hear. Neither was he a charismatic leader nor the best equipped for the job, but because he was able to command mass appeal, that was all that mattered.
The sway in the election was how Trump was able to develop the ability to define his sixteen Republican opponents in the primary election and Democrat Hillary Clinton in the presidential election. He had the skill and capability to speak the loudest, longest, twist the issues in his favour to convince millions of his followers whom he communicated with by tweeting. It was something new in American politics.
However, these may prove to not be the best criteria for which to elect the President for the most powerful country in the world. Trump does not demonstrate a willingness to listen to others and take time to understand the real problems facing the United States. Seemingly, he was skillful in letting people believe that he knows it all, but the truth is, he has a habit of dismissing, talking down to people and sometimes insulting them.
It is not best to have a President who opposes everything and wants to change everything in one fell swoop. It is good to have one who respects the decisions made by past administrations and is not prepared to tear them down for the sake of doing so.
These are some of the traits of Donald Trump, but they are not the ideals or practices that should be supported or encouraged by those who seek to become the president of the US – or any leader as a matter of fact. However, the decision made by the people to elect Trump ought to be accepted and be respected by all.
If there is any advice that can be shared with voters, it is not to be emotional and be folly to vote for an individual based on class, creed, religion, gender or age. Instead, voters must take knowledge, experience and maturity into consideration before electing a head of state. Donald Trump does not possess all of those qualities, but he is viewed an enlightened leader. This sends a profound message. We are truly living in an ever-changing world.

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Living in an ever-changing world

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