Good Luck, Mr. President!

This president was elected. The outcome was not favoured by many. In fact, it was outright indignation. How could that have happened, they wondered?

I watched from the sidelines, an observer from another country, whose 25 year free trade pact with the president's country, was nullified recently and a new one put in place. I thought why not? I'd do it, too, if I felt my citizens deserved better. But I am not a politician, just a former teacher, a wife, mother, grandmother, pet owner and friend. I blog, too, but that is the result of being a mom and being encouraged to write by a young'un. I saw the folly of some things back then and still do. We must realize money has its limits. Spending should, too. Fostering things we think we need is better then owning them, outright.

The midterms juggled the status quo. (I wonder why there are such complex elections every two years? Why not just do it all - every four?) Anyway, it has been a volatile time since Mr. President was voted into power, by Republicans, some of whom were probably Democrats and Independents masquerading as Republicans, deep down inside. Voting is always by secret ballot, anyway. We can change our minds inside the voting booth, in an instant. That is called democracy or just being brilliant.

The business of voting is our business and both a privilege and a right. . ... In Canada, at the beginning of the last century, women were not persons and could not vote. Terrible! People from many countries have died, trying for voting rights. Thank goodness times changed. We should be exercising that privilege each and every time elections are held. Our voice matters.

Mr. 'Art of the Deal' President, is implementing what he promised. Most of Hollywood seems to hate him. Their voices and opinions do not matter. Anger has a habit of turning on its 'owner'. He is not presidential, some have said. Might be a good thing. The drain the swamp motto he has espoused is ringing true. The anger is everywhere but why are his employees being attacked? They need a job just like everyone else. He resonates with those who have been ignored by previous leaders who were focused on other things. Leave office and get a book deal worth millions. Is that why some try for the highest in the land? To get a good table at a restaurant, too?

It's always about money. In government, raising taxes helps some programs while topping up salaries and the benefit packages of those voted into office by us, their employer. Is government a cumbersome make work project designed to give power to those who could never achieve it anywhere else? It certainly feeds the ego and the bank balance.

Is Mr. President trying to level the playing field? Isn't that the purpose of government? Take home pay is everything!! Nothing matters more to any of us. Quality of life is tied to it. Reducing silly regulations that can add layer upon costly layer of fees to any start-ups makes the hope of employment for all more arduous. Taxes and tariffs, those burdensome costly barriers to the gross national product only serve to muddle the marketplace. Be reasonable. Someone has to pay. You want free? Take it from the lottery tickets. Lots of dollars there. It's all about money, anyway. 

 

Stop picking on corporations without which jobs would not exist. Try operating a company, large or small, for one day! Lessons will be learned! Then there is immigration. We are all immigrants, it would seem. My parents came to Canada and became citizens of this country. There is a process that must be respected and followed. Otherwise, we have chaos, instability and crime. 

The world is noticing the United States, maybe for the first time, ever. Action creates the climate for change. But sometimes, no one is listening. When anger sets in, words are not pretty. Quality of Life does matter! Just ask the millions who are being ignored. It is not nice. The president was music to their ears but not to others, I know. The radical new leader just wants to protect his country, inside and out. At times, I cringe, "Why did you have to say that!"

Resistance, obstruction go nowhere. Discussion and resolution do! Let us not be distracted. Maybe other countries are failing, too. Don't be surprised. No one is immune. corruption exists, in all shapes and sizes. Address it. Then let's stop pretending it does not exist because it does - everywhere. The United States is a great country. Every world needs an anchor. Good Luck, Mr. President!