Author, Speaker, Instructor, Radio Host
Day 1 of the Presidency of Donald J. Trump begins. His inaugural speech was unifying and uplifting, though Democrats complained it presented a bleaker picture than they believe exists. Trump saluted, smiled, and shook hands. On Monday, the real work will begin. It will be time to begin working, to turn back the damage caused by eight years of a destructive Obama era.
The pomp and circumstance of the Inauguration was entertaining, and Melania, the new First Lady, was stunning. We haven't had the kind of class that Melania offers in the White House in a long time. . . not since the eighties when Nancy Reagan graced us with her elegance.
Three times Trump exited the limousine along the parade route, one of those times in front of Trump Tower - a reminder of what began his journey to the White House.
His inauguration address turned out to be the shortest by a President in four decades. President Trump called for Americans to unite, and reminded us that it is his aim to overturn the establishment of both political parties. He targeted Obama's failed policies, and said that his administration would return the federal government to serving the American People. Rather than seek a path of political language, it was Donald Trump seizing his new-found position, and promising to act as he had campaigned. The speech was an indictment, but it was also filled with hope for the future.
"Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for years to come. We will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done."
Trump also pointed out that the establishment has not had the interests of the people of the United States in mind. "For too long, a small group in our nation's Capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost. Washington flourished - but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered - but the jobs left, and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories; their triumphs have not been your triumphs; and while they celebrated in our nation's Capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families across our land."
Then Trump shifted to what he planned to do, that he planned to take immediate action, and that his actions would be swift.
"That all changes - starting right here, and right now, because this moment is your moment: it belongs to you. It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America. This is your day. This is your celebration. And this, the United States of America, is your country."
Then he returned to the people, and the power that they were now, according to Trump, going to enjoy.
"What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people. January 20th, 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again."
The most important political office in the United States is that of "citizen." Because of Trump's appeal to the populace, certain elements of the political scene have called Trump a "populist," and have verbalized that they fear his populist message, claiming this was the kind of language that led to the rise of Adolf Hitler. As usual, the liberal Democrat grasp on history is tenuous, at best. In truth, it was leftist language that led to Hitler. The German dictator began his reign by promising more government intrusion into people's lives, not less. And, at the top of the German leader's list of promises in the 1930s was free healthcare.
In his inaugural speech Trump then addressed the Americans who were left behind by the Obama administration. "The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. Everyone is listening to you now. You came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement the likes of which the world has never seen before. At the center of this movement is a crucial conviction: that a nation exists to serve its citizens."
In short, Trump is the result of eight years of the Tea Party. He is the President the Tea Party called for. He is the result of eight years of an incredible movement that has ushered America back in the direction of the United States Constitution.
Trump then addressed the need for great education, safe neighborhoods, and good jobs. He called these goals "reasonable" to be asked for by a "righteous public."
He then turned to the inner-cities, promising to work with leaders involved in the fight to improve America from within. He was harsh in his accusations, saying that "This American carnage stops right here and stops right now."
Then, the message of unity returned.
"We are one nation - and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams; and their success will be our success. We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny."
He edged on a protectionist message, which can be okay if limited. Protectionism, however, out of control and dominant, can be destructive. . . especially in a world where trade and associations with other nations is truly on a global level.
Trump called for returning the military to where it needs to be, and defending our nation's borders.
Also included in Trumps message was a promise to resolve our crumbling infrastructure. While I question the federal authorities, and wisdom, in pursuing a large "infrastructure" plan, it is something that needs to be addressed - though I would prefer the States taking action on each of their infrastructures.
Freedom was mentioned, but his speech was not a "love our liberty" speech like we might have heard from Ronald Reagan, but a real speech focusing on real problems and a determination to tackle those problems head on. While I agree, I also agree that a return to the U.S. Constitution, and the liberty it offers, can solve those problems better than any political firestorm.
After vowing to "unite the civilized world against Radical Islamic Terrorism," and speaking out against racism ("When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice"), Trump then turned his attention to the necessary godliness of this country, and the necessity of us working together as one people. "The Bible tells us, 'how good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity.' We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity. When America is united, America is totally unstoppable. There should be no fear - we are protected, and we will always be protected. We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement and, most importantly, we are protected by God."
Then, the ever-optimistic businessman that Trump seems to always be came out in force during his speech.
"Finally, we must think big and dream even bigger. In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is striving. We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action - constantly complaining but never doing anything about it. The time for empty talk is over. Now arrives the hour of action. Do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America. We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again. We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the Earth from the miseries of disease, and to harness the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow. A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights, and heal our divisions."
A turning away from the old, and the beginning of a glorious journey to a new and bright future.
"It is time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American Flag. And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams, and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty Creator."
And then the final unifying declaration.
"So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, and from ocean to ocean, hear these words:
"You will never be ignored again.
"Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.
"Together, We Will Make America Strong Again.
"We Will Make America Proud Again.
"We Will Make America Safe Again.
"And Yes, Together, We Will Make America Great Again. Thank you, God Bless You, and God Bless America."
We must understand that while Trump is not Hillary, and that is something to be celebrated, it is important for us to remember that we must still ensure he is accountable, and following the script he set forth during the presidential campaign.
The Constitution applies to all federal participants, regardless of party, and regardless of popularity. Sincere, or not, the authorities granted to the federal government are limited and few. Despite the unconstitutional precedence of an expanded executive branch in the terms of powers and actions that Obama has created across the board, the original intent of the Constitution as intended by the Founding Fathers, not what the guy in the White House before the new guy did, is the Constitution that Trump needs to follow. It is our job to ensure he does.
Trump's opening words at the Liberty Ball later on?
"Well, we did it."
The crowd cheered, as well they should have. Yes, we did do it. But, there is still a lot of work to do, not just by Trump, but by the people of the United States who desire to continue the job of reducing the federal government back to its constitutional origin.
Trump's dance with the First Lady ended amidst chants of "USA, USA, USA, USA."
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
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