Carrying a big stick

President Donald Trump is consistently under scrutiny, as any president of the United States has been. His philosophy in foreign affairs is a common attack point.

His involvement in foreign affairs is very different from many previous presidents that citizens are used to. However, as it is sometimes said, history repeats itself. Theodore Roosevelt took the words of a West African proverb and implemented them into his foreign policy rule, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Roosevelt used this platform to say in few words that he wanted the U.S. to be proactive as opposed to reactive in its foreign affairs. He emphasized the U.S. being tactful in negotiations but having a big stick, just in case.

Trump certainly carries a big stick in foreign affairs, and he is unafraid of any and everything. He plays his hand in any type of event that may be impactful to the U.S., and his opinion is heard with a boom around the world. As for speaking softly, Trump does not exactly fit the bill; he has a booming voice.

This, however, may be more beneficial in opposition to harmful than many citizens may think. With his booming voice Trump intimidates those around the world, letting them know the U.S. is involved and active in the issue. A philosophy of carrying a big stick has reemerged in this budding presidency.

The rest of the quote is in the process of being fulfilled, “Speak softly, carry a big stick, you will go far.”

Alexander Reinke

Racine

Please email your letters to jsedit@jrn.com, or mail them to Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, P.O. Box 371, Milwaukee, Wis. 53201-0371. Letters should be about 200 words.