He won the battle, but we’ll lose the war
Yes, the presidential election is over. By winning the electoral college vote, Donald Trump became the president-elect.
Fortunately, Mr. Trump, while waiting for the inaugural in January to officially become president, has given us a preview of his management skills while selecting his proposed cabinet. His approach seems to be “in-your face.” Currently existing procedures, protocols, treaties, trade agreements and eligibility are no longer valid unless he approves them.
One of our forefathers’ concerns was that the military should always be subservient to civilian authority. To encourage this, an eligibility requirement for the secretary of defense was that an active military person must have been retired seven years before becoming eligible for the position. Even knowing this, Mr. Trump has nominated a four-year retired Marine general, James Mattis. Trump just decided that this requirement does not apply to him. He has tried to establish his authority over government actions without any authority. He will govern by Twitter.
Numerous of his statements have been outright lies, exaggerations, provocation or otherwise unwise. His cabinet selection process has been like a game of musical chairs. He who reflects the most attention to Trump is the prime candidate of the day. If any of his recorded exaggerations are questioned, his defense is that “I never said that,” then he seeks immediate retribution on the questioner. He does not attend security briefings because he does not need them. He already knows better than anybody else. How do I know; he told me. He has his own opinion of how things are done. and woe to anyone who might question them.
It appears to me that, according to our CIA, we have been hit by another Pearl Harbor-type sneak attack. Without firing a shot, Russia, and the Republicans, have scored a big advantage over control of the U.S. government by manipulating our election, not by backing Trump, but by spreading false information about Hillary Clinton. I can’t help but wonder why. Could it be that Trump is not quite as smart as he claims, and that he is easier to manipulate to the Russian advantage? Trump’s similarity to and declared admiration of Vladimir Putin is frightening. Trump might be a victim of his own ego.
This leads me to all the folks who voted for Trump: What kind of a person are you? After seeing his behavior so far, do you still think this is the person you want for your president? He might have won the battle, but I guarantee we will lose the war.
If this letter goes beyond Southern Maryland, it may be my last. Trump’s paybacks are hell. His Second Amendment advocates may be offended.
William C. Watts, Leonardtown