‘Marmite’ president is a bit of fresh air
I READ with interest the article written by “the Colonel” (John Hughes-Wilson, Cyprus Today, December 1) and wonder why no-one appears to relate “the immigration problem” we have in Europe with what Donald Trump is dealing with in America, and the criticism he comes in for.
I am probably one of the few people in the world who think Trump a bit of a breath of fresh air. He is obviously not a time-served politician, uses unconventional methods (and words) for communication but there is something about this “Marmite” president that appeals to me (and obviously a few of his countrymen). He has not only realised the trade deficit with China and the rest of the world (probably $2-plus trillion a year), as well as technology “leakage”, is not sustainable, and used unconventional ways to bring it to a head, like he did with North Korea. He is annoying the political and liberal “elites” with his wall and his dealings with immigrants!
He has been ridiculed for sending thousands of troops, fully armed, to the border with Mexico just to deal with just a few thousand in a “caravan” determined to enter the US. They are portrayed by the media as women and children (and others) fleeing lives of undoubted hardship in countries of South America. Trump is portrayed as a heartless and uncaring, almost inhuman tyrant.
I think Trump is smarter than this. His troops, walls, threats of live fire if attacked are a deterrent. The more publicity they get, the better the deterrent.
Can you imagine what would happen if Trump had a Merkel moment? “All are welcome, we can cope,” she said — and look what has happened!
If Trump did not respond in a robust way it is likely that millions of immigrants would flood into the US and probably not just from South America. He has, after all, given people a lifeline by saying those who apply and come legally will be considered.
Maybe one day Europe will need a “wall” and armed soldiers at the border. Maybe that is why Merkel and Macron want the EU to have an army?!