President Trump deserves a chance

By Mata'afa Keni Lesa 22 January 2017, 12:00AM

So there we have it. The moment the world has been waiting for – or in some cases dreading - has finally arrived. 

And with much fanfare and aplomb yesterday, a man whose ability to hold what is arguably the most powerful political position in the world had come under so much scrutiny and criticism is today officially the President of the United States of America.

With the inauguration of Donald John Trump as the 45th President of the United States, a new era has started. And whether we support him, agree with his views or prescribe to his school thoughts that is irrelevant from now onwards.

The fact is Trump has arrived, he has taken his oath “to make America great again” and he is here to stay. 

What’s important to remember is that what he decides to do with the most powerful nation in the world for the next few years will have an impact on all of us, which means his arrival is something we must accept and live with.

Indeed, his reign as the new President of the ‘land of the free and home of the brave’ begins now and this is when what he says and what he does really matters. 

You see, during the past few years, he has done what he needed to do to secure the Presidency. Call his approach unorthodox and some of his methodologies crazy but it did the job for him. 

He is here as the President and he deserves a chance to live out his dream for America, just like past presidents had. And if we were to believe in the scriptures that all authorities are divine and from God, the question we’ve got to ask it why is there so much resistance against Trump. 

There are many reasons. But from the Pacific standpoint, one of the most worrying factors about Trump becoming President is his attitude towards Global warming and climate change. This is no longer a secret. Everyone knows what Trump has been saying about the climate change and that is extremely worrying. Come to think of it this is an area where he will be harshly judged by from the international community – including Pacific islands.

But that’s probably the least of Trump’s concerns for now. 

Living thousands of miles away from the sinking small island developing states, he will have a lot more pressing issues on his mind. 

And his inauguration address clearly reflected this. If anything Trump has already signaled that this is an era where America will do what’s best for America first. True to his word about prioritising matters that are more important to Americans, Trump doesn’t look like he is going to stray from it. 

“We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people. Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for years to come,” Trump said yesterday (see speech page 15).

“We will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done. Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, and we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent.”

“Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning.” 

“Because today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another, or from one party to another -- but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People.”

Now who doesn’t want to be empowered like that? Who wouldn’t feel inspired and proud to be American with such remarks? 

But his most telling comment was yet to come. 

Listen to him: “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 all across our land.”

“That all changes -- starting right here, and right now, because this moment is your moment: it belongs to you.”

There is absolutely no doubt about it. President Trump has landed and from here onwards, we will certainly be watching and following his progress very carefully.

We wish Trump and his administration all the best.

In the meantime, have a peaceful Sunday Samoa, God bless!

By Mata'afa Keni Lesa 22 January 2017, 12:00AM
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