We need a Statesman, Not a King

When former President Barack Obama was elected, history had granted him an opportunity to become one of the great presidents.  But instead he chose rigid partisanship and grand arrogance.  He believed himself an infallible emperor, rather than a statesman president.  He could not transcend the poison of politics and parties, and instead rendered himself to divisiveness and dreadful decisions.

History is once again granting an opportunity.  President Trump’s inaugural speech proclaimed he was returning the power of rule to the people from the D.C. elites.  Trump may not realize that the Constitution is a grant of power from The People, but he at least understands that for the past 80 years a relentless and, often unconstitutional, power grab by government has been underway.

We hope Trump addresses this issue, but as a statesman president.  Party politics demands that for one party to win the other has to lose.  In this conflict the voters are pawns.  Rather, Trump should work toward pragmatic compromise.  We have seen his tireless energy and hope he now directs this to the hard work of bipartisan legislation.

The people, through the electoral process, have spoken.  Trump is president.  But he should keep in mind that he is not a king.  Trump cannot legislate, he can only sign legislation he agrees with that passes both chambers of Congress; and for that he will need the consent of at least eight Democratic Senators.