What did we ever do to solve the world’s problems before Donald Trump came along? Forget about international cooperation, defence agreements, treaties, the global banking system and the United Nations — or any other mechanism that has been developed since the end of the Second World War. Why? Because the United States’ Republican presidential nominee stood before his party’s convention last Thursday night, and in an address broadcast across the US, told all and Sundry — party believers, Trump deceivers and American disbelievers — that he is only man who can right all of the wrongs of the world.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Crime and violence that afflict the American nation? That will soon end under a Trump presidency. He’ll build a wall to keep out those Mexicans behind gangs and violence. And anyone from a nation associated with terrorism won’t be let into the US. And no trade deals that hurt American workers. The European Union? That was only put together to stop the US from making money.
If a majority of American voters elect Trump to the Oval Office in November, they’ll know exactly what to expect: An isolated nation hiding behind walls, where white is right, questioning is wrong, and the dollar reigns supreme as long as you’re able to work and don’t ever fall sick.
And the rest of the world can look forward to arbitrary entry rules, over-handed military interventions to squash terrorists or anyone else deemed a threat to Americans interests or values, and a Washington that puts America first while the rest of us suffer our lot from not having the benefit of Donald Trump to sort out our messes.
The vision of America and of the world peddled by Trump is one of fear, paranoia and darkness; where presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton would be jailed; where terror suspects would be waterboarded at will; and where Guantanamo would be filled with America’s enemies.
This week, when Democrats gather to formally nominate Clinton as their candidate, they will offer a different vision for voters: An America where all are treated equally; where the values of the freedom and liberty are beacons of hope; and where the US plays a responsible role on the world stage, a partner for peace and reason.
The choice seems clear. Let’s just hope that anger and prejudice are calmed by reason and tolerance, and that the politics of fear are trumped by a belief in a better day and a better way.
