I think it's fashionable to dislike Trump, and indeed, his personality can be quite off-putting. But right now, the many people that are jumping on the bandwagon of Trump-hating, seem to be doing so because it's a popular thing to do. It's like wearing the right shoes or having the latest cell phone. Just based on what I read here, I don't see a lot of interest in discussing his policies or giving him due credit for what he has managed to do both economically and on the world stage. I think - despite his abrasive presentation - he has pretty much single-handedly pulled the country back from a precipice. He has all but removed troops from stagnant, unrewarding conflicts like Iraq; he's about do the same in Afghanistan. He's demonstrated his intention to have NATO countries take more responsibility both physically and financially. For me, his most important contribution is his confrontation with China, who for years has taken advantage of the U.S. with unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft. And now that the Corona virus hit, it's even more apparent of the Chinese government's ill-intent and malfeasance. Trump is right to call China's government out on glaring issues. Recently, Nasdaq has incorporated a better review of Chinese companies, where they used to get a pass on opening their books. Britain is limiting the scope of Huawei's 5G entrenchment, citing privacy issues, and that's due in large part to the Trump's administration's concerns. Obviously, the U.S. has done the same. So, on foreign policy, I think he's done a good job. He's set the stage for our businesses to operate on a much fairer playing field while protecting the nation from foreign undermining. Honestly, I did not see that kind of backbone from former presidents. I found them more than willing to acquiesce to foreign demands and sell U.S. best interests to the highest bidder in the name of globalization. So I give Trump a lot of credit on the international front. Now I detest his environmental policies, and am no fan of his oratory, but I also know that as long as we have a 2 party system, no citizen will really have a voice in Washington, because Washington is still the home of self-interested elites with the exception of a few, that continue to pander to the shrill voices of the ultra-left or ultra-right. A viable third party would surely ease the tension between us right now and bring both existing parties toward the center. Thanks!!
opcorn2:
