President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence
Washington, DC – As light rain began falling, Donald Trump’s presidency began around noon Jan. 20. Surrounded on the podium by Washington’s establishment, the new president looked toward the masses gathered in front of the podium to declare a new way of doing business.
“For too long, a small group in our Nation’s Capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost,” said Trump. “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.”
Noting that while the political elite have “celebrated” while so many families in the country have struggled, Trump declared, “all that changes—starting right here and right now, because this moment is your moment—it belongs to you.”
Throughout his campaign for the presidency Trump stated that America wasn’t “winning” in so many areas. In his address the new president vowed to change that. “From this day forward a new vision will govern the land,” said Trump. “From this moment on it’s going to be America first. Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families. We must protect our borders from the ravages of the other countries making our products, stealing our companies and destroying our jobs. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength. America will start winning again, winning like never before. We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth and we will bring back our dreams.”
Trump somewhat tempered his comments, adding “we will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world, but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first. We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to follow. We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones and unite the civilized world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth.”
Trump perhaps made some seated behind him a bit squeamish when he added, “we will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action—constantly complaining but never doing anything about it. The time for empty talk is over. Now arrives the hour of action.”
Acknowledging that while Americans may live in contrasting communities—urban and rural—“they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty Creator. So to all Americans in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, from ocean to ocean, hear these words—you will never be ignored again.”
Reaction from world leaders included a pledge from Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto to seek “a respectful dialogue” with America.
“We are ready to do our share of the work to improve the relationship,” stated Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
Pope Francis congratulated Trump and urged him to show compassion for the poor and outcast.
Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer [D – MD District 5] was clearly displeased with the new president’s address. “President Trump had an opportunity today to unite this country in his inaugural remarks,” Hoyer said. “He chose not to do that, instead repeating the divisive rhetoric of his campaign and painting a dark picture of an America in decline —something very far from the truth, which demeans the hard work and sacrifices of the millions of Americans who have rebuilt our economy since the recession.”
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com