45th President: Donald Trump

This particular president is the most difficult to write about, mostly because the history of his presidency is now. I can't rely on the book or internet sources (esp. Wikipedia for preliminary research) I used for all the other posts because its all too recent. So, as I gather my thoughts, please forgive this longer entry.

Of course, it's hard for me because my social network in person and online is almost entirely full of people who didn't like the idea of having Trump as a president. But, the biggest lesson the election of 2016 taught me is this: when it comes to national policy and issues, I nor anyone else should ever forget or discount the fact that there are millions of people who may think very differently.

I may be wrong, but I believe a big part of the shock and confusion over Trump's election (even by expert political pundits) was a direct result of people believing that almost everyone felt the same way they did. My own network is largely based on areas in the states of the West and Midwest. Apart from media and entertainment figures, I knew almost nothing about the direct opinions of the people in the South, in New England, on the far west coast, or in other areas. So, if nothing else Trump's election taught me to be more aware of the people outside my personal and online networks.

As for Donald Trump himself, it was hard for me to find sources that discussed his accomplishments as president beyond his first week or first month in office. It does appear that he has delivered or made efforts on many of the things he said he would do in his first 100 days. Unfortunately, the number of sources that focus primarily on positive achievements is disappointingly few.

To those who don't like Donald Trump, may I suggest to you that it's not as bad as you think. I think I've explained that no other president in the past has "ruined" our country. Do we blame Warren G. Harding or any other former president for the state of our nation? (Wait, who's Harding? My point exactly.) No. In our history, we tend to remember those who made tremendous positive impact, and it's just too early to tell what kind of president Trump will end up becoming.

Instantaneous messaging and a 24-hour news cycle tends to cause people to focus on things moment by moment. But, something that was a huge deal last month isn't so much this month. I've decided to take a few steps back and continue to look at the world and my country with gratitude and gladness. I prefer to give people, even Trump, the benefit of the doubt.

Besides, if nothing else at all, recent political events have given many people (including myself) a reason to reflect on their own personal convictions and expressions of patriotism. America is self-evaluating itself a little more, and I like that.

I am grateful for Donald Trump.

P.S.—I have thoroughly enjoyed expressing gratitude for each American president to date. My appreciation for America has become a little deeper and more sincere, and my belief that it's possible to find a reason to be grateful for just about anything is reinforced.