Donald Trump is going to become president: He needs a chance

Donald Trump, the next president of the U.S.

By JIM PURCELL

I did not vote for Donald Trump. I did not want to see Donald Trump win the election. I did not think he was the best candidate. But, enough people did that he is going to become the president of the United States on January 20 -- in just a few weeks.

The American System of Government is not perfect. It is only the best that could be crafted under the rule of law. The will of the people means nothing if it is not enacted. And, Donald Trump is America's selection as the chief executive of our republic. On top of that, the nation has chosen to make the Republican Party its chief steward of its trust in both houses of the Congress.

There may be issues, which make segments of the population uncomfortable, that are going to come up in the next four years. Evidently, though, these issues need to be aired and they need to be considered again. In America, we settle arguments with debate and voting.

It was said at the time of the founding of our nation that violent revolution was unnecessary, because every four years there is a war of wills. The stronger of those wills will win the day. This year, that day was won by a common point of view. Some espouse that point of view and others do not. If there is going to be debate then let it begin. But, in that same spirit, let Mr. Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress have their chance to do good. There are no roadblocks to the good they have long said they can do. Well, they have center stage and everyone is watching.

When Barack Obama won the presidency eight years ago, nearly from the first day of that presidency he was derided by naysayers. He was mocked for his race. Hideous things were said about his family. The fact that America has traveled very far in terms of race relations was disproved. It got in the way of his presidency at times, and maybe that is due to the fact that race dynamics have not been fully explored in the American psyche. In fact, it is clear that arguments many of us believed were had and were over (about women, about race and discrimination) may well come back into focus again. It is how it is supposed to be then. This is because freedom is not free. Sometimes, fighting for freedom means making one's self heard when it is unpopular. Speaking truth to power is never, ever the road of least resistance. Sometimes, though, it is necessary.

With that said, in America, the level of political discourse has become so low that it would be reaching up to grasp the top of the gutter. Maybe it will not change. Let me restate that: Things will not change. They will be loud and ugly. They will be without dignity at times. But, imagine if things did change and arguments were made with reason and free of personal attacks and zeal.

Zealots from either party or perspective are not what America needs at this moment. As a people, we promoted a presidential election season that was a carnival. Carnivals are great to visit, but going there every day just gets old and weird. At some point, everyone has to grow the hell up. So, it is time to talk again.

This column will make no difference in what will happen. It is a hope, though, that reason can happen and civility is possible. It is amazing that in the 21st century, though, such things have to be hoped for in civic discourse.