Emphasized repeatedly in his inaugural address in January 2017, Mr. Trump proclaimed to the world that “from this day forward it’s going to be only America first, America first.” This mantra, alongside “Make America Great Again,” remain at the forefront of his rhetoric and policy making.
I would suggest however, that by putting “America First” Mr. Trump is simply making America last. By last, I do not mean endure. I mean last as in rock bottom, empire in decline, last.
His promises of middle-class jobs, growing the economy, “draining the swamp” and “building a wall” fuelled his final assault on the summit that is the Oval Office. Once ensconced in that highest office however, the concept of assault, especially on the “fake news,” did not end.
The fallout of the recent G7 in Quebec was not only an assault on common sense and common decency, it confirmed the depth of protectionist policy planned by Mr. Trump’s America. Policy that will see the grave injustices of those shoe smuggling, cheese hoarding, softwood lumberjack Canadians be put in their economic place once and for all for ‘burning down the Whitehouse’ in 1814.
Mr. Trump will see America first at the expense of alienating traditional allies and inciting world trade wars with China. Perhaps the steel and aluminum tariffs, while detrimental to Canada’s auto sector, are the very economic conditions needed to get the American Space-Force rocketing into the heavens? After all, Mr. Trump just recently proclaimed that Manifest Destiny now means the moon, Mars and beyond.
I have a sneaking suspicion that just like the labels on his ties, the labels of the Space-Force jumpsuits will sport the Donald J. Trump executive order signature but to the delight of irony lovers everywhere, will also read “made in China.” Kim Jong-un will no doubt ask: Who’s the little rocket man now, Cosmonaut Trump?
All political leaders should be concerned with growing the economy and nurturing conditions to further the well-being of the populace. American protectionism in all its manifest forms, including economic and immigration policy, has not just raised the eyebrows of reasonable informed world citizens, it has raised the ire of many and more importantly, it has raised the alarm to take heed to lessons learned from the past.
Oligarch Trump may yet surprise us and see beyond the end of his nose. The ghosts of past, present and future may move him to demonstrate such Canadian commodities as compassion, tolerance and pluralism which we will gladly trade freely – no tariffs attached!
So instead of America First, why not stick with: e pluribus unum – eh, and find that collective voice of reason, goodwill and determination that the good ole U S of A is known for! Try putting education first or ending poverty first. If you truly want to be great again – treat others how you want to be treated – first. Seek to do unto others first and serve yourself last.
One day I hope there will be a Donald J. Trump Intergalactic Spaceport where people and goods can flow freely to the stars – where the only thing separated from people might be their baggage.
Tim Cusack is an educator, writer, and member of the naval reserve.
