With Inauguration Day just around the corner, 10 days from now and some 73 days after the election, I am concerned the ongoing stream of posts and tweets with the hashtag #NotMyPresident. Let’s be very clear: on January 20th, Donald Trump will become the 45th President of the United States of America. As a citizen of this great country, that means Donald Trump will be my president.
Let me repeat; Donald Trump will be my president.
In political terms, the president is the highest position in our country. It is, essentially, the Chief Executive Officer of the United States. There is a very clear process in place to democratically elect someone to this office. Donald Trump did all the necessary things as a candidate, won the electoral college vote, and will be duly sworn in according to our laws and tradition. This cannot be denied, no matter how many times that hashtag is used.
However, Donald Trump will not be my leader.
A leader is one who influences others towards a common goal. Common is an essential word in that definition. For the leader’s influence to be effective, a clear and inspiring vision needs to be shared. The proposed outcomes need to be desired by the followers. Goals should be accompanied by specific plans to achieve them together. A follower chooses a leader based on this connection.
Donald Trump’s goals frighten me. His approach worries me. His language disturbs me. The people he is surrounding himself with concern me. Nothing about the politician in him is in common with me.
Why I’ll be watching on Inauguration Day.
One part of the #NotMyPresident movement is an attempt to reduce television ratings on Inauguration Day by encouraging people to watch anything but the swearing in ceremonies. I am not concerned about ratings and what Donald Trump thinks of them. I am going to watch. Inauguration Day is an important moment in our country’s history. Watching HGTV instead isn’t going to change anything in Washington D.C. that day. I don’t care if Trump boasts about Nielsen points, although it will say a lot about him if that is what is important.
I do, however, care about the look on Donald Trump’s face as he takes the oath of office. I do care about what he says in his speech. I do care about who shows up to support him and what they say. I do care and, therefore, cannot ignore that a man who represents very little of what is important to me will be sworn in as the next President of the United States. Yes, I even do care about what the pundits will say, on all sides of the political spectrum.
The inauguration is just the beginning.
Going forward, I will continue to be a good citizen. I will be fully informed on important issues so I know what and who to support as well as who and what to challenge. I will follow the leader(s) who best represents what matters for my family and my community. I will discover what I can do to affect change. I will work toward a positive and productive future; the continuing “pursuit of happiness” as declared by our founding fathers. I will use my platform and influence as an ordinary citizen to support the government officials who share that vision.
You can do the same.
Like it or not, Donald Trump will be our president.
We can still choose who will be our leader.
Will you be watching on Inauguration Day? Add a comment and tell me why…or why not.
