Notebook: Trump deserves a second term

EDITORIAL MUG: Larry Anderson

When the presidential race was wide open, I favored Ron DeSantis, the able governor of the key state of Florida. I liked his youth and energy, his decisive, articulate grasp of the issues, and how he handled his state’s affairs, especially during the COVID episode. Furthermore he would’ve been eligible for two terms in office.

For all his excellent qualities, DeSantis was thumped by Donald Trump. My mild dismay initially at this turn of events has been replaced by new respect for the Republican nominee. Here are some reasons I think as I do.

Trump has matured into a capable politician with a firm handle on the issues most troubling to Americans. He already has proven he knows what to do to fix the economy and the border. He just needs the chance to get the work done.

Trump is fearless, and we need that in an age of aggression. During Trump’s first term, the world was more stable than it had been in a long, long time. Fearless people take charge and can handle tough situations when they inevitably arise.

During his first term, Trump took inexcusable abuse from the left and its propaganda ministry, big media. Though combative out of self-defense, Trump never lost his cool and never surrendered. He has low tolerance for stupidity but high tolerance for performance. These are presidential qualities.

Trump is a survivor. He withstood bogus legal charges, two phony impeachments, and endless political terrorism from the left. He is a better strategist now. He truly understands what the left is capable of doing in its endless quest for unlimited power and control. He gets the left creates problems then offers more government as a solution to them. That would change.

Virtually everything Trump warned the country about concerning the left, the Biden/Harris administration, and the economic and social woes brought about by their ignorant policies have been proven true. Unfortunately, the country has paid a heavy price. Trump can fix inflation and bring down the cost of living, but first he has to be elected.

Trump exudes enthusiasm and ideas while the Democrats project negativity and failure. Surely you have noticed the difference in attitudes between the rivals. I prefer optimism over pessimism just as I support accomplishment over equity enhancement.

Trump understands the importance of American economic independence. He would return us to energy independence quickly and would encourage more industry at home. He would stop relegating our economy to China, Mexico and other countries that have been encouraged to take advantage for decades. America needs economic leadership and confidence, not more government subsidies for such things as housing which can only be provided by higher taxes and more debt.

Trump has shown flexibility on abortion. He supports the SCOTUS decision to return abortion to the states where there is great variety in acceptance and practice. He has warned about procedures that are too early and too late in term, but that’s all. Trump has been bashed unfairly by liberals on this issue.

Trump will restore the military which has seen recruitment and overall numbers decline under the current administration. He is absolutely pro-military but opposed to wars in which we are not directly threatened. That is my position too. I am fed up with Americans dying for countries other than our own.

Trump is pro-work, pro-jobs, pro-education and pro-American. He understands America’s role as world leader. He sees the socialist threat at our doorstep. He knows that current leadership is controlled by special interests, big money, and party connivance. He gets that bureaucracies have too much power, and realizes Congress works best when there is strong leadership in the White House.

Trump loves his country, its people, and its potential to be great again. He is a reformer, not a reactionary as labeled by the left. He has incredible strength and endurance. He doesn’t avoid the press. He is the antithesis of Kamala Harris.

Donald J. Trump will have my vote in November and my support until then and ever after. With Trump in the White House and with a Republican Congress, America could boom like no time in our history. Only voters can make that happen.

Larry W. Anderson is a retired educator.