Let’s start with a simple axiom: Presidents promise many things which they can not deliver.

Good example: We will build a wall and Mexico will pay for it. (no they didn’t and wall construction was more in terms of border barrier repair)

So, what I hope for is Trump actually does not do the things he promised. I want the US to actively support Ukraine. They deserve it. They have paid a high price to defend their country and keep their democracy. Russia aims to control Kyiv from Moscow, through a puppet government.

Support for NATO and other alliances are critical to halt Putin’s expansion. He will not stop at Ukraine. The America First, has all the elements of an isolationist policy, and appeasement to Putin. There are poorer European countries, such as Albania, who have not contributed as much as the US. I hope Trump does not deliver on his promise to tell Putin, “they’re yours.”

The founding of NATO is the result of two great and respected presidents, Presidents Truman and Eisenhower, a Democrat and Republican, who shared a vision of world peace through diplomacy and cooperation. The America First Initiative is likely to weaken alliances, if Trump chooses to pursue them. Russia and China will find opportunities to align with the worst of leaders in Asia and Africa, and strong economic and defense alliances will be vital.

If Trump delivers on his promises to begin a trade war with China, the result will be higher prices for goods in the US. Spending billions on hunting down undocumented workers will also drive up inflation and increase our debt. So, the America First, really backfires, and makes us America Last.

I am worried that Trump will once again, take a major step back in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Many economic measures to promote clean energy were in the Inflation Reduction Act. With Republicans in the majority in the Senate, and possibly the House, we will go back to relying on fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) for our energy needs.

Trump may pull us out of the Paris Climate Agreement, so we lose our seat at the table, in negotiating reductions in carbon emissions from all countries. Hurricane Helene and Milton should have been wake up calls, as global warming is real and can not be ignored.

So, my hope is the heated rhetoric from Trump’s rallies, has a chance to cool a bit, and the reality is that more can be accomplished by working together, rather than attacking Democrats.

Stay tuned,

Dave