The Trump Question

The Trump Question

I know that right now Donald Trump is riding on a high of public opinion in this run up to the Republican Primary. His popularity is undeniable, transcending race, rich, poor, even political affiliation. Why?

To me the answer is simple: He says and does what people have been wanting from their Representatives for years. Unlike the typical candidate, when someone from the press or one of his opponents says something negative or derogatory about Trump or his campaign, true or not, he doesn't just politely protest. Instead he aggressively goes on the verbal attack, changing the focus to his opponent who he then typically insults. Often his responses are humorous. Getting people to laugh at your opponent or the issue or accusation, even if it is truthful, basically negates it.

Trump has made this an art. Scolding the media, even the moderators during the debates. He is bombastic and bullying. The reason this seems so refreshing to people is that for years Conservatives, particularly Christians have been singled out by a biased media. Instead of aggressively fighting back against biased statements or insinuations prior candidates, and even many of those running this very year, knuckle under, afraid to confront their opponent or interviewer. Trump has been well schooled in this in the Shark tank of multi-billion dollar business. Making the kind of deals he does and dealing with corrupt govt. officials, greedy real estate agents, incompetent contractors and banks wanting a piece of every dollar Trump has had to develop a kill or be killed method of making the deal. This translates well to the campaign format. It makes him formidable in the area of tit for tat media politicking.

Most of the media and few candidates have had that experience in dealing in an aggressive and intentionally confrontational manner. In fact, until now, Republicans have always shied away from confrontation fearing a public backlash. Trump doesn't care and he is willing to go in front of the American people and completely lambast a popular media personality such as Megyn Kelly. Because he is able to dominate the narrative - successfully portraying himself as the injured party by bulldozing through the media's attempt at damage control and forcing the issue - he is able to win the public opinion.

But what about the man. What kind of man is he and what kind of President will he make?

I admit, I have grave concerns in this area. Mr. Trump likes to boast of his accomplishments and his arrogance is undeniable. I have never heard him give credit to God for his success or his talents. Trump is perfectly happy to take all the credit and then some. Also, while his confrontational manner may be beneficial at this point as he slogs his way through the mud slinging of the left and even his own party how will it serve him when he is dealing with Vlad Putin over the placement of nuclear missile launchers? When his decisions are questioned will he listen to experienced council or bulldoze through. Most importantly, does he consult with the Lord? Ever?

Another significant problem is that when it comes to our government, the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Federalist Papers, our military and its chain of command, the separation of powers and on and on - Trump has little or no clue. His entire focus has been on business. Now, his knowledge of the law regarding trade, commerce, taxation etc. seems sound. But there is more to governance than business law and the board room. I am concerned that the learning curve with Mr. Trump will be such that issues which will require his immediate attention and action will languish as he tries to get up to speed. This is bound to be compounded by his arrogance and air of 'knowing enough already'.

Part of this is not his fault. Obama, when he leaves, will have left our country tottering on the edge of a precipice. One wrong move and WWIII will erupt with us the target of Russia, China and Iran. We have a financial time bomb with seconds left on the clock and our nation is socially divided to a degree not seen since the civil war.

His fault or not the challenges facing the next President will require finesse, sound judgment and a mature and calculating thought process. It will require a statesman who knows when to bend and when to strike.

Mr. Trump is a shrewd businessman. I see little if any of the statesman in him. Instead, I see a thin skinned braggart who retaliates by calling people names and when faced with legitimate criticism, changes the subject to his many accomplishments. I see a man who calls himself a Christian but does not  behave like one. All this said you might think I don't care for Trump. That is not true. As I listed earlier he has some important qualities that will serve him and the country well if he is elected. I certainly would take him over any of the Democratic candidates any day. However, I have my concerns. I also have concerns with the other candidates. The only real contender is a man I do not feel is Constitutionally eligible for the position - Ted Cruz. However, it must be noted that the Democrats rammed Mr. Obama through who, even excluding evidence his citizenship was surrendered when he lived in Indonesia, is still, Constitutionally, not a natural born citizen of the United States (his father was not a US citizen). However, because the Democrats ignored the Constitution does not make it appropriate to make exceptions for Mr. Cruz who was born in Canada.

Ultimately we must place our faith in God as we prayerfully consider our choice in this Primary. As citizens of a country where it is incumbent on the civilian populace to decide on who will represent us, we must engage in the process. Christians must not use the excuse of "the Church doesn't have a place in politics." Well, in a Representative Democracy that is not true at all. In fact it is the DUTY of the Church to help the people in making a Biblically Sound decision not just on Candidates, but on legislation as well. For too many years the Church has remained silent, now look at the moral condition of this country!

It is time for a new Moral Majority to sound out on the issues - wielding the influence of the millions of Christian voters in this country - to check the moral decline in this country and its government and hold our Representatives accountable. 

I will close with scripture:

James 4:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

Jeremiah 9:23,24  New King James Version (NKJV)

23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Psalm 49:6-9 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Those who trust in their wealth

And boast in the multitude of their riches,

7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother,

Nor give to God a ransom for him—

8 For the redemption of their souls is costly,

And it shall cease forever—

9 That he should continue to live eternally,

And not see the Pit.

Proverbs 28:26 New King James Version (NKJV)

26 Those who trust in themselves are fools

but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

Psalms 146:3 New King James Version (NKJV)

Do not put your trust in princes,

nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.