Be Careful What You Wish For

Four years ago, Donald Trump campaigned for the presidency with the slogan 'Make America Great Again.”   After four years, he's scored successes, but not in ways he likely intended.First, Donald Trump's presidency has stirred many of us to explore and debate our founding principles.  Republicans and Democrats alike have re-read the Constitution and the Declaration, explored the lives of our founders, and grappled with the complexities of our history. The greatness of America is grounded in our willingness to dive into the challenges and failings of our founding story and to struggle with their meanings, strengths, and weaknesses. We will be great when we do this all the time. Thank you, President Trump.Donald Trump's presidency has also moved a new generation of individuals and groups to raise their voices, to know the power of citizenship, and to demand change. Not in 50 years has America had the outpouring of passion and commitment from those who have struggled on the margins of dignity and equity. Street protests are at an all-time high, new voices are everywhere in social media, and political engagement from marginalized groups is skyrocketing. America is great when everyone participates, and Donald Trump's presidency has encouraged millions of us to be more active.  Thank you, President Trump.Finally, Donald Trump's presidency has made politics important again. When I was young, political figures mattered, but sadly, over recent decades, Americans became cynical about politics and perhaps indifferent to political leadership. Not anymore. Republicans and Democrats alike are motivated as never before to express their views, to work for their candidate of choice, to see the importance of political leadership, and to value the role of political office. Thousands of citizens have entered political races who never imagined themselves as politicians before. Americans are great when Americans take politics seriously. Thank you, President Trump.There's so much pain in the country right now…real, deep, and grinding pain. There's nothing easy or funny or good about that.  Generations from now, historians will surely look at 2020 as a low point in divisiveness, cynicism, and violence, and many will blame Donald Trump.But let's remember…people are significant not just for the actions they take, but also for the reactions they provoke.  Donald Trump's presidency could mark the pivot moment to a stronger, more equal, more just America…if it turns out that, in the end, he stirred the forces of inclusion to act with greater urgency.If that becomes his legacy, we may all end up saying, 'Thank you, President Trump.”

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This essay was featured in the November 8, 2020 edition of The Sunday Paper. The Sunday Paper publishes News and Views that Rise Above the Noise and Inspires Hearts and Minds. To get The Sunday Paper delivered to your inbox each Sunday morning for free, click here to subscribe.