The US elections takes place today. How can we explain Mr Trump's popularity?
When I was in New York in early 2016, I saw a sign, "Give me one dollar or I will vote for Trump." I took notice. We elect the leaders who are like us. We get what we deserve.
Potential President Trump is the ultimate 21st century American. He typifies the USA. He is the USA. He is flashy and flamboyant. He is wealthy. He is smart, tough and diplomatic.
Why the appeal? He has created an enemy that lies within. Immigrants, politicians and weak leaders.
What is the solution? Attack and destroy the enemy. He plays on fear.
The USA is losing ground. They are being invaded. The economy is collapsing. Things are getting worse. He has emphasised humiliation by the Chinese and Mexicans.
The solution is a strong leader. He speaks about strength, energy, toughness. He wants to build a fence. He describes catastrophes. It is the worst of times.
There is need for a great leader. He takes everything personally. He's well trained in the art of humiliation. He does not offer details but generalities.
When people are anxious and afraid they turn to someone who promises certainty, solutions and strength. Trump is an ultra successful businessman. He has diverse skills.
Politics is the art of compromise. Trump scares us because he is good at that art. He is successful because knows how to manage the efforts of the experts he hires.
He says he will "Make America Great Again." Reconstruction is harder than new construction.
Trump could win based on lingering residual resentment toward Barack Obama. Was America really ready for it's first nonwhite President?
People will vote for Trump because we all love bad boys. He is not your ordinary politician. He possesses uncanny business attributes. No one owns him.
He has a plan: stopping illegal immigration, fighting terrorism and supporting the Second Amendment.
However, I do not suggest or recommend popping the bubbly as yet.
I read somewhere "In the last days, the daughters shall rule the world."
One thing for certain is regardless of the outcome, America is a great nation.
God bless America. The land of the free. The home of the brave.
AV Rampersad,
Princes Town