Saturday, January 21, 2017

What Can We Learn From President Donald Trump's Inaugural Speech

Image source:  cnn.com

The day when Donald Trump swore to millions of Americans and viewers worldwide marks the beginning of new leadership that will truly rock our world, not just Americans but the entire universe.

Jan 20, 2017, is yet another milestone in the history of the United States and of the world when a person not having any political background will be serving the most powerful nation the world has known. What could be his deepest intention for running for the most powerful position on the land? What could be running through his mind in solving the most significant problem and controversy? What can we expect from Trump's presidency?

It was past midnight in the Philippines when I could watch the live telecast of the inauguration of Donald Trump in Washington, DC, USA. As Filipinos, it is common for us to follow American politics and affairs since American culture has been ingrained in our ways of living. As a former colony of the USA, we have benefited from many things that make us globally competitive and competent due to their massive influence.

After Donald Trump took his oath of office as the 45th President of the United States, I was enthralled by his inaugural speech for the American people and a Filipino like me. I haven't heard full speeches of him before, and all I have listened to is negative stories and news about him brought by the power of the media and some well-known personalities who may be against him. However, upon hearing his speech on a live telecast, I was impressed and could feel the joyous spirit in his nature. His message was clear, concise, and full of optimistic hopes and dreams for Americans. His statement on the "American first" policy was so nationalistic, given the economic policies and principles of the previous administrations.

Like any nation, every country must strive to protect and defend its interests before meddling in international affairs. The United States, as the most powerful nation, has been consistent on its political and economic agenda with all its trading partners and global allies, including my country, the Philippines. Our very own President, Rodrigo Duterte, has been very vocal in his insights regarding the presence of the Americans in our land and whether they are really a faithful ally or just there to advance their own interests.

Image source:  cnn.com

"What truly matters is not what party controls our government but that this government is controlled by the people."

Trump would want to bring back real power to his people. When other countries like the Philippines gained wealth from the Business process outsourcing industry, that could soon be brought back to the minds and hearts of the Americans. It's an act of patriotism considering the thousands of jobs lost to his people who are also struggling for a better living. Though it will surely harm Filipinos in the BPO industry, we Filipinos will remain resilient even if we lose it to the Americans. They own it, and we're grateful to have been allowed to serve them, even temporarily. 

"We are one nation, and their pain is our pain, their dreams are our dreams, we share one nation, one home, and one glorious destiny."

Trump believes in his own people and shares common goals and dreams. A leader who shows trust and confidence that his people can make it no matter what happens. A leader who offers his own vision for the future of his country. A visionary leader is very rare, but we may have seen how strategic he is even on personal business matters. He is a man who is fortunate to gain wealth with all his powers and the greater power he believes in. He assured unity and solidarity when he started to see where the division was coming from in his country. This trait will be instilled in the minds of our leaders in the Philippines -- not to cause division, but unity and camaraderie for all. I must believe that a great leader is an excellent protector of the interest of the ordinary people and not just the interest of elitists and people of the highest stature. 

"Do not allow anyone to tell you it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight, and spirit of America. We will not fail; our country will thrive and prosper again."

When all seem to fail, nothing beats the power of positivity, that everything can be accomplished and achieved no matter how difficult it seems to be. When we are being challenged by our plans and decisions, we can never go wrong if it is within our moral conscience that is Divinely-inspired. Like us Filipinos, we always aspire to be excellent in our dealings and become world-class citizens. We aspire to positively impact this world and be recognized as one of the world's best people. We can't allow anyone to destroy or hinder who we are and what we may become. With confidence, we allow positivity to flourish in our soul, making us 'titanium' and genuinely unbreakable. We are what we think and believe in ourselves when nobody else is.

"Your courage, goodness, and love will forever guide us along the way."

Like a compass, it shows us the right direction. Just like the virtue of compassion and goodwill, it can guide and direct us towards the right path -- a blissful life. Courage is the fuel that drives us to excel. When we are weak, there's an absence of willpower; regaining it is a challenge. Filipinos must learn to build solid political power like the United States. Through the years, we have seen weak leaders afraid of implementing social and political changes; until recently, we have elected a leader with solid willpower whom others compare to Trump in political stance and behavior. Although willpower is a must-have virtue a leader must possess, it must be taken responsibly. With the right mindset, a big open heart, and the will-to-good principle, we can always go right and soar above and beyond.

© 2017 Del Cusay