Trump: Back to the Future

This was a change election with people wanting to return to a "better" past propelling Donald Trump to be president-elect. 

The challenge is that you cannot go back (except in the movies) to what was. You can only go forward. Anyone who has worked on issues knows that the first thing you need to do is define "accurately" what the problem is. Otherwise, you are trying to fix the wrong thing. International trade, offshoring of work and international trade agreements have been in the bull's-eye during this election cycle. I would point you to my blog post from just yesterday: Robots, not China or Mexico, Replacing American Workers. The problem is we live in an international business environment and what you eat, wear and drive today is coming from a multitude of countries. The above is just one issue that the new Trump administration will have to come to grips with.

What will not happen:

• No multi-billion-dollar wall — that Mexico pays for
• No deportation of 11 million Mexicans
• No total banning of immigration from Muslim countries
• No unilateral withdrawing from NATO or Europe

What most likely will happen:

• Replacement of Obamacare with _________
• No finalization of any international trade agreement, to include the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPT)
• Withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (?)
• Perhaps a supply-sided cut in taxes to "stimulate business" (my biggest concern). Check out how this worked lately in Kansas.
• A boost in military spending for _______(?) I'm betting equipment since Congress likes that type of spending.
• Some investment in infrastructure with the money coming from _________(?)
• Climate change is coming off the front burner and being put aside — in the freezer. Watch for federal agencies being instructed not to use the term (this was the directive given under the Bush administration).

What will be most interesting is to watch will be who Trump appoints to senior positions. Since he is not a policy wonk, by any definition of that term, then you hope for people who can negotiate the halls of Congress to actually get things done.

And, just who will he appoint as the FEMA administrator? Beats me!

Lastly, we might all take our lead from Jeb Bush who tweeted out his congratulations to our new president-elect, wishing him success and saying that he would be in his and his wife's prayers. If Jeb can do that after a very tough primary election season and everything that was said, then we should be able to do the same. I am reminded of the old military tradition of saluting a superior officer. It was always said, you are not saluting the person, but his position of authority and responsibility. 

Congratulations Donald! Don't screw it and us up!