So, belying hope and expectation the United States of America has not got a woman president. The man who has against him allegations of treating women disdainfully clinched victory. One may ask if the most powerful nation on earth has made it proud or just done a disservice to itself. Also, it must do some soul-searching to know if the choice for president through this electoral verdict is a reflection of a nation's democratic and socio-cultural and value decline. Civilisation now is indeed at a crossroads and more nations are likely to give in to such frenzied whims. If one remembers correctly the rise of Hitler on the distorted notion and ideology of racial superiority, this one based on the fear psychosis of the non-White knee-jerk racial defence combined with aggression accounting for the rightful share of the 'true' Americans is no less dangerous. Fanning the national myopic instinct is something far removed from what is called genuine patriotism.
Donald Trump has proved his eccentricity in no uncertain terms. At times he proved to be a joker and a tramp but the majority of the Americans did not find any fault with him. This is proved by the support the voters have given to him through this crucial election. Do the Americans still have a gender bias against women also? The inhibition of colour they could overcome by sending Barack Obama to the White House twice. But now they have dumped a seasoned politician of Hillary Clinton's calibre in preference for a businessman cum sponsor of beauty pageant who could also manage 'tax avoidance'. His misogyny and sexual predatoriness for which he had to beg apology and his wife and daughter felt embarrassed should have disqualified him from the presidential race. If this is no sign of perverted values and culture, what is? True, the Americans have surprised not only the world but themselves as well.
Trump's appeal to the blue collared white Americans with his pleadings for a strongly protectionist trade policy has done the trick. The Republican far right camp has never ceased to conspire against democratic norms, practices and values in its eagerness to have its candidate in the hot seat. The Watergate scandal and Florida voting manipulation proving so vital for George W Bush's victory against Al Gore are examples of this. Putting the American interests above all others' was the underlying theme of Trump's campaign. In this connection, the haze created over the reopening of the personal e-mail issue settled earlier in court and against the justice department's instruction was clearly responsible for a turn-around for Trump. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) chief lent a helping hand to Trump at the crucial moment.
Why pollsters' and media predictions --which gave Clinton a healthy edge right from the time the two-horse contest began --were so wide off the margin may have an explanation in an orchestrated campaign where playing the underdog was a deliberate ploy by the Republicans. Sure enough, the camp had better candidate to field but the choice of a political novice with Bush-like hawkishness was made to suit the purpose. Or, was it a political gamble the camp played in desperation? Perhaps not. American transformation compelled by its falling status was not to the liking of its powerful coterie. It could not help getting a crazy man like Trump in power in order to press for its rabid national interests to the neglect of the rest of the world's.
Forgetful of the harm the rift will cause to an already divisive nation, Trump and his election camp have promised voters things he cannot deliver if the country under him follows the 'go-alone' policy. Economic, trade and military alliances are a prerequisite for achieving such targets. But the Republican candidate was categorical to mention that he has no intention of bearing the security costs of America's alliance partners in Europe and Japan. No wonder, Trump's victory has delighted Brexit leader Teresa May and the ultra-right parties in countries like Italy and Germany. The ultra-right parties now will dare hope for a revival of their sagging fortunes. The rise of such narrow nationalistic fervour is what poses a real threat to peace and stability of the world. A similar cultural decline and jingoistic mentality was noticeable right before the World War II. Can the world avert a nuclear war when the man credited with the infamous remark that unless nuclear weapons have no use, they should not be there. How convoluted the perception of a world on the part of the president-elect!
On his election victory, the speech he made rather departed from the known course. In the speech he sounded quite reconciliatory to his opponent. He was particular to mention that he would be a 'president of all Americans'. It is easier said than done. The world will eagerly wait for a change of heart in the man. Upholding the dignity of man --all men, value that teaches to be humble not a bully and the spirit of democracy is what should be aimed at by the president-elect. This is in the US and the rest of the world's interests. Â
nilratanhalder2000@yahoo.com
Either Trump or the world will have to change
Nilratan Halder | Published: November 11, 2016 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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