In the last two-plus years, Donald Trump has shown the world that he is a bully, a blowhard and an insecure leader.
In many cases, he was ready “to shoot first and ask questions later.” No, he hasn’t made a common sense (he seems devoid of same) move by rethinking things and being proactive. Instead, he has shown reactive “knee jerk reactions” and for whatever reason has retracted, reneged, postponed, held off—call it what you will—these actions. It isn’t because he has a conscience as he would try to make us believe either. This is his way of trying to save face, I suspect.
Perhaps Trump should take a page from Teddy Roosevelt’s book on foreign policy. Roosevelt penned The Big Stick Policy. It reads as follows: Speak softly and carry a big stick. It is a proverbial saying advising the tactic of caution and non-aggression, backed up by the ability to carry out violent action if required.
Trump stated that he was within 10 minutes of launching an attack on Iran and then he suddenly backtracked. Why, is anyone’s guess. He may have paid attention to the War Powers Resolution as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Again, who knows? The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action and forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days, with a further 30-day withdrawal period, without a Congressional authorization for use of military force or a declaration of war.
We may never know the real reason that things were rescinded, maybe it’s just as well. However, this turn of events again lets us know the length and depth of Trump’s egomaniacal (psychological egotism) ways.
Ron Barillaro
Penticton