I’ve had this conversation several times in the last few weeks. The question ponders whether Republicans can keep up with the pace of aggressive moves by President Trump.
I share the enthusiastic moves of the president and, even more so, the ideological boldness of our Vice-President. But enough of our future 48th president.
Back to 47.
The overreaction some are having to the President’s boldness stems from the low expectations we have set for our leaders. We have acted as if certain realities cannot be changed in our culture. But the President’s recent encounter with the Maine Governor Janet Mills is a synopsis of the confrontational model of the new Republican administrator.
Trump urged Maine’s governor to comply with the executive order that prevents transgender women from competing in female categories of sports. The exchange was rather uncomfortable to some but a needed reality in an age of toxic empathy.
“You better comply, you better comply, because, otherwise, you’re not getting any federal funding,” he said. Mills didn’t back down. “See you in court,” she shot back.
Trump responded, “Good. I’ll see you in court. I look forward to that. That should be a real easy one.” Then, after a pause, he added, “And enjoy your life after governor because I don’t think you’ll be in elected politics (Economic Times).
The entire process is uncomfortable to many, but these discourses are needed. I agree with David Limbaugh’s assessment that anyone with buyer’s remorse is not operating in the same reality. We see a man with a mandate, which will be challenged soon during mid-term elections. Time is not on our side. Speed and efficiency are key at this stage.
While his recent executive order “to expand access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), and “aggressively reduce the costs” are rooted in misunderstandings about the nature of life, “the order does not directly change any policy” (Guardian). In fact, Trump had campaigned on “making the government or insurance companies cover IVF.” This does not appear to be on the agenda at this moment, and I pray it never walks through the doors of the legislative process.
While many of these realities need to be eradicated from the Trump administration, we are seeing ideas, though ultimately destructive, still rooted in the assumption that IVF will “provide more babies.” The original sentiment is noble, but the application is deadly. We pray that godly leaders will surround the president and alter his flawed thinking.
So, yes, we are witnessing a blitz of epic proportions. And I am hoping for some more refinement as we move forward. But we shouldn’t dizzy ourselves with it while acting confused. This is what we were promised, and given the monsters out there, we need a scintillating display of authority; a kind of assertiveness that says what it’s thinking out loud.
