To set the record straight before I give my commentary, I am a “Trumpeter,” not of the musical instrument but of the candidate for President of the United States of America. And so, I am certain that there will be those who disagree with my thoughts. If you do, you are welcome to leave a comment at the end of this article.

 

The history of our country goes back to the Colonial period when a small group of English colonists decided to risk everything to overthrow British rule. On July 4, 1776, a new nation was born as representatives of the 13 colonies in the Continental Congress declared our independence. Shortly thereafter, Articles of Confederation among the original colonies were drafted and ultimately replaced by the Constitution of the United States of America that established the governmental, legislative, and judicial framework enabling the fledgling American republic to make good on the promises enumerated in its initial Declaration – namely, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

 

That was 239 years ago during a period of uncertainty as our forefathers fought against steep odds to build a new nation. Even after our nation was established, our second Vice President and third President Thomas Jefferson warned that “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” Sadly, we have all too often forgotten this admonition.

 

In the beginning of the 19^th century, America opened its doors to immigrants from Western Europe and Asia to build the infrastructure and railroads of our country. Leaving their homelands, these immigrants brought their culture and religion to America. Many stood shoulder to shoulder with U.S. Doughboys in World War I and assimilated into the country. As citizens they struggled through the Great Depression, and their children fought and won World War II. Tom Brokaw a news anchor has labeled them, “the greatest generation.” All gave some, and some gave all.

 

Today, America is at a crisis. The enemies of our country are at work. They have brought down the towers of the World Trade Center in New York, attacked Fort Hood, detonated a bomb at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, and murdered 14 Americans in San Bernardino – in each case, causing collateral damage and death.

 

The present Administration has dropped the ball on preserving “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” for the American people. More Americans than ever are seeking weapons to defend themselves and their families from this terror. Our only hope lies in changing the leader of our country.

 

14 Republican candidates stepped forward to accept the challenge. Right now, Donald Trump is leading the pack, followed by Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Chris Christi, Ben Carson and Jeb Bush. Of all the candidates, Donald Trump has appealed to more citizens by a large margin in the polls. His demeanor is egotistical, flamboyant, and hard-nosed. His approach has changed the political scene. He says what he means and means what he says. Many pundits who previously considered him a sideshow and passing fancy now reluctantly confess him as a serious candidate.

 

During World War II, General George Patton was a man of characteristics similar to those of Donald Trump. Strong-willed, egotistical, and quirky, he believed in reincarnation and that he was destined to play a pivotal role in the defeat of the Axis powers. He defeated Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in North Africa and the Italian campaign before being relieved of his command. He later spearheaded the breakout at Saint-Lô in Normandy that led to VE day ending the war in Europe.

 

Like General Patton, Donald Trump is fearless in addressing those who silence other candidates through allegations of political incorrectness. He has initiated discussions on immigration, border security, and terrorism in stark, frank language that has distinguished himself from his callow opponents and emboldened others in the public eye to broach these issues in an honest, common-sensical way. He has proposed building a substantial wall on our southern border and rebuilding our military infrastructure. In addition, he is the only candidate with the guts to stake out a position for which he must have known he would be branded a “racist” – halting the acceptance of Syrian refugees into the United States until such time as effective procedures could be established to identify and bar those who might pose a threat of terrorism to our populace. Otherwise, some refugees may represent a “Trojan Horse” subsequently bringing terror to American soil.

 

I think that many of the ideas enumerated above are resonating with the American people as have the words of American patriots throughout history – words such as “eternal vigilance” and “united we stand, divided we fall.” And, maybe Donald Trump is the right man at the right time to help “make America great again.” Or, perhaps General Patton was right about reincarnation, and he has returned when his country needs him again.