How Non-Americans Perceive Trump’s Governance and Wall Proposals
As a non-American, Irsquo;ve refrained from commenting on domestic US politics until now. My stance has been, if you run your country in a manner that suits you, thatrsquo;s your prerogative. Irsquo;ve maintained a sense of Swiss neutrality, essentially saying, let the Americans handle their affairs.
However, this situation has sparked my interest—and perhaps it could be valuable to gain another perspective. Irsquo;ll present my unique view of the current political landscape, which differs from those who hold staunch opinions. Trump’s presidency is indeed complex, and the Swiss system, while different, maintains a high standard for who can become its leaders.
A President Should Know More than Just Presidential Rhetoric
In Switzerland, where we train extensively for various job positions, whether they be artisanal or intellectual, we take the same level of seriousness when it comes to the highest leadership. Our ideal candidate for the presidency would possess a profound understanding of monetary policy, diplomacy, law, governance, and international relations. When it comes to Donald Trump, we see a cactus at a dog show—which doesn’t make sense.
The Swiss community was astonished by the idea that the best leader for the US is someone who doesn’t truly understand the responsibilities of the presidency. A cactus, as impressive as it might be in its own right, cannot fill the shoes of a well-trained professional who has the necessary skills and knowledge to lead a nation. This was our initial reaction.
The Concept of “Folksy” in Trump’s Leadership Style
Switzerland is not well-acquainted with the concept of “folksy.” While I have extensive exposure to American culture, elements like Trump’s straightforward yet blunt communication don’t resonate with our community. Even to me, Trump appears as an idiot, not one who is overly charming. He’s inconsistent, contradicting himself, and his rhetoric is often seen as rude and misleading. He is vague and sometimes incoherent, bragging, exaggerating, and flat-out lying.
It’s possible he’s not an idiot, but to us, he seems to embody the worst parts of a leader. As the representative of the US to the world, it feels as though Trump is signaling to the world that the US is okay with being perceived as rude and unintelligent. We find this puzzling.
Concerns About Democracy and Freedom
While we feel pity or amusement when hearing Twitter comments or scandals, there’s a deeper concern about the erosion of democratic rights and freedoms. To us, democracy means that the people decide the course of their country. What happens, how it happens, and who decides these things are critical. However, you, as the US, are increasingly letting someone else make these decisions.
This isn’t about politicians keeping or failing to keep their promises. It’s not about the ultimate outcomes being good or bad. It’s about individuals giving up a portion of their freedom and power without fully recognizing the implications.
Letrsquo;s consider a specific example. Donald Trump promised to replace Obamacare with something better but didn’t specify what that meant. He promised to fill top positions with experts but didn’t name them. He promised to win the war in the Middle East but didnrsquo;t outline how. He promised to cut regulations but didn’t clarify which ones. These promises are vague, and the implications are significant.
For instance, cutting regulations could mean anything from stopping the spread of mad cow disease to making air travel safer. However, relaxing building codes could lead to catastrophic failures, like stadium and bridge collapses. The financial regulations aimed at preventing another Enron or housing market collapse might be scrapped, leaving the economy vulnerable.
These are not just political promises. They have real-world implications that affect everyone. It’s about the people’s right to govern themselves and not blindly hand over power to politicians without realizing the consequences.
Conclusion
Switzerland’s perspective on Trump’s governance and proposed wall is one of bewilderment and concern. While we don’t despise the US, we are deeply troubled by the direction it seems to be heading. The question we’re left with is whether it’s worth preserving such freedoms over short-term political gains. It’s a complex issue, but it’s one that deserves thorough consideration.