LETTER: Donald Trump, statesman

During the past two years of Donald Trump’s presidency, we have seen him transition from politician to statesman, much for the long-term good of the county.

To appreciate Mr. Trump, we have to harken back into the 1800’s to the words of James Freeman Clarke: “A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation.” No matter what you think of Mr. Trump or his policies, it is hard to make a case that dealing with Iran or the imposition of tariffs was self serving.

Despite harsh words, no previous president was willing to stop Iran’s war of terror and its progress toward the nuclear end of humanity. Also, other presidents were resigned to the de-industrialization of America. While dealing with Iran and using tariffs as bargaining chips to re-industrialize caused short-term pain and opened up the president and his party to political attacks, history will credit Mr. Trump with remarkable long-term achievements.

A statesman is a leader whose guidance is shaped by long-term vision, integrity and a commitment to the public good, while a politician is often seen as prioritizing short-term electoral goals, party strategy and personal advancement. If there was a failure of Mr. Trump, it was in his inability to sell the need for short-term pain for long-term gain. Sadly, people were convinced by politicians to vote for short-term and short-sighted outcomes.