Editor's note

It seems that America is so far away…but that is only geographically true: most problems on both sides of the Atlantic are alike. Quite notable in this regard to see how vital and pertinent the President’s words are for the European and the Baltic States’ politicians.

I have chosen only some most striking extracts from the President’s speech, which could be used almost unchanged by the Baltic States’ politicians - if they want to be popular, so-to-say. 

Visual similarities

One can say that “big unknown” is presently for the global future, but even this short message below gives some hints. Inaugural text can find the, e.g. in the Guardian:  

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/20/donald-trump-inauguration-speech-full-text.  

Some visual similarities are already seen among the new President’s staff and the Baltic States’ leaders: most common feature is that both the new administration (e.g. D.Trump’s Cabinet) is generally without big experience in politics and so are most of the Baltic politicians.

No doubt that D.Trump’s terms in power will represent a historic period in the US and Europe; but be careful: the US is not going to be a very trustful state any more…Several unexpected and unpredictable new US administration’s actions will follow.

Just some examples following from the inaugural speech: transatlantic relations will be changed: in the new economics (through the US protectionism) and in security (e.g. changing attitude to NATO). These issues alone might be worrying both for the EU and for the Baltic States. 

Notable political messages

Mr. Trump’s inaugural speech contains very important notions, which could be emulated by the political leaders in the Baltics. These are some of them:

First, the message of a general nature, slightly paraphrased: “the citizens in a joint national effort – have to rebuild the country; people and administration together will determine the course of the country in the world for many, many years to come”.

Second, the message of a state management’s nature (also abridged and names changed): “for too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost. The states capitals flourished, but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered, but the jobs left and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been people’s victories; their triumphs have not been the people’s triumphs; and while they celebrated in our nation’s capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land”.

Third message is of a very practical “political nature”: “the states want great schools for their children, safe neighbourhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves. These are just and reasonable demands of righteous people and a righteous public. But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists: mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities; rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; an education system, flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of all knowledge; and the crime and the drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential”.

Fourth is the message concerning new governance: “from this day forward, a new vision will govern our land: it is going to be only national (Latvian or other Baltic State) interests first. Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit national workers and families... Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength”.

Finally, something very perspective, in general, concerning a “united nation”: “the Bible tells us: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity. When the state is united, it will be totally unstoppable. There should be no fear – we are protected, and we will always be protected. The great men and women of our military and law enforcement will protect us and, most importantly, God protects us”.

Of course, there are plenty of other positive thoughts and words in the President’s speech: I just took some, most interesting and vital to the Baltic States’ future. Moreover, the US President’s speech is quite inspirational in general; and it will be so for years to come…