Stew Bolno: Battlefield America

It’s almost 85 years since the United States declared its entry into WWII, a war started in Europe a few years prior. Americans at that time were stunned by the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, a singular target disconnected from the American continent. The attack persuaded even those with the most isolationist preferences to agree on a Declaration of War. All 82 members of the Senate voted for it; only one member of the House of Representatives voted nay. Interestingly, it was the first female member ever elected to Congress, Jeannette Rankin from Montana, who also voted against sending soldiers to Europe to fight in WWI, twenty-four years earlier. 

Today’s war is more present, visible, variable, and multi-pronged, even as it is less directly lethal. A major objective of the enemies of America is to win the battle from the inside out; more like a person with a cancerous growth than a surprise heart attack. The battles occur on American streets, cities, states, and even within the halls of Congress. Many of the “generals”, financiers, and strategists likely work outside the United States providing them with the benefits of less exposure and accessibility. 

The infantry attacking the USA may be newcomers to America or natural born citizens. They may be current college students, recent graduates, or baby boomers reliving their glory days of rebellion experienced decades ago. A few are extremely wealthy, some are poor, and many are members of our bourgeoisie. A large section of the propaganda communications machine teaches in the public school system and universities where the Founding Fathers are diminished, patriotism is snubbed, and religion is discouraged, except recently where the followers of Islam are accepted, acknowledged, and lauded. In Minnesota, we learned of office holders who go to great lengths to protect illegal actions committed by Somali immigrants. It is obvious the governors and mayors who lead “sanctuary cities” encourage combat against the Trump Administration and ICE officers, who are legally enforcing federal law. Over Thanksgiving dinner I experienced a fellow citizen in full Trump Derangement Syndrome — a fascinating experience. 

Those affiliated with the desire to drive America to its knees are well armed and motivated for action. At present, President Trump and Israel may have eliminated the immediate threat from the Shia Islamicists in Iran by bombing their nuclear facility. Yet, the ammunition destroyed can and may be redeveloped to follow through on the Ayatollah’s fondest wish, towards the “final solution.” 

At present, the strongest unified and direct foe of the United States is China. Americans go to sleep with minimal fear they’ll “drop the bomb.” However, Xi possesses impressive amounts of technology, contacts, and population; all helpful in a war of attrition. The foreign-born students gain academic knowledge while engaging in our culture, providing easy access to opportunities as well as legitimized intel about China’s strongest competitor. The university executive team values the full-pay revenue stream, creating a system of mutual benefit.

America also has many challenges within its own western hemisphere neighborhood. Trump’s predecessor expanded open door” and “minimal hassle” immigration policies that increase demand on food, shelter, and safety concerns. Illegal substance use has created havoc and death for the lives of users as well as innocent citizens. We know most of the cargo passes through southern border, Spanish speaking countries. Obviously, we can’t solve the problem without the assistance of their leaders. It’s no accident President Trump appointed Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban refugees, as his Secretary of State. After decades of paying scant attention to the continent of South America, as well as our Central American neighbors, I suspect “47” understands the value of being able to speak with those close to the United States border in their own language. Maduro and Venezuela, well, that’s another challenge, but he seems to be working on it.

European leaders finally realize open-border immigration policies have been disruptive and without meaningful benefit; their citizens have become organized and rebellious. Previously elected ministers across the continent welcomed clusters of people who disrespect the values and norms of their host countries, especially if they arrived from Islamic based cultures. For this group of immigrants, their overt actions reveal they continue to resonate with their natural born loyalties. The concepts of neighborliness and assimilation with people who speak a different language and aren’t submissive to Allah, are not held in high regard. 

In America, they’ve ignored the historical source of pride that was the “melting pot,” encouraged by the assistance from Democratic Party “sanctuary city” governors,  mayors, and other officials. They tossed aside that American Dream norm, replacing it with an identity salad, which prefers group divisions based upon ethnicity, religion, and skin tone. Imagine that! 

If you’re an anti-Trumper it doesn’t matter what objective he, or any person in his administration, decides is best; they’re incorrect. Your vision is to “reimagine” the United States of America, even if it means accelerating cultural decline, crushing norms, and skewing history.

If you’re on the conservative side of the continuum with a minimal awareness of historical reality and maintain respect for the American model, it’s a problem. It’s quite simple to anticipate the continuation of the current trend won’t lead to harmony, peace, or domestic tranquility for future generations.

If you’re Trump, you focus on reality, redefine your vision, strap on your leadership backpack, and make the tough decisions even if those actions intensify the gap between Americans. 

It’s been done before, by at least one of America’s greatest presidents.

Stew Bolno is a chronological peer of Donald Trump. He’s been a student, college professor, and consultant on leadership during his 50-year career. He’s followed politics longer than that time. His recent book is “Leadership Lessons And You: From A to Z – featuring Donald Trump” and he’s written scores of essays about him since he descended the Trump Tower staircase.