What is Coming

Post # 358, Bob McKnight's Florida Commentary

The lower the chain of command, the more the temptation for retribution.

What can we expect from a new Administration in Washington? Of course, it will probably include many of the Trump campaign promises--expulsion of undesignated immigrants; massive tariffs on goods from China, Mexico, and Canada; and vengeful acts against alleged foes. The normal protections against exuberance with all of these actions would normally be the courts, but probably not now because Trump and Congress have packed the courts with pro-Trump appointments. The first 6 months of the new Administration will be as good as it can get for those voting for Trump.

However, some negatives are coming even for the pro-Trump crowd. I have found that, from my service in office and from observing new political administrations, one common occurrence is that people new to politics enjoy the fruits of winning, almost to the point of being downright militant. The further down the chain of command, the worse the temptation for vengeance. Even as this post is being written, word is leaking that Trump's campaign people have introduced the corrupt practice of "Pay for Play." That is where citizens can request help from their government (elected and appointed) by contributing financially to either the government worker or a lobbyist. Never mind that it is illegal, it has happened repeatedly in Washington and Tallahassee over the years.

Most of us remember the 1972 Nixon landslide over McGovern where the Watergate break-in occurred. Memories of the Contra Illegal payments occurred in the Reagan administration. In Florida, old timers will remember the Kirk Secret Donors list. Even Trump fell to the temptation by withholding appropriated money to President Zelensky of Ukraine until 'dirt on Biden' was received. These are Republican examples, but the same thing occurred with the Democrats.

The big loser in these actions is the person elected because this tarnishes the new officeholders. It is hard to counsel against activities like Pay for Play because of the exuberance after a long and difficult campaign.

However, President Trump and other election winners would do well to monitor their new staff closely and carefully. But the chances of moderation after winning hard-fought elections are not very good. Ironically, this could be a chance for President Trump to lead in self-control and civility, because it is so unexpected. As is often said in advertising, "Less is More."