Learn from the mistakes of others

Dr Nelson Vashum *

The old English saying, “he who learns from the mistake of others is wise, but he who learns from his own mistake is a fool” -though old it is golden. In the Bible, Proverbs 16:18 -says “pride goes before destruction and haughty spirit before a fall.”

There are many sayings and proverbs but what Martin Vanbee said is very appropriate for Mr Donald Trump, President of USA “power will intoxicate the best of hearts as wine does to the strongest heads. No man is wise enough or good enough to be trusted with unlimited power.” In my seventy plus years I have not seen and heard a person like Donald Trump who seem to care for none and respect none.

In the last election campaign, the abuses he heaped on Joe Biden was very much unbecoming of a would-be President. There is no authority in place without God’s permissive will (Romans 13:1) and besides he was the President of USA and whatever the case-the chair of the President deserves respect.

The languages used against Kamala Harris equally unscrupulous and lack civility. The lack of civility in the use of language against opponents even in the 1st term of presidency of Mr Donald Trump was also obviously wanting and shameful.

In spite of all these the Republican party was blindsided to the weaknesses of Mr Donald Trump. His married life and scandal of promiscuity and hushed money case-conviction on 34 counts of felony charges etc enough to disqualify. Would such laxity of Justice be available to common Americans ? Twisting and turning of judicial yardsticks to accommodate/entitle a man to contest Presidential election may not be healthy.

Now worthy consequences for all the wrong ways Americans voted to make Mr Donald Trump the 47th President of USA are unfolding. Immediate chaotic events following inaugural function of Mr Trump not foreboding for the good of USA.

In spite of all the negative truth Mr Jonathan Cahn- a rabbi of the Jews prophesied on 30/10/24 that Donald Trump was born on 16/06/46 with divine ordination to live and rule like Jehu (a king of Israel) stopping the worship of Baal – the God of fertility, promiscuity and infant sacrifice ?

Mr Jonathan Cahn exhorted, at the same time, Donald Trump that his rule shall usher in trumpeting to stop promiscuity and infant sacrifice/abortion. To carry out this Mr Donald Trump should fully follow the God of the Bible.

However much to the consternation of all the Christians–Bible believing Christians-Mr Donald Trump took the oaths of office without the Bible- unlike in the first term. The devil was fully taking the control negating all the things-the founding fathers of the Nation of USA held so dear to their souls and spirits- the faith in God of the Bible.

Mr Donald Trump started signing executive orders of far-reaching consequences. The few that shocked the world were cancellation of USAIDS, contribution to the World Health Organisation (WHO), social security, Medicare, Medicaid etc. To alienate the whole global communities and let live USA as a giant lonely lion-tariffs imposed against all trading partner countries.

The old bountiful hands–to close the fists tighter and tighter to conserve more and more and spend less and less on charity. Americans under Donald Trump have to live negating the teachings of Jesus Christ, “Give and more will be given (Luke 6:38) and it is more blessed to give than to receive (Luke 20:35).” The whole world watched with bated breath the cacophonic executive orders of Mr Donald Trump, the president of the most powerful and richest country in the world- like a bolt from the blue.

Turning to his own country the executive order empowered Mr Elon Musk and his colleagues to rampage through all the Government offices to scrutinise especially financial handlings. The most sensitive institutions like the Pentagon, FBI not spared even if it meant compromising classified materials. Executive orders were to work like “bull in china shop”.

Expectedly backlashes ensued and 300 generals resigned, white house staff many resigned etc. Niggardly Mr. Donald Trump was hellbent to stop the draining of the economy of the USA by the war in Ukraine and ordered a peace deal. The peace dialogue took place between Russia and USA in Riyadh on 18/02/2025.

Ukraine had to agree to a peace deal without territorial restoration and to mortgage natural resources, especially rare earth, to the USA in lieu of the money spent during the war. Mr. Donald Trump was so intoxicated by the power conferred upon him that he forgot the European Union was constantly undertaking from day one of the war efforts with the USA – (of course about 50% to 60% contributed by the USA). He even forgot that the USA is a major responsible partner of NATO.

Exclusion of Ukraine and the European Union in the peace dialogue in Riyadh was a very wrong approach to peace. Already European leaders were hurt and insulted by the “mightier than thou” address by vice president JD Vance on 14/02/2025 in Munich security meet. He chided EU leaders for backsliding on freedom of speech and democracy and lack of seriousness in defence preparedness.

This was followed by bombshell from Mr. Donald Trump calling Mr. Zelensky a dictator without election and Ukraine as the invader! It was a shock to the whole civilised and democratic world. Mr. Vladimir Putin who was known as a murderous dictator who has killed many political opponents, human right activists etc with the foulest means especially by poisoning with Novichok.

The proximity between Mr. Donald Trump and Mr. Vladimir Putin is an open secret. A Russian defector from KGB to USA even goes to the extent of claiming Mr. Trump was a KGB operative enlisted in 1987-88. There must be a prompting force to make such outrageous outbursts to call Ukraine the invader and Mr. Zelensky a dictator with no election.

Mr. Donald Trump committing reckless blunders and crimes within a few weeks of presidency- he has proven himself unfit and totally a danger to the national interests of the USA. He is a monarch in the making. Before the USA plunges into precipitous economic and political collapse Mr. Trump should be impeached and no less. Such a liar, miser, looter and friend of murderous Mr. Putin. Be careful, all Americans!

He should be Chained and bound, lest such a dictator possessed by satanic forces do much damage. Let him not go far. With Donald Trump and his colleagues implementing the regime of hatred, deception, niggardliness and looting would not make you any greater. Before 100 days in office American declension and impoverishment will make you the most insecure, unloved and forsaken by man and God.

Your trust in God written on the currency will become a burden for America in poverty. Return to your creator before it is too late. It was never the Americans that made America great. It was God and God alone. Let God’s reign supreme and let His truth march onward supremely as you sing in the national Republic Anthem.

The last spat of Donald Trump with Mr. Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, on 02/03/25 in the oval office was a display of crude show of power of the super power number one to a small nation fighting to survive the invasion of a ruthless Russia under a brutal dictator-Mr. Vladimir Putin. The unpleasant events let onto consolidation of all the European countries with the UK and Canada to go against Mr. Donald Trump.

They were all allies of USA in the first world war, second world war and through the cold war period. A regrettable event foreboding the downfall of great America which will not see the days of greatness as Mr. Donald Trump has been trumpeting the slogan of MAGA (Make America Great Again).

I wish even Indian politicians learn from what is going to happen to Donald Trump and his colleagues before 100 days of ministry. Indian democracy in spite of poverty was vibrant and most of the politicians conscientiously practiced legally and constitutionally wholesome conducts till the early sixties. It is however shameful now to have 250 plus crime-tinged MPs in the present dispensation.

This figure is only the tip of the iceberg. Some guess the actual figure is 500 plus. No wonder the happiness index of India stands shamefully at 126 out of 143 in 2024. Any remedy? Good to learn from the few misconducts mentioned in this small write up.