History has proven time and again that good people who stand for what is right and solidly resist what is wrong, have the power to advance the cause of justice. There is goodness in this world, but there is also a measure of evil that continues to branch and multiply with breathtaking speed. But the movement of progress keeps us fresh. As we head into 2017, we cannot afford nor must we allow our nation to be taken back to the days of damming stagnation that plagued us for much of the last fifty years. For those who believe otherwise, there is no place for rule by cabal in these United States of America.

As we forge into the New Year and for the next four years in particular, “We the People” and those in the media, can no longer allow one individual who has been granted such trusted responsibility to continue to get away with what he absolutely knows not to be true, inhumane or not in the best interests of the people of the United States. There can be no retreat from the progress made on behalf of women’s rights, civil rights, voting rights, inequality and pay equity, health care or the promises we have made to our seniors and our veterans. We must not allow the burning inner flame of these accomplishments to be extinguished by an egotistical, self-aggrandizing, uncivil and insecure Commander in Chief, or his factually challenged and often unhinged supporters, most who will soon also realize that they too have been lied to and used simply for personal political gain.

Good judgment is the product of experience. This immediately raises serious questions about Donald Trump, the majority of his cabinet nominees and most of those projected to be a part of his senior management team. Despite his continued proclamations, Trump’s self-praise provides no credible recommendation for his qualifications, his ability to reasonably provide domestic tranquility, his ability and willingness to ensure common sense international relationships, or even his general overall conscience and stability. His zeal to compare, to compete and to have more has been a life-long intentional process with the goal of creating “have-nots” and “others”, a process that he continues to refuse to change even today. This has been an obvious and consistent pattern manifest by Mr. Trump’s business dealings, his refusal to release his tax returns, and his multiple risk taking schemes designed to line his pockets, no matter the effects or consequences laid at the feet of others. This style however will certainly crumble under its own weight once he takes the oath of office. Thereafter, he must quickly learn that it is a mistake to continue to confuse words with knowledge. And he must dissuade himself from making noise for noise’s sake. “Statesman like” decisions can no longer be provided to the gullible in 140 characters.

It is absolutely imperative that Mr. Trump come to grips with the fact that he must now deal with the practical considerations of reality, not just for his sake, but for the sake of all Americans and for the sake of stability throughout the world. His inflammatory rhetoric must cease, as we cannot reach our full potential as Americans living as separate nations within our own nation.

Donald Trump must reassess his principles if he expects to have any semblance of success as a person, and more importantly, as President of the United States. Principled people are comfortable with who they are. Their values are not ideas that flow from their mind, but rather a part of an inclusive mindset that benefits all Americans.

If and until that time occurs, the rest of us must keep our guard up and demand action and accountability from both Mr. Trump and a wayward republican Congress. Our voices must be loud, constant and unafraid of any threats or consequences. We owe nothing less to ourselves or to the future of an already Great America.