Stunning. History in the making. Shocking upset. The greatest upheaval in US Presidential history. A devastating loss. These are some of the ways that the surprising election of Donald J. Trump is being described.
No one (except for a select few, who perhaps are as stunned as everyone) expected it — not in the establishment, not in the government, not in the media. Without even a campaign office in some of the states he won, without a well-oiled political machine, without spending exorbitant sums as the Clinton campaign spent, against all the polls and predictions, despite all his guffaws and offensive remarks — despite all the odds, Trump pulled off this sound and astounding victory, winning states in which no one ever expected him to be a contender.
Every one — foremost in the media and political leadership — is rubbing their eyes. Just look at their faces — like a doe caught in the headlights. What happened?! No one can wrap their head around this.
What did indeed happen? Is Trump a genius? Was the establishment and the media too arrogant? Did the blatant bias of the most powerful voices in America backfire? How could so many experts and strategists have so misread the sentiments of the US public? How did a man vilified by many reputable voices win such a resounding victory? What does nit say about the credibility and reputation of the venerable New York Times, as one example of many media outlets that made it their crusade to defeat Trump (venturing far beyond their mandate of reporting the news without prejudice)? The questions will certainly be asked for years to come. But will anyone ever find the answers?
Perhaps this is one of those watershed junctures in history which can never fully be understood. Maybe there is an invisible hand which shows its guiding force at key moments in time?
Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson in this extraordinary presentation about this unprecedented election, as he places it in historical context of events that are shaking up the world today, forces that are disrupting the existing systems and institutions, leading us into a new era. Shock is the natural reaction to changes that jolt us out of comfort zones and conventional wisdoms.
Groundswells like these can either overwhelm and upset our very foundations, they can demoralize and disorient us; or they can be seen as convulsions preceding a new birth. If we allow our egos to stand in the way, we will look to blame others and all types of factors (except ourselves) for these shake-ups. However if we stand humble, and set aside our own agendas, we can allow these seismic shifts to open up new horizons.
Dear Rabbi Jacobson B”H Your speak was awesome. This election was won through HaSheme intervening for the good of the American people. Can you speak with President Obama to stop all this rioting. President Obama is a disgrace to America allowing these riots to continue in America. He has a responsibility to act as a president and not stand back and allow these riots to continue with violence and obstructing justice. This is not good. We are a democratic Society and rioters and others are misusing a protest to use as a valiant act. Elect President Trump won the election… Read more »
Rabbi Jacobson you are So On the Mark!
You bring clarity without taking sides. Than You!
I hope President Elect Trump has Rabbi J’s book Toward a Meaningful Life. It’s best way for him to become acquainted with the Rebbe’s view on all the importnat issues.
G-d runs the world. Not the self righteous, biased media and not the politicians. We can all use a reminder. Thank you for saying this out loud.
Thank you Rabbi Jacobson. Very clear message. Halevei it should spread to all those who need to hear it.
I hope you do write that letter to President Trump! I have a feeling it might have an important impact. Have you considered offering an ongoing communication with him? I think it would be a good idea, especially considering his daughter’s conversion to Judaism. In other words, it’s an added link to a commonality.