The incredible, shrinking Trump

I actually feel sympathy for Donald Trump.

Politics aside, I never cared for the man. I dislike his conspicuous consumption and the manner in which he treats people. He does not exhibit humility, grace, or compassion; qualities I consider important in a leader. His accomplishments in the business world, such as they are, were due in large part to the efforts of his father and others. Some of his businesses ended in bankruptcy. This is not a self-made man. It is said that he was stunned to actually be elected. Perhaps his campaign was meant only to increase his branding and business empire.

He was a more beloved personality before he became president. He was admired for his "huge" celebrity status. As a private citizen, he had control over his public persona. He was feared. He could show of himself only what he wished to reveal. The process of being elected to the highest office in the land has changed all that.

When you are president of the United States, your life becomes visible to everyone. You lose control over what parts of your life you want to be public. Time and again we have seen embarrassing details of presidential lives become fodder for public consumption. Welcome to free press and democracy! Love the media or hate them, they do their job.

Those who seek to be president of the United States are ambitious people who often feel they have abilities not possessed by others. Only they can lead this country in the right way, they insist. What is often forgotten is that we are not a monarchy. We don't elect kings or queens. We elect people who hold our values and can direct the entire government in a way that benefits the whole of the United States. Trump is not a leader. He wants his will to be the rule of law. The only benefit of his election is that it enabled the Republican agenda to move forward unimpeded by a Democratic presidential veto. As soon as Republicans push enough of their agenda through, they will find a reason to abandon Trump in droves.

I feel sorry for the man because his flaws and ignorance are on display for the whole world to witness. When his time as president is over, what will be left for him? The Trump brand will be discredited. Who will want to do business with the man? To visit his golf courses or hotels could be seen as agreement with his actions. Private life may allow him to regain some sort of social life beyond politics but who will want to be seen with him?

I cannot predict how the Mueller investigation will turn out. My hope is that the outcome won't rip this country apart. Who knows what other statements Trump will make that further lower this country's esteem in the eyes of the world? I am embarrassed for Trump when he uses Twitter to spout nonsense. His incredibly insensitive and vulgar statement about African nations and their immigrants is a new low. There is no excuse for such behavior, which I believe is done more out of ignorance and lack of intellectual curiosity than any malice he may bear.

I feel sorry for Donald Trump because he was given a chance to be something bigger than a billionaire celebrity and he blew it. I feel sorry for those who voted for him because they wanted something different, hoping it would be better. My only consolation is that all this may open the eyes of the electorate to look past political ideology and be horrified enough to vow "Never again!"

-- Devin Houston is the president/CEO of Houston Enzymes. Send comments or questions to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.