Donald Trump lacks the basic qualities to serve as president of the United States

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After reading that there are a number of people still thinking that they will support Donald Trump to run for president again, it is difficult to know how to feel.

We are all entitled to our own opinions. And there are a lot of people who think it’s cool to stick it to our government by supporting Trump, the multiple-times indicted king of monkeyshines, regardless of his lies, deceit, criminal indictments, and worst of all, his taking box after box after box of super secret highly classified documents.

(Shekel-hungry Trump would presumably sell out our country to the highest bidder for these documents. No matter that these secrets in the wrong hands could lead to the destruction of our country.)

I am reminded of a quote by Octavia Estelle Butler in her book “The Portalist” in which she said:

“Choose your leaders with wisdom and forethought. To be led by a coward is to be controlled by all that the coward fears. To be led by a fool is to be led by the opportunists who control the fool. To be led by a thief is to offer up your most precious treasures to be stolen. To be led by a liar is to ask to be told lies. To be led by a tyrant is to sell yourself and those you love into slavery."

It is so easy to hip-hip hooray when it comes to Trump. After all, who doesn’t like a circus clown — with his clown red tie, orange hair, crazy talk and lack of respect for everything and everybody. Bigger than life. But the joke is on us.

So if Dwight likes Trump, I decided to come up with a better candidate for president. Someone who does not lie. Someone trustworthy. Someone deserving of respect. Someone who measures up to the responsibilities of the greatest office in the United States.

To do that I needed to construct a list of personality characteristics that I believe are integral to holding the office, serving the people and making a difference for our country. Here are the top ten characteristics:

  1. Integrity. A president should possess unwavering honesty, transparency and consistency in their actions and words, maintaining high moral principles and a commitment to truth.

  2. Humility. The ability to demonstrate modesty, respect for others, and a willingness to listen to diverse perspectives, recognizing that leadership is a service to the people.

  3. Compassion. Showing genuine care and empathy for the well-being of all citizens, particularly those who are marginalized, disadvantaged or suffering.

  4. Justice. A commitment to upholding fairness, equality and the rule of law, ensuring that all individuals are treated equitably and impartially.

  5. Wisdom. Demonstrating sound judgment, critical thinking skills, and the ability to make informed decisions based on deep understanding and consideration of various perspectives.

  6. Accountability. Willingness to take responsibility for actions and decisions, admitting mistakes when necessary, and learning from them.

  7. Courage. Displaying moral courage in standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or adversity, and pursuing just causes that may be politically unpopular.

  8. Temperance. Exercising self-control, avoiding excessive or impulsive behavior, and maintaining a balanced approach to power and influence.

  9. Diplomacy. The ability to engage in effective dialogue, negotiation and conflict resolution, seeking peaceful resolutions and understanding between nations and diverse communities.

  10. Servant Leadership. Embracing a selfless approach to leadership, prioritizing the needs of the people and the nation over personal gain, and striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

These characteristics are not the end of my list, but you get the idea. They represent key ethical qualities that I believe should define any person who might aspire to be the president of the United States.

I know a number of people who measure up to this high standard. One such person is Mike Ross — that’s L. Michael Ross.

As a candidate for president, Mike Ross presents an impeccable resume and the experience to drive the American economy toward new jobs and increased prosperity for everyone.

For example, as president of the Franklin County Area Development Corp. since 1986, Mike initiates, implements and promotes the successful economic strategy for retaining and expanding existing companies and attracting new businesses. Mike facilitated 800 projects resulting in $2 billion of investment keeping 48,000 jobs.

He also has deep experience with the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce. Mike has a degree in political science from Slippery Rock University, is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at Oklahoma University, and serves on the Shippensburg University Council of Trustees, not to mention the myriad of boards and advisory groups which he supports. He is married to Donna and has three grown daughters, a son-in-law, and three grandchildren.

More importantly, Mike measures up to the personality characteristics that are integral to holding the office of president, serving the people and making a difference for our country.

Local history: Chambersburg & Gettysburg Electric Street Railway provided a great escape

Therefore, I would like to nominate L. Michael Ross for president of the United States. His honesty, integrity and experience driving business development will attract the support and votes of moderate conservatives and independents, and those sick of the shenanigans of Donald Trump.

Quite simply: “Mike Ross for honesty and integrity in government!”

You may know a person who also measures up, and you are certainly free to make your nomination as well. But, please keep in mind that high standards are requisite. Running our country is serious stuff, and there is no room for a traitor or a clown.

Bill Gindlesperger is a central Pennsylvanian, Dickinson College graduate, Pennsylvania System Of Higher Education (PASSHE) Governor, Shippensburg University Trustee, and Chairman of eLynxx Solutions. The firm provides enterprise-level cloud-software for communicating, specifying, approving, procuring, producing, reporting and activities necessary to obtaining direct mail, packaging, promo, marketing and all other printing. He is a board member, campaign advisor, successful entrepreneur, published author and commentator. He can be reached at Bill.Gindlesperger@eLynxx.com.

This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: GOP presidential candidate should trustworthy, deserving of respect