America is at a cross roads.

The land of free and the home of the brave is leaderless and now demonstrating our worst traits of racism and sexism.

The highest position in government is being made into a joke while Washington, Lincoln, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Reagan are rolling over in their graves wondering what the hell is going on.

As a former Army officer and serial entrepreneur, I understand the importance of leadership, mutual respect and above all integrity.   I understand how leading by example can affect change and succcess.   But President Trump seems to be lost in this area.  

He lacks a true understanding of America’s role on the global stage. Our status as a world power goes far beyond our military might and economic strength.  It’s something we’ve earned over decades of global leadership, standing our ground, defending our allies, opening our county to immigrants and always providing a moral compass to define the difference between right and wrong.

But in the first 100 days, Trump is destroying all of this.   

First, he fails to understand the basics of leadership and what it means to be President.   He should set an example in his words, actions and daily rhetoric.  A good first step is simply to be present. His regular weekend visits to Florida while his wife and son live in NY is NOT acceptable. Every President has understood the significance of the White House until now. Current estimates for extra security are roughly $1M a day in NYC and $3-5M for weekends at his Country Club for a whooping $1.96 billion estimated over his four year term.  (Obama, Biden and their families spent $98M over 8 years)

Second, our President is failing to uphold the Constitution.   Consistent violations of the First Amendment by restricting established and credible news outlets from White House press briefings.   This temporary action combined with Sean Spicer essentially lying to the Press while mocking them only reinforces this disgraceful situation.

Third, he lacks mutual respect and continues to stick his foot in his mouth insulting our allies and their leaders.   This will have a devastating and lasting long term effect on both our reputation and their cooperation.

Fourth, he lacks integrity.  His career is full of lawsuits, bankruptcies and taking short cuts.   His rhetoric is one of hate fueled by unsubstantiated statements (also known as lies).  He is not fit for office.

So what can we do?

We can start by living our own lives with our own integrity beyond reproach, a focus on mutual respect to our fellow man and woman and lead by example with your family, your kids and your co-workers.