Commentary: Some advice for President Trump

I have some modest proposals for our new president, Donald Trump:

1. Tell the truth. Facts matter. Credibility matters. Even those who disagree with you will be comforted if you show you are able to discern, and will always base your decisions on, actual facts. This isn’t Russia. We want truth, not propaganda.

2. Show respect. To all Americans, all nations and all people. To the Constitution, your office, the judiciary, the press and the institutions of government that have evolved over centuries to keep our experiment in democracy alive. When you insult others you demean your office and embarrass all Americans. Stop demonizing government. Government — good government — is essential for a strong, just America that uplifts everyone.

3. Get over yourself. You appear to be ruled by your ego, with the interests of our country, and of anyone other than yourself, being mere afterthoughts. Grow up. Be mature enough to ignore personal slights. Stop talking about yourself everywhere you go. This is not about you. It’s about our country. And the world.

4. Make a genuine effort to unite us, not divide us. Don’t be a demagogue, fomenting hatred and trading on ignorance and the basest instincts in people. Do not demonize others, particularly those who are different. Be inclusive, not exclusive. Keep America great, don’t make America hate — or be hated. Remember, you represent all Americans, including the majority who did not vote for you. Acknowledge their aspirations too.

5. Be compassionate. Focus on the needs of the poor and powerless, not the rich and powerful. Our government once had actual statesmen who cared more about our country than their own re-election. Be one.

6. Disclose your tax returns. Your audit excuse is ridiculous.

7. Divest yourself of your many business interests that will be affected by decisions you will make as president.

8. Move the country forward, not backward. Do not throw in with the far right wing of the Republican Party with every decision you make. We can’t waste four years doing nothing about global warming. Expand — don’t restrict — voting access. You know in your heart what is right. Just do it.

Is this too much to ask?

JAMES R. PERCIVAL lives in Newport Coast.