A number of prominent folks who opposed Donald Trump’s campaign have publicly expressed their hopes and wishes for President-Elect Trump’s success.  President Obama and Sen. Mitch McConnell are “rooting for Trump’s success.”  Former President Bush 41 and Mitt Romney both sent best wishes, while Bush 43 and his wife prayed “for the success of our new President.”  Others have expressed similar sentiments.

I too want Trump to be a successful president.  Based on the things that matter most to me, that means peace & security at home and abroad, civility, economic growth that benefits those who need it most, educational opportunity, advancement of social justice, transparency in government, and effective safety nets.

But let me be clear.  I do not wish a President Trump to be successful in building a wall at our border with Mexico;

nor in withdrawing from trade agreements and starting a global trade war;

nor in banning all Muslims from entering the U.S.;

nor in reducing corporate income taxes from 35% to 15%;

nor in repealing the Affordable Care Act;

nor in voiding the Iran Nuclear Agreement;

nor in appointing to the Supreme Court judges who bring with them extreme right-wing biases,

nor in abolishing the Environmental Protection Agency.

My fear is that Donald Trump and his inner circle will interpret wishes for “success” as a green light to pursue his most radical policy ideas, however poorly thought out, consequences be damned.  It’s foolish to expect that any imbedded nuance that is essential to legitimize these good wishes will come through on the receiving end.