Hackley attends Trump Rally

Written and Submitted by Patrick Hackley, Grygla

“In the end, you’re measured not by how much you undertake but by what you finally accomplish.” For decades, administrations who called 1600 Pennsylvania Ave home have made empty promise after empty promise, leaving the American people to slowly lose faith, confidence and trust in government. Both Democrat and Republican officials have used the people they represent as political pawns to gain an advantage on pushing their own political agenda, spiraling our country into a dark and troubling time.

Those days of empty promises are finally over, thanks to our President Donald J. Trump.  On June 20, Mark DuRandt, myself and upwards of 20,000 other Minnesotans descended on the town of Duluth to attend the Presidents’ “Make America Great Again” Rally. To say the atmosphere was electric would be a grave understatement, as the crowd was very optimistic and uplifted, ready to welcome the President to our great state. For those who have never been to a rally, it is much similar to a tailgate party for a football game prior to the event. Fellow Minnesotans were decked out in red, white and blue.  Friends and fellow patriots were sharing stories of how President Trumps’ “America First” policies have delivered more money in their paychecks, more optimism to their minds and less government in their lives.  

As we waited intently for the Presidents arrival, we had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. We spoke to many agents of the Secret Service, who are the definition of professional. We met 4 members of the Trump campaign staff including a woman by the name of Emily Castanza, who was in charge of logistics at the venue. I was also fortunate enough to meet NBA legend and former Minnesota Timberwolves coach Kevin McHale and his family. It was amazing to hear that Kevin and his family were not supporters of the President at first, but are very pleased with the progress he has made so far. Kevin told me “it’s not every day the President of the United States comes to Minnesota, we just wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.”  

As the event started, the speakers blared Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA”, which the President uses at all of his rallies. Hearing that song and seeing our beloved President walk out to a crowd of erupting cheers and chants of “U-S-A” was one of the proudest moments I’ve been a part of as an American. We are all so fortunate to have a President that loves our country and everything we hold dear.  

The President spoke intensely about trade in his rally. “Our trade deals must be better for American industries and the American worker. We need fair and reciprocal trade, remember that word folks “reciprocal”. You look at what China, Canada and Mexico have done to create the trade deficits and we have to fix it.”

The President has spoken more about farmers, ranchers and rural America more in 18 months than previous administrations did for over a decade. President Trump noted the need for a smart Farm Bill and renegotiating NAFTA and other deals vital to the agriculture economy in Minnesota and around the country.  

Another hot issue the President spoke on was immigration. “The issues we are having at the border are not new, been going on for many years, many decades. We need a system based on Merritt. We want legal immigrants who want to live the American dream and believe me we will make that happen.”

I believe firmly that the President and his administration will do everything in their power to secure our borders, fix our broken immigration system and renegotiate fair and reciprocal trade deals. President Trump has delivered on his promises including tax cuts, the border wall, moving the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, appointing constitutionalist justices to the Supreme Court and putting America before any foreign nation or special interest. Regardless of political views, we should all be cheering for our President and our country to succeed. As you celebrate this Independence Day holiday, please wear red, white and blue, please fly Old Glory proudly and please say a prayer for the continued success of President Trump and America. God Bless the USA!