As his approval ratings continue to plummet, it’s becoming clear that the majority of America believes that Trump sucks. The President of the United States should be a beacon of hope and an inspiring figure, but the latest election has left people around the world feeling frustrated and crestfallen. Luckily, there are many world leaders stepping up to the plate and we’d like to recognize their positive contributions to humanity.
1. Justin Trudeau
It only seems appropriate to throw some kudos to Canada’s current Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, on Canada’s 150th birthday. Trudeau is dedicated to improving the economy through free trade, as highlighted by his recent visit to Ireland. He stands on a message of inclusivity and made publicity waves when he enthusiastically appeared in Toronto’s Pride parade. Trudeau has become a global voice for inclusion, feminism, fairness and global partnerships and is, for many, a refreshing counter to President Trump.
2. Pope Francis
Across the globe, many people look to Pope Francis for spiritual and cultural guidance in their everyday lives — and he is using this responsibility for good. Not only has he advocated for the inclusion of divorced and LGBT worshipers in the Catholic church but he is also urging for the allowance of “tested” married men into the clergy, which would eliminate a millennium-old tradition. As we all know, global violence sucks and Pope Francis is helping bring peace to a world that is too often divided. His commitment to fair and kind treatment extends to the planet and the environment, setting an example for leaders around the globe.
3. Juan Manuel Santos
2016 Nobel Peace Prize winner Juan Manuel Santos is credited with encouraging dialogue of peace and reconciliation in Colombia, a country that has been burdened with civil war since the 1960s. In 2012, as the country’s president, he began negotiations with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC), Columbia’s largest rebel group. Although the peace agreement was rejected, albeit narrowly, his efforts were undoubtedly worthy of the prize. Political tension sucks but Santos’ first strides toward peace are an important stepping stone for future action.
4. Dalia Grybauskaitė
Dalia Grybauskaitė, aka the “Iron Lady”, is the President of Lithuania and an outspoken, courageous critic of the Russian government. She has spoken out against the Kremlin in a way that few world leaders dare to and continues to warn that Moscow’s aggression cannot be ignored. By saying what needs to be said, Grybauskaitė has made herself a target for the Russians, but also a Ukraine folk hero, and a popular leader in her home country. By refusing to play nice with a bully like Vladimir Putin, Grybauskaitė is showing the world that incompetent leadership sucks.
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The Takeaway
The current American president may not be a hero to all, but plenty of noble and courageous leaders are taking this opportunity to show the world what it takes to make a difference. If you think the current political atmosphere is discouraging, you can carve out a space online to discuss ideas, organize action and get involved, with a .SUCKS domain.
Photo: Shutterstock / arindambanerjee, Shutterstock / studiolaska, World Bank, Shutterstock / neneo, Cancillería del Ecuador, Council of the EU