I have a book at home: 'Speeches that shaped the modern world' by Alan Whiticker. The 50 or more speeches from the 20th century would be familiar to most, or certainly their authors would be.
There is Martin Luther King's 'I have a dream' looking to a better world where all are equal. There is Neil Armstrong's 'One Small Step' recognizing what the world's people can achieve. Winston Churchill inspired his nation with 'We shall fight on the beaches.'
These speeches, and many others, inspired people to achieve more, to stand against great odds, to unite all people or to strive to do the hard things in life.
None of these speeches threatened to destroy other countries. None of these speeches accused refugees of being rapists and drug dealers. None of these speeches offered temporary refuge so a permanent boundary could be built. None of these speeches criticized a war hero, John McCain, because he was captured. None of these caused a lolly company to state that their product, Tic Tacs, was not meant to be used to disrespect women.
Speeches should not be offensive, inaccurate or provocative. They should lead, inspire and encourage.
Those who will read the next edition of speeches from the 21st century will not need to look for the Trump name in the index.
Dennis Fitzgerald