First things first.

I’m going to ask you to put aside your political affiliations as you read this article. I know it will be hard for some of you, but I’m asking you to trust me on this one and give it your best shot. I’ll give you a moment to put it aside…

Thank you.

President Reagan’s campaign in 1984 was the first presidential election I was able to vote in, so that gives you an idea of my age. I’ll be straight and say that I’m not an overly political person.

I don’t read every political article online and I don’t know what channel CSPAN is on my television, but I do keep tabs on what is going on in the world around us, so I’m not one of those people that bury their heads in the sand when it comes to politics.

As I said, Reagan was the first President I was able to vote for but I was mildly aware of Nixon and more aware of Ford and Carter. Gerald Ford was lambasted on Saturday Night Live by Chevy Chase and seemed to have a good attitude about it.

But I want to start with Reagan and move through Obama. All these men, Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton, Bush 43 and Obama had to face situations that the public would definitely not want to make decisions on.

These men all went through some very trying times in their presidency, though some more than others. The one thing all these presidents had in common is that we, at various points in their presidency, saw them smile, laugh and have a good time.

As someone diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (high functioning autism) I can tell you that depression and frustration set in pretty easily for me, so I know the value and benefit of cracking a smile and lightening the mood for a few moments when things get stressful.

Many may say that it’s a sign of weakness to smile and try to make the best out of a horrible situation, but I sat it’s a sign of strength. It’s a sign that these men knew that in order to mentally deal with the pressure of running one of the world’s most powerful nations, they had to take a moment and be Reagan/Bush/Clinton/Bush/Obama the man and not the President.

This current White House is sorely lacking in smiles and laughter. Fear is what appears to be running this administration and I have to wonder what things would be like if President Trump would realize that everything isn’t about him and crack a joke or smile with another world leader or, even better, find a way to wipe the perma-scowl off his face.

All the presidents I’ve listed here have certainly had their ups and downs and I don’t agree with everything each of them has done. I’ll say again that this piece is NOT about partisan politics.

It’s about taking a few moments out of your extremely stressful day running the United States and reflecting on something good that’s happened in your life, or a moment where you laughed so hard your belly ached

Will we get any smiles out of this White House in the next two years? Only time will tell, but I can say without a doubt that one big way to Make America Great Again is to have someone in the White House who isn’t afraid to show us a smile or crack a joke at his own expense and not as a way to ridicule others.

Please, Mr President, show us a smile. A real smile. That’s what this country needs to see.

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