It is lazy — but easy — to blame the American president for what’s wrong in the world and, in particular, the U.S., Canada’s neighbour and friend.

Did he not come out of a gilt-encrusted nowhere or a banal reality television series? Did he not initially appeal to the downtrodden, undereducated American male worker with his talk about making America “great again”?

Maybe, but it is far more likely our world set the stage for a misogynistic, vulgar, narcissistic bully to lead the so-called “free world.”

Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Noon News Roundup will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Interested in more newsletters? Browse here.

His rise to power and influence came not because of who Donald Trump is, but because of the stage set for him. Now in his second and last term (unless he can rip up the Constitution), he is seeking........

© Calgary Herald