We get the politicians and leaders that we deserve. No better, no worse. In my opinion, what is more frightening than Donald Trump is that so many people support him. I have lived more than half of my life overseas, and sometimes it is quite embarrassing fessing up to being American. 

We are a wonderful country, but when we demand respect rather than earn it, many people outside the US feel understandably uneasy - especially given the economic an military power that we possess. Having the privilege to vote for the most power office in the world should be used wisely. How the US behaves affects a lot of people outside the US. 

Having studied overseas myself (back in the Reagan era) I thought the opinion piece was apt. It can be enlightening while overseas to adapt a habit of talking less and listening more.