Messy Divorces

Before I begin this post, I wanted to provide a link to one I wrote in 2017, just as the first Trump presidency began. As I have noted, I have been updating my old posts to reflect a larger font, using a method driven by posts which are accessed by my readers. If a post has been accessed that is still in the smaller font, I enlarge it, reading it again in the process. Someone accessed this one in the last few days.

https://wurdsfromtheburbs.blogspot.com/2017/02/hidden-figures-not-so-hidden-prejudice.html

In this post, I warn the electorate to be careful about aligning itself with someone with such obvious incongruities embedded in his message. Someone who is a product of very slack immigration policies, yet who preaches strict immigration policies while casting aspersions on today's immigrants. And, incomprehensibly, to me at least, finds a willing audience in a population which itself is comprised of a large percentage of first and second generation Americans.

Now, here we are, eight years later, about to embark on another four years of open hostility and cruelty to immigrants, but with the added horror that it will also be directed at American citizens who dare to disagree with our leader's opinions, and worst inclinations.

As the protests against Trump's authoritarian edicts and actions ramp up, there will be more occurrences like what is happening in Los Angeles with the National Guard called to quell "disturbances". From there, it is only a matter of time before American soldiers are authorized to fire into crowds of American citizens. 

Don't say you weren't warned.

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Divorce is a difficult process for those involved, especially if there are children included. While the divorce rate has been steadily declining in America for the past 15-20 years, it is still true that a majority of marriages that end in divorce include the disposition of children; who gets custody, who pays alimony, etc.

Currently, the news outlets are ablaze with commentary and speculation concerning a very high profile couple who are airing their differences in public; Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

Yes, strictly speaking, their current estrangement does not quality as a divorce as they are not married. But one can certainly state unequivocally, that they have been tied at the hip, in lockstep, since last summer when Musk began spending millions of dollars to help Trump win the presidency.

I don't consider it hyperbole to state that no couple's actions in recent history, have effected so many Americans, so quickly and deeply, than the actions of this power couple in the last year in general, and the last four months in particular.

And, while the general fallout of their divorce will not play out in court, at least not right away, the ramifications of their initial "separation"is already being felt across the spectrum of American life.

In a regular divorce, one of the biggest areas of debate is who will get custody of the kids. In this case, there are already clear signs that Trump has the big advantage here as most MAGA politicians and pundits are making it clear that they support the president over the billionaire. Not surprising, as they are far more invested in Trump, have far more to lose if they get on his wrong side, but still curious considering how enthralled so many of the MAGA crowd was with Musk's program to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in the government.

I mean they gave him carte blanche to access the personal records of every American citizen with nary a negative response. Don't any of them now worry that some of the data he has mined without restraint might reveal some damaging tidbits? Financial records can be very revealing when in the wrong hands.

Another big concern in a divorce is money. Often, the bigger breadwinner must provide alimony to the person, usually the woman, who may have sacrificed her own career to raise the children, or now has primary custody of the kids.

Musk is already threatening to divulge secrets to continue to get his government sweetheart deals and contracts, while Trump is alluding to "the consequences" of Musk changing his allegiance to another political party. Usually the lawyers of the battling couple will advise their clients to stay out of the limelight so as to not provide fodder which might give an advantage to the other side. 

In this case, each of the "adults" has a social media outlet which they control and dominate, so that advice is long moot. 

One might say that since both men are super rich, it won't matter much who comes out on top, financially speaking. But it could certainly matter to the kids, and not just those who are all in on Trump's TACO tariff presidency. 

All of us could experience economic blow back from their divorce. Perhaps enough Republicans are emboldened to vote against the "big, beautiful bill" that passed in the House and is being amended in the Senate. 

Among other things, lots of other things, in fact, many not actually read or understood by those who voted for it, there are provisions for increasing the national debt limit which will become even more critical as we head into the summer, changes to Medicare and Medicaid, and limits on the SALT deduction.

Or, should Trump alter his retribution tour to include everything Musk, thousand of jobs will be effected should those contracts and subsidies disappear overnight.

Funny how all those who disavowed accusations that Trump would use the government's resources to go after his enemies, are either silent at this threat, or applauding it.

Of course, it is entirely possible that some form of reconciliation will occur. When there are two such overt egomaniacs involved, anything is possible as no matter what actually occurs, each will spin a reduction in animosity as a win for them.

Sadly however, there are just as many divorces that are not amicable. Even sadder, it is Americans, regardless of political preference, who will suffer the most.

Finally, I can't help but wonder what might be really going on here. While such a public feud might warm the hearts of democrats, I can't shake the thought that this is just theater, a distraction. 

I have mostly jettisoned the moniker of evil genius when describing Trump, but still recognize that he is a master at drawing our attention away from his real intentions by providing low hanging fruit to grouse about. 

The question is, are they both so stubborn and egotistical that they would actually continue such a public dispute knowing each might suffer, at least temporarily, or is it a concerted effort by one or both to give us a nice show while they work behind the scenes on something even more nefarious, and lucrative, for them.

I often discuss wealth accumulation, even when related to winning the lottery, as a goal which I eschew. Not only don't I believe that money provides happiness, I think that for people like Musk and Trump, it makes them miserable, perhaps even lonely. 

Unfortunately, it is also addictive, and like any addiction, cannot be overcome unless one admits its existence.

In the case of Musk and Trump, it will not come as a surprise to me if it is disclosed at some point in the near future that either together, or separately, their quarrel was all window dressing while they worked to feed their shared addiction of gaining wealth and power. 

If it is truly two narcissists battling over who has the biggest di$$, I won't be surprised, but if it turns out that they have the last laugh over the rest of us, having fallen for the faux fall out, I won't be any more surprised, just disappointed that we were fooled, again.