Twilight of the Idles
“Happiness is not a matter of intensity, but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony.”
Thomas Merton
“If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them Instead, make your work more pleasurable.”
Donald Trump
Over the years I've participated on DU, I've frequently spoke about viewing systems by using the model of a mobile hanging over an infant's crib. The model is of value when considering systems such as a family, a classroom, or a workplace. It may also be useful when considering the unpleasant spot that Trump finds himself in.
By their nature, a mobile seeks balance. If one piece moves, others must adjust to maintain that balance. If a piece is added, or removed, there must be a corresponding adjustment to reach a new balance. This is rather simple in the context of a mobile over an infant's cribe, but much more difficult in terms of a system comprised of human beings.
Trump believed that the president was the central, most important piece on the DC mobile. He assumed that a republican House and Senate would automatically fall into the balance he dictated. He was convinced that with his ability to appoint a USSC justice, that his intended balance would face no meaningful opposition. He was aware of the corporate influence on the balance of power in Washington ….and, of course, was sure his family could capitalize upon this.
What he didn't understand was that the DC mobile is much larger than what he assumed it was. The number of elected officials, for example, is far smaller than those within the bureaucracy. And these are the people who – as pieces of the mobile – are the most entrenched in their positions, and most likely to resist his dictates.
Indeed, to Donald's surprise, these are the people who are making his presidency anything but pleasurable. And try as he might, Trump finds himself incapable of effectively combating their resistance to his rule. For these people know that both Trump and his top campaign and administration are corrupt to their very core.
Those disrupting his administration are not doing so for political reasons; rather, they recognize his ilk as a threat to our nation. But it is important to recognize that underneath that, not all of these individuals are “on the side” of the Democratic Party. Still, it is enjoyable to watch them apply pressure on the White House.
More, it is a reminder that sometimes you find yourself agreeing with, and being on the same side of an important issue with someone you generally are not in agreement with. That was something that Onondaga Chief Paul Waterman often spoke of. Understanding that in a large society with many sub-groups – or sub-systems – that you have to be flexible, not rigid.
This includes knowing that even in tense times, there are opportunities to advance a group's cause. Martin Luther King and Gandhi were masters at using creative tension. As the intelligence community applies increasing pressure on Trump & Co., they know that most criminals revert to “fight or flight” mode. Trump, being a bully by nature and nurture, keeps attempting to fight. (A good criminal holds tight.)
Certainly, his firing Sally Yates, and then James Comey, suggests that he will continue to try to up his game in the only manner he knows: striking out at his “enemies.” That includes the press, the intelligence community, and will soon focus upon the Senate investigation. He has more influence with the House committee, and will increase his attempts to control it.
His action on the Paris deal was a desperate call to his base, the rabid right wing of the republican party.
His reactions will make him more vulnerable – legally, politically, and socially. The grass roots then has the option to exert its influence on those three levels as well. We need to restore a healthy balance in society. And now is the time to accomplish the beginning of that much-needed change.
(Note: Trump's morning tweet storm per the travel ban was reported after I completed this essay ….but is yet another example of his reacting under pressure.)
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