Trump vs Musk

Sitting here in God's Waiting Room, the TV is spitting out stories regarding the fuss between President Trump and Elon Musk. Having observed human behavior and been in the people business for most of the 86+ rides around the Sun on this ancient rock we call Earth, please allow an old man to share a few observations.

1.The conflict between Trump and Musk is not benefiting the Republican cause of returning our country to the one envisioned by our forefathers 248 years ago. Issue number one, in the Trump/Musk dustup, is their egos and brilliance in making deals and building billion-dollar businesses. This is both an asset and a hindrance.

2.Both are businessmen who know how to balance a checkbook, making them unique in Washington, DC and Congress. They expect positive results from their actions. Congress does not understand this concept and how it works.

3. The term "professional politician" does not appear in the U.S. Constitution, yet that's who runs our country today. Many politicians have been in office for decades. I served as a US Congressman from 1985 to 1997. As a strong believer in Term Limits, I left on my own volition. Returned to the real world as our forefathers envisioned and served as vice president of Forensic Technology Inc. (FTI) for 14 years before retiring. There's a message in that. Eighty percent or more of the politicians I see on today’s 10:00 p.m. news were there before I was 40 years ago. So much for being citizen legislators. They are more like taxpayer leeches, sucking the blood out of hard-working people so they can have a guaranteed job, and in many cases, enrich themselves. Former President Harry Truman, Democrat from Missouri, said, “Show me a man that gets rich by being a politician, and I'll show you a crook.” Old Harry knew well of what he spoke...

4. Politicians are confused by Trump and Musk because the two men expect results. That’s the way it is in business; you either get positive results or you and your business fails.

5. Trump learned much about Congress and its many times strange and unbusinesslike workings during his first term as president, while Musk lacks this experience. This is a major factor contributing to the current situation between the two.

6. Musk's lack of understanding of how Congress works justifiably led to his dissatisfaction with the Big Beautiful Bill. Most major legislation includes provisions added at the last minute, often without enough time for Members to even read them. This is where the legislative process gets messy. The “Dirty Work at the Crossroads” often includes arm-twisting and promise-making to obtain the votes needed to pass the legislation.

7. Naming the legislation the Big Beautiful Bill was a mistake, as it became an easy target for media ridicule. This was Trump's error, more ego-driven than using his good business sense. Much of the media and Trump’s detractors are riding the name like a big Palomino stallion in a 4^th of July parade. They define the bill as being their horse’s droppings left on the street behind them. Of course, they expect someone else (MAGA supporters) to clean them up.

8. Trump should have explained the military and new spending provisions in the bill to Musk beforehand. If Musk had been properly briefed, he might have viewed the legislation differently.

9. More emphasis should have been placed on the wasted funds Musk and his team discovered. The publicity regarding the bill should have included explanations of how these wasted funds would be used. As taxpayers, we deserve to know where our money is going. And as certain as the sun will rise in the East tomorrow morning, we know not a penny of this money will be returned to us.

10. Trump has good momentum, but this conflict could either be a minor setback or build into a major obstacle. As someone who worked in the congressional system, I worry that momentum will be lost, making the rest of Trump's term a difficult mountain to climb.

These are just the thoughts of an old man. I may be right, or I may be wrong, but my hope is that Trump and Musk realize the impact of their actions. It is time to put the egos away for a few minutes, bury the hatchet, and kiss—whoops, better make that shake hands and make up. The political course of the next 3+ years hangs in their decision. It could well determine the kind of country our kids and grandkids must grow up and live in.

Just sayin’.