The Price of Power: Pride & Principles
Since the stench of the 2016 U.S. elections promises to linger well into the new year, we thought it might be interesting to examine the raw Machiavellian behaviors on daily display. And it's turning out to be a learning experience, as America's made for T.V. political drama plays itself out. One can glean a lot observing a millionaire (Mitt Romney) kissing a billionaire's ass (Donald Trump) in public for a job. It helped us finally realize the price of "real power" must be one's pride and core principles. What else could make a rich man grovel like Mitt Romney? Let us explain.
Last week we saw this story coming into focus when Donald Trump summoned some of the biggest names in the news business to his Tower for a little impromptu verbal abuse. And when we verified reports that these pride-less, unprincipled media tools allowed the President-elect to browbeat them unmercifully, without so much as a peep in response, we knew they were acknowledging Donald Trump's power over them. And if they wanted access to that power, the only way to get it was to kiss the ring and promise to abide by his rules in the future.
Like it or not, Donald Trump is one of the most powerful people in the world today. This is a fact the entire planet must contend with, at least for the next four years. And since President-elect Trump holds the power now, that power appears to have a hold on the "power hungry". We see them sheepishly and shamelessly entering Trump's various palatial spaces designed to impress and humble them for meetings with the new "Ring Master". The man who cracks the whip. The man who makes them hop and heel on his command. And the "power hungry" will hop and heel on command because they can't help themselves. Power is as addictive as dope. Once some people get a taste, they just gotta have more. And they don't care what they have to do to get it.
Power, like dope, will make some people do things others would find beneath them. Personal dignity, honor and a strong sense of self-respect prevents most from doing the butt sniffing, ass-kissing and sphincter licking it takes to ascend the ladder of power. Please, don't misunderstand. We get it. The job of Secretary of State is a big time gig. Global travel, dining with Kings, the private parties on Air Force Two and of course, you're the toast of Washington, D.C.. You've got world leaders clamoring for your attention. If you can't be president of the United States, Secretary of State has to be one hell of a consolation prize. Still, it's the humiliating price Mitt Romney is willing to pay for the opportunity. What does his family and close friends think of him? Did they support and encourage his public submissiveness? It's not like he needed the money.
But enough about Mitt Romney. There were other examples of people placing the need for power above their pride and principles that surfaced during this drama driven madness. The sexual harassment scandal that engulfed Fox News during the elections had many wondering why women making the money Megan Kelly and Gretchen Carlson made would wait so long before suing the slimy slob Roger Ailes. Again, please, don't misunderstand. We get it. Jobs like news anchor on a major news network, moderating presidential debates at millions per year, with perks "regular" people will never comprehend, aren't exactly growing on trees. But when your boss stuffs your face in his crotch and habitually propositions you for sexual favors in order for you to keep that job, one would think a red line has been crossed. Well, one would think.
Unfortunately, by the time the alarm was finally sounded against Fox News' office Predator in Chief, the allegations went back years. In Ms. Carlson's case she'd endured Mr. Ailes' unwanted sexual advances for more than seven years. If married, what would some of these influential women tell their husbands after a harsh day at the studio? Do they lie and say everything is fine, when they've been touched inappropriately or outright mauled by something scummy like Roger Ailes? Do they just take a shower and prepare for another wrestling match the next day? Do their spouses know, but are okay with it because they like the perks, too? And if so, does that make the spouse a pimp? Can you see how corrosive power can be? Or are we just talking out of our asses because we've never been exposed to unlimited power. What about you? How far would you bend over for a promotion?
Bottom line: To get near and remain within close proximity of powerful people requires smarts, conning, determination and blind ambition. But having qualities like pride and principles will almost automatically exclude one from the power structure. So, the lessons being taught by America's political and media elites is, if you want to get ahead, you'd be wise to learn how to kiss a little ass. Podcast below.
Comments
Post a Comment