Crash Bang Life

"Frack." Me, frustrated.

"Frack"

Frustratingly real life gets in the way when you least expect it. I knew the big off-roader was there, crash bang still happened. Trying to bite my tongue the curse came out, “Shhh…”, fill in the blanks. I have an in-section curved driveway that is usually clear, this morning there were a couple of visitors. Of course, they parked in my more than ample driveway. One gave me room to reverse, I smiled and backed out. Bang!! The “f” word was about to burst out, instead a silent shhh… was mumbled, followed by a loud “Frack.” I have a costly ding on a corner of the boot. Of course, on the big off-roader, not even a scratch on its strong fender.

Some relief from politics.

Crash, bang brought be back to my life, after being consumed for weeks by the actions of Trump and Musk. I wish Americans had only a little crash bang to worry about, instead their democratic way of life is seriously under threat. Trump has lit the fuse with enabler Musk fanning the flame. Boy, I feel for all you Americans. Whether you voted for Trump or not, his trade war affects everyone, including little old New Zealand. Of course, our democracy is not at risk in the way yours is in the USA.

Some Signs of Resistance

Grassroots resistance is flickering, directed first at Musk’s businesses, Tesla bearing the brunt of it. While some reactions against Tesla and Musk have been extreme, they are minor compared to DOGE's impact on thousands of Americans. I suspect worse is yet to come for Musk, his competitors like BYD gleefully taking full advantage of Musk’s absence. BYD now has the crown as the biggest manufacturer of electric vehicles. Their technology is leaping ahead of Tesla. Musk has stepped down from DOGE. If so, he may be able to salvage the reputation of his car company. As always, time will tell, but the damage to his biggest brand Tesla is immense. Musk is paying a heavy price for his ego and arrogance.

Up until now, I considered the Democrats' response to the harm caused by Trump and Musk to justice and government processes to be rather timid. Birnie Sanders and AOC are doing a magnificent job in spreading the democracy message with accountability. Senator Corey Booker is disrupting the Senate because he says, “The nation is in crisis.” He will speak at the podium for as long as he is physically able, which could go on for hours.

Thousands are gathered in townhall meetings, on the streets, in front of Tesla yards, in all cities, holding and shouting their slogans written on signs.

A few examples.

·        Musk is destroying democracy.

·        Bankrupt Elon

·        Honk if you hate Elon

·        Tesla funds fascists

·        Defund Musk

·        Reject project 2025

·        Dump Trump

Summary

One day when all this is over people could be looking back with thanks. Thanks, that their resistance, their slogans helped save democracy in America. Protest, Protest, Protest Loudly.