Germanicus and Gaius examine the possible conflicts in the Trump-Musk-Vance triangle, discuss Vladimir Putin in the context of historical warlords, and look to future centuries one thousand years on when philosophers may ask, “Why did America fail?”
The possibilities in the 21st century need our attention.
There is a developing conversation between the Emperor-To-Be Mr. Trump and his counselor, lieutenant, and Master of the Horse Elon Musk that is ripe for Shakespearean turns of phrases.
We're going to apply the 1st century BCE, however, to remind everyone that a Caesar always has a master of the horse (and it doesn't always go well). As they gain power, they fall apart from each other, and then…
There is a third party, however. That would be Mr. Vance, the soon-to-be vice president, adopted son, and heir apparent.
Mr. Trump as emperor has one term left. So, I'm going to remind both of us that he's only as strong now as he will be at the end of his term-limited years, when he is 82 years old and cannot influence next January. It's taken from him by law. He can challenge it, but he can't count on.
Musk, however, is inhibited only by a little frill in the constitution that is fussy about where you're born. The Vance succession would be the straightforward choice — a senator, marine, and bestselling writer who rises from humble beginnings to become the emperor and the heir apparent. And therein lies the challenge.
Which is the model we're going to choose? Will it be Vance rises and Musk steps aside?
Will it be Trump leaves the scene and Vance and Musk fight it out? Will it be that Musk storms out of the palace and wastes his time to strike in the future? Will it be Vance finds a way to undercut Musk?
Or will it be Mr. Trump who fires them both?
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Public domain image used from The Last Days of Pompeii by Karl Bryullov (1830-33)
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