A sequel to the bloodbath of November 5, 2024 must begin with a short preamble to what has developed since. At this point, it necessitates that we go clickety clack clack and traipse back to inauguration day, January 20, 2025. A day when we hit the bottle early on, asked the kids to shut up, muzzled the pets and zombie-like watched executive orders being signed with a flurry.
The ensuing global chain reaction to this can be best described in an anomaly of a house divided with two obnoxiously clear viewpoints. The debate is relentless in its effort to sway the right to the left and the left to the right. Because of such a state of affairs, and in order to bring world peace, I am tempted to use both uppers Mohammad Ali style in areas designated for strictly congenital purposes. However, Gandhiji would not approve of my violent ways and thus I must refrain and instead resort to sermons reeking of common sense.
‘Common sense – you shriek, (you being the left wingers) – that sir has found the black hole and left the planet’s stratosphere!’ At this juncture, I would like to point out that I go by the pronoun ‘she’, but that would cause disruption to the mental stability of those that feel scorned. Instead, allow me to express my sincere condolences for your state of discomfort and the alarm you feel at what is to come next.
But before we start worrying about what could happen to the marginalised, let us take the right wingers to task for having feasted on your sorrow, anger and sense of frustration. ‘Shame, Shame, Puppy Shame’. There, I scolded them.
Now, as I am quite often apt to do, when the world is in turmoil, allow me once more to take on the role of ‘Objectivus Maximus’ and align your focus. Let us begin by taking a deep breath while remembering the great philosopher Mr Newman, Alfred E’s three words of wisdom, ‘What Me Worry’; and forthright proceed to analyse the why’s and wherefores of President Trump’s policy changes, First Lady Melania’s wardrobe, what in fact did Barron Trump whisper in outgoing President Biden’s ear and why did Prime Minister Modi not attend the mother of all inaugurations. However, I believe that has been overly discussed so let us quickly fast forward to the state of current affairs.
As of today, fifty-three executive orders have been signed with undoubtedly, more to come. Twenty-five percent tariffs were imposed on neighbours to our north and south in the continent of North America and promptly rescinded when the bait was taken. China too has been caught in this tariff warfare. It is just the tip of the iceberg, but as of now let us see who blinks first.
Having said that, before you start putting toothpicks from eyelashes to lids and defy the odds of where you went wrong in your surmise of what’s to come with levied bets on the right or left wingers, please take a deep breath, drop all pretence and jump on this virtual rollercoaster that is about to dictate our destinies in the coming months, or years.
Although neither you nor I have the misfortune of being in the Canadian PM’s shoes. JT, the man who is walking the line and facing the gallows. Alright, alright, I do hear you and agree that he has been granted a short term reprieve. But, we all know that he was born in a waffle cone and under stars that for most part guide him towards imbecile like decisions. So, unless he can negotiate with Denmark and deliver Greenland to the USA, he does not have much of a bargaining chip.
Nor do we want to change places with the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, who has vehemently disagreed to rename the Gulf of Mexico. She is standing her ground on that point but has agreed to pay for part of the border wall and has agreed to most of the regime’s multiple demands. In lieu of that, the regime has kept its word but one wonders why large corporations like Chevron are now calling it the Gulf of America in their earnings records.
Since the Panamanians do not wish to relent control of the Panama Canal it has fallen upon the few Latin American countries to bring to his majesty the Canal on a silver platter. Unable to convince the pineapple rich nation, they, the countries of Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, and too many others to mention (I propose you look up the map) asked if the US would settle for some Panama hats. The regime which is not akin to being swayed quite so easily did momentarily consider the FLOTUS’ affinity to hats. But, the momentary lapse in judgement was shrugged off. The countries were then rebuked and were asked to use their proficiency in Spanish, woo the cartel and bring them the Canal. I hear they are quite anguished these days because how are they to change the course of a waterway? I understand their panic and admonish the order delivering minions to be specific in their demands.
At this point, you wonder why I dwell on the Americas at length. You ask ‘what about China.’ I say, ‘what of China?’ You mean the perpetual Chinese standoff? I find it quite exhausting to watch the never ending cat and mouse game. Just like you, I will follow the ping pong news items from various news media.
This brings me to ICE, the forbearer of all things immigration, border security, CAA, NRC, etc., and discuss the scenario that has you up in arms about the treatment meted to the illegals who were transported in shackles and chains back to their homeland. My sympathies since they are my fellow Indians. But, really they gave away lakhs and crores to hands unknown and followed the donkey route to lands unknown? I’ll tell you who should be shackled! Those predator agents who conned these simpletons with dreams of a better life. And, following that, shackle the tongues of the regional extremists for their outrage against 33 of the 104 illegal immigrants being Gujaratis and why they were flown to Amritsar. I ask these ‘buddhijeevis’ (also otherwise known as intellectuals, which in this case is a slur against ABJ Kalam, Nicolai Tesla, Krish 1,2,3,4 …and you get the point). That is what irks you and what you base your outrage against instead of the fact that your fellow countrymen had to trudge to the bathroom on a plane that was flying through turbulence in high altitude. Not a tear for soiled clothing? Not a question about what possessed them, to give away their life’s savings on a gamble? Hope you get the point through my emotional outburst and why given your mind set, it is not worthy of debate. Let us move on to what is more crucial.
On a serious note, this regime is here to stay and they have an agenda. They want to bring jobs back to the USA. This means any country that offers them manufacturing potential, will be rewarded. Japan foresaw that, made a lucrative offer and boom just like that Detroit, Michigan will no longer be a dead town. Neither will it be pretty like the cherry blossom avenue of DC (Japan’s previous contribution towards beautification of America), but that is an argument of aestheticism vs. reality. Choose your poison, I say. Not to be side-lined, El Salvador (another lesser known South American country) came forward and emulated the Ellis Island message of yesteryears when the US welcomed immigrants. As we speak Salvador has offered to take off of US hands, their weary, downtrodden and hard-core criminals. The regime will acquiesce and Salvador will be back on the valued list which means when their chief politicos visit, they will get vouchers to stay at the Trump Plaza in NY and Vegas. Everyone is happy.
Which brings us to the current hotly debated issue world over with regards to the policy changes for illegal immigrants, H1B visa holders, asylum seekers (I guess) and children of illegal immigrants’ right to citizenship. I personally do not think the bill will pass as is. Contingency will have to be provided. However, do chomp on the following and look at this curbing of immigration and naturalisation from the US perspective. Case in point: an average legal citizen of the US who has paid into the Social Security coffers for over 30 years gets something around $1,000 to $1,500 per month. No food coupons, subsidised insurance, no housing, no other amenities. Versus: An illegal immigrant who gets $2,500 per month, free housing, food, medical, telephone and utilities. You do the math.
Finally, commenting on all the executive orders would be running a fool’s errand. But I do give kudos to the regime for setting up the DOGE (acronym for Department of Government Efficiency) to curb excessive spending within the government which will by far prove to be the most advantageous. It will bring in focus widespread corruption, misuse of power, nepotism and mismanagement of taxpayer funds. Why am I underlining this point? Because, I believe it may be of equally significant importance to India. If the USA can get it done with the right leadership at the helm, India can achieve the same. For whatever its worth, I endorse Shri Yogiji for this job.
In conclusion, the coming weeks and months will determine how President Trump and his governance affect global outcomes. This writer sees it as a wait and watch game with Trump, Xi Ping, Putin and Modi at the forefront. I pray and hope that wisdom prevails and joint actions by above leaders thwart the possibility of World War III. Meanwhile, stock up on grains, water, dehydrated foods and pray that sanity prevails. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!
