NAIVETE

One thing I've learne in the last couple weeks is the world doesn't work the way we think it does.  Rather, there is a gross underworld that makes things happen or prohibits them or slow walks them.  Whether it be at a national political level or a business...  Things don't work the way they're intended or supposed to.  Everything is rigged.   It's become more and more obvious every single day.  Whether it's the top levels of government, a franchise location or a personal relationship.  There are elements of power, control, deception and obstacle.  No one can accomplish their agenda or do their job without relying on someone else.  Sure - someone is technically driving the bus... But someone else maintains the engine, makes sure the route is accurate and someone else makes sure there's enough gas to get to the destination.  Even if there is enough gas to get to the destination, someone else can be deflating the tires so bus isn't running as efficiently as possible.  Someone charged with giving directions could give you the scenic route when you asked for the most direct route.  Better yet, the bus could break and the mechanic installs inferior parts and the bus breaks again.

I'm reading a book by Peter Navarro about the Trump administration.  It's an interesting read and disturbing at the same time.  

One thing for certain - the president is literally just a puppet or figure head.  Things get accomplished through the bureaucratic process.  Those in the process are the ones who decide what gets done or not done based on THEIR motivations.  There is no allegiance to the president or his agenda.  There is allegiance to their ideals and agenda for the country.

So - Washington is a tragedy and the swamp analogy used by President Trump is accurate.  The swamp does need to be drained.  I don't think it will ever happen unless there is a civil war of sorts and our institutions are burned to the ground and rebuilt from scratch.  It is disheartening and disappointing.