I read this line many years ago in a motivational self-help book written by a (self-professed) successful businessman. His point was that whoever was providing the money was in control of the final decisions – regardless of how important the players were, the employees were, personal feelings and “fairness”.
His advice was that if you wanted to be in charge, you needed to own the ballpark.
If you relied on someone else to pay the bills, you would never be in control.
I’ve been thinking about this lately as Trump and his administration are attacking enemies, penalizing adversaries, punishing political opponents, shutting down agencies, defunding organizations, bullying allies and suing those who dare to defy Trump.
Their power comes from the Federal Government – specifically the Federal Government money.
As I see it there are a few ways to remain free:
- Never cross Trump. This can be difficult given his mercurial positions, as well as your own political, business or moral convictions.
- Don’t take the money. Or, if you do, don’t allow yourself to be in a position where you rely on the money to survive.
- Stay under the radar. With each prosecution, attack and threat, we are seeing that Trump wields significant power to attack individuals, organizations and countries. Personally, I would be hesitant to go up against him publicly given his vindictive actions and willingness to use executive, prosecutorial and judicial power.
I live a quiet, simple life. I’m an unimportant, anonymous man. I am not a public figure, nor am I seeking fame or publicity. For me, staying under the radar is my natural way of life.
If I was a Democratic leader or a vocal, public critic of Trump with a large following, I’d be worried about retribution – whether it’s weaponizing the government against me, doxxing, targeting me for abuse from his base or burying me with costly, time consuming lawsuits.
Good thing I’m not.
I don’t own the ballpark. I don’t play in it either.