Deal with the Devil

 Do any of you remember Joe Boyd? Like many of us, he had a dream. He wanted to be a baseball player, even though he was already past his prime. Along came Mr. Applegate— think Apple as the temptation in Eden. He offered Joe a deal: youth in exchange for his soul.

In Damn Yankees, Joe Boyd was willing to sell his soul to the devil in order to achieve a goal. His goal, however was simple: join the Yankees. He wanted to be young and play a game.

What has Congress sold its soul to? Who is the Mr. Applegate who is pulling the strings of our country, of our world?

It’s easy to complain about Trump— but just looking at the Oval Office press conference (minus the AP… gasp…), it’s clear that he is a diminished old man, high on power that he has ceded to Musk.

But is Musk the Faustian puppet master? Does he control Trump because he helped buy the election and rig machines?

Is Putin the man behind the curtain? Does he control Trump because the Russian dark web influenced US media?

Is it a posse of politicians, economists, and tech wizards? I feel a mob mentality growing, a la Gaston chasing after Belle’s father. Maybe it’s more than one Mr. Applegate.

Is it an alien? Because this treatment of marginalized people isn’t very humane. I know from personal experience and from research that people can be cruel, but my fear is for humanity.

Then, what has led the Republican Congress to lie down, roll over, and accept atrocities that once they railed against? Who is controlling them? Is it money, bribery, brainwashing, blind loyalty?

And then the Democrats and progressives: so many ordinary people are fighting. The lawyers are doing their darnedest, and let’s not forget Alt National Parks. Three cheers for the AP and for the journalists who call injustices when they arise. I am so proud of the acts of resistance on both sides.

But it seems like the politicians fought overnight one night and have been quieter than I’d like. Is it that we don’t know who the main leadership is now? Is this a changing of the guard? Or, better yet, is there major planning going on in the background? Right now, I’m waiting for more, and I’m wondering who or what is blocking that.

The Yankees aren’t in control. Joe Boyd isn’t in control. You and I are definitely not in control, and with certain election doubts, some of us also feel disenfranchised. Something has to give.

Good news: Joe Boyd was able to reclaim his soul. He won the game, won the girl, ceded his youth, and lived happily ever after. The Yankees sang “You’ve Gotta Have Heart” and everyone found their best selves.

It’s time. It’s time for us to find our best selves. It’s time for our leaders to find their best selves. It’s time for us to stop selling out to Mr. Applegate or any other demons who do not have our- or the world’s- best interests.