## “Give Me The Lex Luthor!”: Jon Stewart Breaks Down Trump’s Inauguration and the Technocrat Takeover
Remember that time Jon Stewart told us to “eat the rich”? Well, buckle up, because he’s back, and this time he’s taking aim at something even more terrifying: the chilling intersection of Donald Trump’s inauguration and the rise of Silicon Valley’s technocratic elite.
In a recent fiery commentary, Stewart dissects the pomp and circumstance of a presidency built on empty promises, while simultaneously exposing the alarming trend of unelected tech giants wielding unprecedented power.
Is this America’s new reality? A world ruled by a reality TV star and a shadowy cabal of Silicon Valley overlords? Stewart delivers a scathing critique, urging us to recognize the danger lurking beneath the surface of our digital age.
Ready to dive into the unsettling world Stewart reveals? Let’s go.Jon Stewart’s Inauguration Roast: A Hilariously Ironic Take on Technocracy and Trump
While some might say Donald Trump’s inauguration marked a somber day in U.S. history, Morningpicker’s resident political humorist, Jon Stewart, had dick jokes aplenty. The comedian and former host of The Daily Show incised the D.C. affair with one-liners aimed at those in attendance (from their fashion choices to their general decision to show up at all), X owner Elon Musk’s odd/potentially terrifying salute, and outgoing POTUS Joe Biden’s down-to-the-wire blanket pardon. Regarding the peaceful transfer of power, which began with Biden’s tea-time with Trump, Stewart quipped: “I’m not saying Biden should have done his own insurrection, but there’s gotta be a happy medium between storming the Capitol and ‘would you like a crumpet?’” As for those present, Stewart marveled at the people who had previously denounced Trump — as a fascist and otherwise — who dropped by: “George Bush seemed kind of there — definitely high. Even Mike Pence showed up, I guess to let the crowd finish the job. Only Michelle Obama seemed to have the consistent ethical stance of saying, ‘When they go low, I stay the f— home.’”
The Usual Suspects: Fashion Faux Pas, Political Juxtapositions, and Blanket Pardons
Stewart’s Sharp Observations
From Melania’s hat to Biden’s last-minute pardons, Stewart delivers witty jabs at the inauguration’s attendees and events. He remarked on Melania Trump’s distinctive hat, which “doubled as an effective [barrier to Trump’s attempt to kiss her.] If you don’t control your borders…”
The Return of Familiar Faces
Stewart highlights the irony of figures who previously condemned Trump now attending his inauguration, especially in light of the Capitol insurrection. He questioned their motives, noting the apparent disconnect between their past rhetoric and their present actions.
The Pardoning Paradox
Stewart examines the implications of Biden’s blanket pardon for his family, questioning its timing and optics. He suggests that this move, while potentially legal, raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and undermines public trust in the justice system.
Technocrats Taking Over: The Billionaires’ Club and the Missing Governors
The Silicon Valley Takeover
Stewart focuses on the prominent presence of tech billionaires like Musk, Zuckerberg, and Bezos, drawing comparisons to a futuristic dystopia. He notes that these individuals, with their immense wealth and influence, seem to be shaping the political landscape in ways that traditional power structures cannot.
Lex Luthor in the White House
Stewart humorously suggests that these tech titans resemble a supervillain cabal, controlling vast wealth and potentially influencing global events. He uses the analogy of Lex Luthor from the Superman comics to highlight the potential dangers of unchecked corporate power.
The Open-Source Illuminati
Stewart questions the transparency and accountability of this emerging power structure, comparing it to a secretive elite. He suggests that the lack of public scrutiny and oversight over these tech giants poses a threat to democracy and individual liberty.
Musk’s Missed Mark: A Salute or a Social Media Storm?
The Awkward Gesture
Stewart analyzes Elon Musk’s controversial salute, acknowledging its potential for misinterpretation. He presents various perspectives on the gesture, highlighting the complexities of online discourse and political symbolism.
The Anti-Defamation League’s Defense
Stewart presents the ADL’s perspective on the salute, emphasizing the organization’s expertise in combating hate speech and its efforts to provide context and nuance to potentially inflammatory situations.
Dumbing Down the Discourse
Stewart critiques the tendency to oversimplify complex issues and engage in unproductive online debates. He argues that social media platforms often encourage superficial engagement and the spread of misinformation, hindering meaningful dialogue and understanding.
From Normality to Dysfunction: A Cycle of Unaccountability
The Peaceful Transition, with a Twist
Stewart acknowledges the seemingly smooth transfer of power, but highlights the underlying issues of Trump’s actions and Biden’s pardons. He suggests that the appearance of normalcy masks deeper problems of political polarization, erosion of democratic norms, and the lack of accountability for powerful individuals.
The “Snake-Sucking-Its-Own-Dick” Cycle
Stewart’s scathing metaphor exposes the cyclical nature of political corruption and the lack of consequences for powerful figures. He argues that this cycle perpetuates a system where abuse of power goes unchecked, ultimately undermining the foundations of democracy.
The Future of American Democracy
Stewart’s commentary raises important questions about the state of American democracy and the potential for future political instability. He suggests that if unchecked, the trends of polarization, corruption, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few could lead to a dangerous erosion of democratic values and institutions.
Conclusion
Jon Stewart’s scathing critique of the Trump inauguration and the “technocrat convention” that followed, where he famously quipped, “Give me the Lex Luthor,” wasn’t just a comedic outburst. It was a sharp, insightful commentary on the anxieties surrounding a political landscape seemingly devoid of empathy, drowned in a sea of corporate greed, and increasingly dominated by algorithms and AI. Stewart highlights the alarming trend of placing power in the hands of unelected, often unaccountable, technocrats, individuals whose decisions can have profound societal impacts, yet operate largely outside public scrutiny. He questions their motives, their understanding of human needs, and their ability to navigate the complexities of governing in a time of immense social and technological upheaval. Stewart’s call for “Lex Luthor” isn’t a literal endorsement of the comic book supervillain. It’s a tongue-in-cheek plea for transparency and accountability – a demand that the powerful, whether politicians or tech moguls, be held responsible for their actions and their impact on the world. He reminds us that unchecked power, whether wielded by a demagogue or a data scientist, can be just as dangerous. As we navigate this uncharted territory, Stewart’s words serve as a potent reminder: the future isn’t predetermined. It’s shaped by the choices we make, the voices we amplify, and the systems we choose to build. Will we allow ourselves to be governed by algorithms and unaccountable elites, or will we demand a future where power truly serves the people?