The Trump Show: Season Two — Reality TV or Political Pantomime?

Dearest readers, now that the curtain has just risen on President Donald Trump's second term, one cannot help but feel we've been cast as unwitting extras in a reality show that makes Neighbours look like high art. With plot twists aplenty and a cast of characters that would make any soap opera jealous, the question on everyone's lips is: How will this MAGA-show end? 

Executive Orders Galore: A Blitzkrieg of Bureaucracy

In a move that would leave even the most seasoned bureaucrat gobsmacked, President Trump signed a record-breaking 26 executive orders within the first 24 hours of his term. One might say he's been busier than a one-armed bricklayer in Baghdad. From withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Treaty and the World Health Organization to declaring National Emergency at the southern border and deploying troops there, it's clear that the President is keen to make his mark—preferably in permanent ink. Groups of criminal illegal immigrants have already been gathered up like sheep to truck and deported to their country of origin via air mail – with varying levels of success as some countries refused to let such “valuables” land on their soil telling Uncle Sam he is more than welcome to keep that loot.

Democrats in Disarray: Can't Organize a Piss-Up in a Brewery

Meanwhile, the opposition appears to be as effective as a chocolate teapot. Donkey is currently the perfect mascot for this party that seems to be able to take a step forward. With internal squabbles and a lack of clear strategy, the Democrats are struggling to find their footing in this new political landscape. Some have even crossed the aisle to support the President's initiatives, leaving progressives crying into their craft beers. It's a fair dinkum mess, and one wonders if they could organize a piss-up in a brewery, let alone mount a credible opposition. 

Foreign Influence: Who's Really Calling the Shots?

As the drama unfolds, a nagging question persists: Is President Trump the master of his domain, or are there unseen hands guiding his decisions? Reports have surfaced of significant earnings from foreign ventures during his first term, leading to concerns about potential conflicts of interest. It's enough to make one wonder if the real power lies not in the Oval Office, but in the boardrooms of oligarchs, both domestic and foreign. After all, when you're raking in the big bikkies, it's hard to keep track of who's doing you a solid. Will President Trump be able to Make America Great Again or cause it to become more vulnerable to specific foreign influence who could not like anything more than to cause division and decay from within America, by Americans themselves? Do not forget that the geopolitical Monopoly is also played with very subtle but effective means, operating away from the public eye, not just by threats, brute force and big boys’ guns.  

The Nation Watches: Popcorn at the Ready

As we settle into this second season of political theatre, the whole world watches with bated breath—and perhaps a touch of morbid curiosity. Will the American President deliver on his promises, or will the plot take an unexpected turn? Only time will tell, but one thing's for certain: this is one show you won't want to miss. So grab your popcorn and favourite sedative because it's going to be an epic ripper ride.

Yours in perpetual observation,

Lady Wombat

American Billionaire Puppeteers: Who is Pulling the Strings?

 America’s Billionaire Puppeteers: Who’s Really Pulling the Strings?

Ah, dearest readers, while President Trump may hold the golden scepter of the Oval Office and be the only one whose precious bum can rest on the leather chair behind the desk, one cannot help but notice that the true rulers of America’s fate seem to gather not in Washington but in Silicon Valley boardrooms and private jets crisscrossing the globe. 

Yes, I speak of the crème de la crème of American society, the billionaire boys’ club, those masters of the universe whose wallets are deeper than the Mariana Trench and whose wealth and influence makes even seasoned politicians look like rookies in a schoolyard game of marbles. It seems these titans of industry have taken a keen interest in the lofty goal of Making America Great Again—or, perhaps, making America the perfect playground for their own pursuits. 

Elon Musk: Rocket Man or Kingmaker?

Mr. Musk, that darling of disruption, has a finger in every pie and an eye on every prize. He thinks big and his dreams are nothing short of intergalactic—Mars colonies, AI breakthroughs, and a global fleet of electric vehicles turning highways around the globe into playgrounds for his electric chariots. But let us not forget his takeover of Twitter, now renamed “X,” where free speech appears to be redefined as whatever aligns with his vision of the world. Conveniently, this vision also happens to boost his Tesla stock and SpaceX contracts. 

And if his cozy relationship with government subsidies is anything to go by, Musk knows exactly how to play the Washington fiddle, or have them play to his fiddle. One wonders if his vision for America’s greatness includes a launch pad for his ambitions—or merely the launch codes for his next business decisions. He could, however, make everyone´s life a lot simpler by streamlining extensive policies and cutting down on bureaucracy dictating our fates. But should the man benefitting most of the relaxed regulation be in charge of that regulation? 

Mark Zuckerberg: From Likes to Lobbies

Meanwhile, Mr. Zuckerberg, that enigmatic overlord of the metaverse, is busy reshaping the very fabric of our digital lives. While the rest of us are left clutching our wallets and cursing interest rates and even food prices, Zuckerberg dreams of a virtual utopia where we can all escape reality—assuming, of course, we can afford the entry fee. But don’t let his hoodie fool you; Zuck is no ordinary techie. His empire extends far beyond social media, with efforts aimed squarely at keeping pesky regulations out of his hair. And fact checking does not get a Like from him anymore, as the user mob is to judge and correct any mistakes that float their way. Like my uncle Bob, who is certain he has proof of how the government controls the weather…after all, it always rains the day after he has his Kingswood detailed. There is reliable fact checking for you! 

And when “Mr. Sugarmountain” is not busy building the digital future, he’s reportedly eyeing the real-world political arena, a move that could turn the American dream into a dystopian newsfeed. Not that I do not savour my Facebook feed to see what my friends have been up to but why are we allowed to spread digital lies and insults if in the real world we would not only be pulled by the ear but be sued? Is that the modern definition of Freedom of Speech, the emergence of the Eleventh Commandment? Thou shall not insult thy neighbour-unless Thou do so in social media!

Jeff Bezos: Prime Minister of Profit

Then there’s Mr. Bezos, the undisputed czar of retail, whose Amazon empire has turned shopping into an addiction more powerful than tobacco, alcohol and sugar combined. Bezos has redefined consumerism, ensuring you can have everything from dog food to drones delivered faster with 1-click than you can say “late-stage capitalism.” Combine that with Amazon Web Services (AWS) computing and data services and the real power of Bezos starts to emerge. Let us just say that AWS hosts thousands of sites of American government agencies, even critical ones.  

But behind the shiny veneer of Prime memberships and same-day delivery lies a far less glamorous reality: warehouse workers complaining how they are pushed to their limits and antitrust allegations piling up. And let us not forget that Bezos has in his portfolio also the famed Washington Post newspaper. In the Presidential race of 2024 the Washington Post refrained from endorsing any candidate, something that has not happened for 36 years. And as the owner of rocket and space tech firm Blue Origin less regulatory oversight would be more than a visit to a candy store. 

A Nation Built for Billionaires?

But, dear readers, these men aren’t merely content with their gilded fortunes and sprawling empires. No, they see that America is flawed with extensive red tape, and unnecessary bureaucracy that causes grey hair both to businesses and individuals. But do we want a country where regulations are but an inconvenience, taxes are a quaint suggestion, and the average citizen exists only as a data point to harvest or a paying customer? 

The billionaire club is now openly stretching its influence on Capitol Hill, weaving a web of power that could ensure their ambitions remain unchecked. And with President Trump’s second term, one cannot help but wonder if these billionaires are whispering sweet nothings—or policy directives—into his ear.

The Real Game of Thrones

As America tunes in for the second season of The Trump Show, one thing becomes clear: the real power players aren’t just in Washington. They’re on private jets, in corporate boardrooms, and on the cutting edge of technology, shaping the nation not only through votes but also through dollars. Will this billionaire class steer the whole of America toward greatness—or simply use it as a sandbox for their own ambitions? Will profit margins and conversion rates be used as the deciding factors on social security and other sensitive policies? Only time will tell, but rest assured, dear readers, I’ll be here to chronicle every twist and turn.

Yours with a knowing smirk,
Lady Wombat

Sausage Sizzles, Citizenship Swearing, and a Dash of Drama

Esteemed Readers, Indulge your faithful correspondent as I recount the tales of this most curious and kaleidoscopic of national days. Let us begin with a disclaimer (of course): some of what follows may dance delicately along the border of factual accuracy—but what is life without a touch of flair, eh? 

The Day Dawns with Reflection and Fireworks 

Under skies as blue as a kookaburra’s laugh, Australia Day 2025 kicked off in Sydney with a touching dawn reflection at Darling Harbour. The sails of the Opera House shimmered with breathtaking Indigenous artwork, inspiring awe among early risers—and at least one bloke who mistakenly thought it was a new Vivid light display and started selling glow sticks. 

As crowds celebrated the day, tens of thousands also took to the streets for “Invasion Day” marches, their chants echoing through Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond with placards bearing powerful messages like “Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal Land” and “Change the Date.” The mood was both determined and hopeful, with Aboriginal leaders calling for deeper recognition and reconciliation. 

Meanwhile, over in Melbourne, 150 freshly minted Aussies celebrated their citizenship at Town Hall. Across the road at Federation Square, roving entertainers—among them a juggler dressed as Ned Kelly—worked the crowds as locals prepared for an evening of Aussie Open tennis on the big screen. 

 A Sizzle in the Suburbs 

In the west of Sydney, Parramatta Park was alive with the aroma of sausage sizzles and the inexplicable sound of someone attempting “Waltzing Matilda” on a didgeridoo. 

Thousands flocked there for a hot air balloon show, where one particularly silly balloonist attached a banner reading, “If the snag’s burnt, it’s still Aussie.” It was a big day for the barbeque faithful, but controversy struck when an overly ambitious influencer attempted to put avocado on a sausage sandwich. A near-riot ensued, though the situation was diffused when someone handed out extra sauce packets. 

A Warm Welcome for New Aussies

Across the country, over 15,000 new Australians were sworn in, each greeted with the warmest of smiles—and the obligatory instruction to learn all the verses of Advance Australia Fair (including the second verse nobody remembers). In Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese waxed lyrical about unity, family, and “giving it a red-hot go,” as he personally welcomed dozens of new citizens. His heartfelt speech was almost drowned out by the Governor-General’s unintentional microphone feedback, which some mistook for a live didgeridoo performance. 

Sports, Sparks, and the Great Thong Debate 

Warm weather inspired spirited races at the OzDay 10k wheelchair competition, where Paralympic champ Madison de Rozario zipped to victory yet again, leaving everyone else eating her dust—and possibly a stray eucalyptus leaf or two. Over in Adelaide, the Mourning in the Morning Smoking Ceremony drew large crowds, a poignant reminder of the day’s deeper significance. On the lighter side, a new sport emerged on Bondi Beach: thong flinging. The competition turned fierce as one participant launched their footwear so far it was reportedly retrieved by a lifeguard patrolling near Fiji. 

An Honourable Aussie and a National Debate 

The nation cheered as former AFL player and MND campaigner Neale Daniher was named Australian of the Year, having raised over $100 million to battle motor neurone disease. “This disease might rob us of movement, but it can’t rob us of hope,” he declared, inspiring Australians to dig deep—and, in one case, a pub to hold a charity stubby toss. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, notable for his absence at Canberra’s ceremony, opted to spend the day in his Queensland electorate, prompting Albo to quip, “If you want to

 lead the nation, you might want to attend its parties.” 

Celebration and Reflection in Equal Measure

For some, January 26 remains a day of mourning. Protests in capital cities attracted tens of thousands, with calls to change the date growing louder. As always, Australians balanced celebration with contemplation, laughter with listening. A Date Debate: May 8, Mate Day? Ah, the date debate. It loomed large over the day, as it has for years. Esteemed readers, one proposal gaining momentum is to move the celebrations to May 8—affectionately dubbed “Mate Day.” A date that sounds like “mate,” they argue, is uniquely Australian and would celebrate the camaraderie that unites us, rather than dividing us. The idea was floated at many gatherings, including Parramatta Park’s sausage sizzle, where one spirited Sydneysider declared between bites of a burnt snag, “May 8 just makes sense! I mean, who doesn’t love a day about mate”. 

As the Sun Sets on Another Australia Day… 

Australians across the nation flocked to beaches, parks, and backyards. Esky races, vegemite art competitions, and questionable karaoke renditions of John Farnham tunes marked the evening’s revelry. Yet, as fireworks lit up the skies, the message of unity prevailed. Whether over a burnt snag or a heartfelt Welcome to Country, Australians found ways to share stories, reflect, and look forward to brighter tomorrows. Whether on May 8, Mate Day or another date, one thing is clear: Australians are celebrating this great land in a way that unites us all. 

Yours in yarns and yabbies, 

Dame Wombat