The Washington octopus, by James Piereson

These metaphors of the swamp and the deep state, while generally accurate, do not fully capture the degree of influence the nation s capital exercises over the politics of the nation and the operation of other institutions. Through the new powers it has seized in recent decades, the federal government extends its reach into every institution in the country, including schools and colleges, private associations, state and local governments, business enterprises, and because of its influence over the schools even into families and family life. This has happened largely without authorization from voters, or from their representatives in Congress. This is the Washington octopus, its tentacles reaching into every area of national life, with support from federal officials, advocacy groups, and the press, but without any effective control or oversight that might be exercised by voters, representatives, or the two political parties.

via newcriterion.com

Maybe get chatgpt to summarize this. But you get the point. I say let’s unleash Musk upon this sluggish but fearsome creature, though one hopes he would appoint some engineers who relish this thankless task to take it on. I don’t see how they could possibly succeed, but it’s worth a try. Musk has things to do elsewhere.