Political Distractions: Is Donald Trump our Lex Luthor?

Presidential candidate Donald Trump has confounded lots of people during his run-up to the 2016 election. The focus on Trump isn’t waning as political experts thought it might. As of August 2015, most reputable polls had him leading, or near the top, of both the Republican and the mock national matchups.

Media consumers see pundits smirking at the mention of Trump. Perhaps this eyerolling is an affectation by political talking heads, so we will think they feel cheapened; that Trump makes a mockery of their jobs. 

However, most of the public has already lost faith in media and in politics, knowing the mainstream is laughing all the way to the bank.

Donald Trump is an entertaining and profitable distraction. Here are a few ways they are similar.

They’re billionaires. This is obvious and rightfully first on the list. Trump and Luthor have more money than you and me. Love makes the world go ’round, but money greases many a wheel. The first incarnations of Lex Luthor showed him as a fully-coiffed mad scientist. Over time, he became a power-hungry businessman, which is how the casual fan knows him today. And, in one Justice League animated series, Luthor angles all of his resources to run for president!

They’re ruthless. Goes along with having money. Maybe there have been a few extremely righteous, sweet men and women who’ve made huge fortunes and amassed power on many levels. However, that just isn’t the norm. “I'd trip my mother (to win),” said baseball legend Leo Durocher. “I'd help her up, brush her off, tell her I'm sorry. But mother don't make it to third.” To succeed in the world’s systems, Luthor and Trump long ago decided what was important. That decision to win the competition is reflected in their bearing, and what they say and do.

They are surrounded by beautiful women. When Trump said that long-time model Heidi Klum was ‘no longer a 10’, he gave us a clue as to his lofty standards. He has been married to and dated many, many beauties. The women will keep coming as long as he is Donald Trump. Yet Lex Luthor trumps Trump. Not only does he marry and date goddesses, two of them (Mercy and Hope) are his deadly bodyguards.

Their heads command attention. Much is made of Donald Trump’s ’do. But many people don’t know the twisty history behind Lex’s slick-bald head. The story goes that an artist forgot to draw Luthor’s hair a couple of times, and to cover, the producers of the comic created a backstory where the permanent baldness is Superman’s fault. Multiple versions aside, we do know that Luthor and Trump are instantly recognizable because of their noggins. For very different reasons.

Your opinion doesn’t register. Lex’s rudeness is legendary. He once told Superman, “They say ‘Keep your enemies close’… in your case, I’m willing to make an exception.” Not many people get the last word with Luthor. 

Neither is Donald Trump a shrinking violet: He infuriates people from Fox News to The View to Congress to Mexico, and everywhere between. “We are led by stupid people,” Trump told CNN once. ‘Trump Won’t Apologize For (fill-in-the-blank)’, trending headlines keep telling us. Does he seem worried that you’re angry? No. Luthor doesn’t care, either.

Unlike Lex Luthor, Donald Trump doesn’t pilot experimental planes nor encase himself inside battle exosuits. He is certainly not a crazed, villian with plans to subjugate the world.

But, if Superman existed, Donald Trump would probably try to humble him, too.

Online Romance: How to Meet Your Digital Sweetheart in Person

So you've met someone special on the Web. They are far away from you, but within minutes, distance seems to shrink. The first private chats blew your minds. You could hardly believe that two people had so much in common. This is it,

yes? Yes.

The impulse is to meet your new best friend, as quickly as possible. You want a time machine so you can leave yesterday. Why wait? After all, you click so well on the computer and during phone calls. And don't forget the text convos that continued well past bedtime.

But check your speed before you ride a cloud out of sight, lover. Here are 4 things to remember, before Cupid's arrow grows barbs:

1) Slow down. If it's been less than a month, and you two are already planning to meet in person, the pace is too quick. Let the passion fade. Wait until you've had at least a few I don't know anymore if s/he's the one moments. Even having never met, your reaction on those occasions when one of you discovers a white lie or are otherwise disappointed will say a lot.

It's good when the two of you heal from those moments later, together. Yet do not be fooled into substituting these emotions in favor of real-world contact. Physical proximity gives you the sounds and scents of another person, their microexpressions, and the way we all look when exhausted or waking up. Wifi cannot transmit all of that yet.

2) Talk to your most trusted friends. Most people have at least one wise listener in their lives. Get them alone, and listen to the advice even if you don't agree.

If you are the host for this lovestruck meeting, arrange a collision between your potential partner and a few whose opinions you admire. Even a short exchange could tell you how your new circle might get along.

Children from previous relationships will also give a good reading of the situation. Pay attention--most of all, to your own instincts. The body knows.

3) Temper your expectations. Be realistic about this person you're tumbling over. You are basically starting all over again. Knowing everything about people is not the same as knowing them. Forget this at your peril.

The typed words, photos and videos may not represent the person accurately. In those moments before you lay eyes on each other, focus on simply loving your potential as they are. For both to be so accepting is rare. All of your communication has been electronic. Now you've landed in the real world, and real-world relationships are difficult.

4) Make a plan. Try not to be that person racing through terminals, having secured an last-minute invite from your love. Those looking to hook up will find this advice worthless. If this is you, enjoy the casual encounter. You will find that rushing makes the landing tricky.

For the reasonable traveler: Book a hotel room near your potential's house, and find your own transportation. Remember, you are actually meeting for the first time. Prepare for the possibility that the connection will fizzle within a few hours, and don't get stuck in an awkward situation.

Read more about online dating and romance for the reasonable man.

Explore her town on your own at least once. Try not to spend every single minute together during the visit. Even if sparks are flying, at least you can look forward to returning to one another's embrace. Happy traveling!