Might Is Right, Mountains and Rivers, and the Politics of Imbalance

 

Might Is Right, Mountains and Rivers, and the Politics of Imbalance

All opinions are those of the author.

Donald Trump’s dominating attitude continues to surface in relation to Venezuela, along with what appears to be his desire to assume an empowered, almost godlike authority. He seems intent on expanding this posture as far as possible. But the question remains whether he is truly the man for such responsibility, or whether his consciousness is firmly situated enough to carry the reasoning and consequences behind these actions. I do not think so.

It appears to me that his behavior is strongly influenced by exterior forces that reinforce and amplify his instincts. These influences seem to shape his ideas and embolden him to act in ways that run against the framework of commonplace international law. In other words, he is not acting alone within a vacuum of thought. His actions reflect a broader network of reinforcement that enables a worldview in which “might is right” becomes an acceptable operating principle.

This idea of “might is right” brings me back to a lecture by Katagiri Roshi that I encountered during my college years. Getting into college itself felt like a miracle, given my weak academic background. That lecture stayed with me. Katagiri Roshi explored how power, authority, and righteousness can easily become confused, especially when fear, xenophobia, or self-interest distort our understanding of what is right. The question becomes whether might truly equals right, or whether that assumption collapses under careful examination.

Katagiri Roshi also spoke at length about mountains and rivers. He returned again and again to the simple but profound image of gravity flowing naturally from the top of a mountain to its base. This flow is not forced, manipulated, or theatrical. It simply follows its nature. Understanding this, he taught, helps us understand the world, ourselves, and how things genuinely work when we do not lose our sense of balance or gravity.

One of Donald Trump’s more recognizable traits is his ability to throw people off balance. He often distorts the sense of gravity in a conversation, creating confusion so that opponents lose their footing. This tactic appears whether he is discussing Venezuela, a local business dispute, or moral arguments such as those surrounding the Epstein files. By destabilizing the frame of reference, he gains advantage, whether politically, rhetorically, or personally.

However, the Venezuela situation feels fundamentally different. Unlike his usual spontaneous reactions and public spectacles, this appears to involve prior planning and execution. That suggests the involvement of others and a level of coordination that makes the situation more aggressive and concerning. When military action becomes part of the equation, the stakes shift dramatically beyond personal bravado or rhetorical dominance.

I suspect that this is yet another attempt to test how far the “might is right” principle can be pushed within society. Throwing people off balance becomes a method of probing limits, distracting from personal vulnerabilities, and extracting victories where possible. Whether the law will ultimately hold him accountable remains uncertain. He has shown considerable skill in navigating power structures while keeping himself just out of reach.

In closing, I remain deeply grateful for Katagiri Roshi and his teachings. I have reflected on those lectures for many years, and they have helped me understand not only political power but also my own struggles. They continue to offer clarity in times of confusion. While I doubt such teachings would influence the current president, they remain a steady reference point for understanding the difference between true balance and manufactured dominance.