[Note: I’m not going to make you laugh this time, but I wanted to take a minute to talk about some underrated news.]

[Note: I thought I posted this here, but I posted it on my other blog where I post the same posts to keep the blog after college maybe on October 12th]

Donald Trump is consistently one of the most controversial men in America… I know, shocking. He is wildly divisive and partisan. He has created one of the most polarized political climates in American history. Every policy he has had his tiny hands in has been terrible for minorities and anyone who isn’t making at least six figures… Until yesterday when the “Music Modernization Act (MMA) became law.”

A little context to set the tone for this… A few years ago, Taylor Swift wrote a letter to streaming services saying she would not be letting them use her music because she was not being compensated fairly. People came back with vicious comments about her privilege and selfishness. She was criticized for wanting more money when she already had so much. While these people may not have been wrong on their assessment of her character, it is wrong to assume that someone’s work is worth less simply because they are already rich. This logic also distracted from the problem at hand; Streaming services were not adequately paying any artists. Not just Swift. The MMA ensures that this doesn’t happen anymore.

This was Trump’s one and only chance to be involved in a non-partisan, progressive, and non-controversial policy. With his record low approval rating, it’s no shock that he involved himself. Billboard’s article mentions praise by several artists, including pictured Kid Rock, after the signing ceremony. My gut reaction is to assume that Trump only got involved to boost his approval rating by appealing to women and other minority musicians, who are already at risk for unfair compensation, who he works to oppress every other day of the week. But at the same time, this act is so essential to the success of the music industry that it’s almost okay for Trump to use it as another stepping stone. At least he isn’t stepping on anyone’s neck this time… this time.

This act finally ensures fair compensation to music artists, and Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of ASCAP said, “The MMA’s unanimous passage in the House and Senate proves that the power of music is a great unifier.” This is actually really sad because it seems music is the last stop for unification, compromise, and civility when it comes to policy making. This might not last long though with the number of men (and women) sexually abusing coworkers in Hollywood.