As Lennon Might Tweet Give Musk A Chance

If Musk’s ownership of Tesla & Space Exploration Tech didn’t put him in pantheon of creative entrepreneurs next to Edison his pending takeover of Twitter does. But, remember the world’s richest, bitchest man didn’t get there by losing money.

“I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means,” Mr. Musk posted minutes after the WSJ reported a deal was about to be struck. It was revealing, coming as it did, after days of acrimony with progressive pundits, pols, bureaucrats, investors, staff, mgt & board that went so far as trying to adopt a poison pill (i.e., put a 15% limit on further stock purchases) to block his initial buyout offer. But, when the stock zoomed at the news & financing was arranged …

As the WSJ notes, Mr. Musk has 82M Twitter followers & has used the platform to pronounce his views “on everything from space travel to cryptocurrencies.” As a self-described “free speech absolutist,” Musk can be expected to take steps (and, has already signaled some) to ensure EVERYONE Twitter embodies that mantra BUT with a constant eye on the bottom line. Noted the WSJ: “Taking Twitter private [will] allow Mr. Musk to make changes without the scrutiny public companies typically are under from their shareholders [while simultaneously wanting] to retain as many shareholders as possible.” A good or bad thing? Musk’s proven he’s a savvy businessman as well as societal advocate. His controversial takeover need not trigger a cultural or PC war, assuming he proceeds as skillfully as he has at Tesla & SETC; rather, done right, a revitalized Twitter could give (re)new(ed) meaning to “fairness & balance” in addressing its original free speech mission. As Beatle John Lennon would likely say about Musk and in the name of Peace, “Give Him A Chance.”

Davd Soul