UPDATE: Elon Musk Has Sold ~$5 Billion In Tesla Vested-Equity Off; Perhaps Another $10-to-$15 Billion To Go... Tax Policies? Threats?

I first mentioned this development late last week, but I may end up writing a few more about the topic. That is so, because I interpret his moves both as a bit of self-aggrandizing showmanship, and a none-to-subtle attempt to lobby / threaten the current administration about any proposed "billionaires' tax".

The issues raised are profound, and far reaching -- as to whether he will ever really pay his fair share, for the staggeringly-vast opportunity the United States of America has offered him. In fairness, clearly (despite his otherwise odious personal traits) he has made good on America's grant of freedoms -- and added much value to the the state of US tech leadership.

But it is equally clear now, that he is. . . (developmentally-speaking) an infant, on most emotional and social interaction / policy dimensions. [It seems that he's fixated on being. . . famous, or if not that. . . then. . . notorious.]

Of course (speaking as a lawyer with deep experience in this area of practice -- sensible, goal-aligning executive-, and founder-, compensation plans), there are relatively well-known devices to preserve Tesla's stock value, while still granting Mr. Musk some liquidity, and paying the taxes (as a largely one time hit). The device involves surrendering, and repricing, and extending the options, along with new targets / goals, and adding a premium price feature to the stated exercise/vesting prices (say. . . up 140% from today's NASDAQ prices).

But he must willingly volunteer to do it -- and he must volunteer to keep working for Tesla, to see the full value, here. [Since Tesla now generates more than adequate cash flow (it did not, when he was granted these options) to pay him a straight cash salary, it should do so, for his day to day needs -- say $500,000 to $750,000 a year. But make the rest. . . equity tied. He should retire all his stock loans, at the banks as well, to more sensibly align him with longer term stock appreciation goals.]

So. . . that would make it all a test of his. . . maturity, and scruples. Will he put the needs of his independent shareholders ahead of his own desires, and whims. . . or said another way -- is he incapable of such broad, and noble, thinking?

We shall see. Grinning -- ever. . . grinning.

नमस्ते