Some current politics are getting injected here, but if you don’t know what I’m talking about, don’t worry. Be happy. Mark is so uptight in panel 2. Is it something Rusty just said? After all, business does create jobs and that is good. Maybe Mark has an aversion to normal jobs. My guess.

Or I think Mark is upset about by what Smalls said in panel 1. But what, specifically? Perhaps he has a visceral reaction to “AI Tech.” But we know he’s already upset about that NOAA crack.

Now, here is where the unnamed Woman in Purple might have it right: Mark cannot hold his temper and act in a more formal, acceptable manner. Just like in the Ohio press conference where he first confronted Senator Smalls, Mark again rudely interrupts the speech with a boisterous outburst and strong arm gesture. I wonder if Smalls recognizes Mark yet?

Today’s Tip o’ Destruction for the kiddies: Mark’s reaction is always the approach to take when the other person wants to settle in for a clearheaded, intelligent discussion or debate. Don’t accept that! Put the person on the defensive and keep them there!