Johnny Depp Divorce Highlights Some Perils Of Modern "Marriage"

Johnny Depp, one of the most desirable men on the planet, has been hit with a divorce after a very short marriage. He did not bother having a prenuptial agreement, so he will likely part with a significant chunk of his wealth for the privilege of spending a few months with Amber Heard. This sad spectacle offers some valuable lessons:

• You are not immune to divorce, no matter how rich, famous, or "alpha" you are.

• What passes for "marriage" today has less legal and moral force than a pinky swear. You can be divorced for any reason or no reason.

• No matter how wonderful you feel on your wedding day, people can change right before your eyes in no time flat. 

• Despite the hollow nature of "marriage" today, a divorce still carries dire consequences, not least of which is imprisonment if you don't cough up whatever amount of money the judge demands (and regardless of whether you even have it). Depp and Heard did not have children, so at least he doesn't have to suffer the indignity of being removed from their lives while still being forced to finance them, but this is a real danger for many others.

• Don't indulge in modern "marriage." It's an invitation for the government to gain even more power over you than it already has, and it offers no real benefits that you can't obtain otherwise. If you are religious, it's understandable that you would want your union to be consecrated in the eyes of God. Just be sure to leave the state out of it. After all, isn't separation of church and state the modern mantra?

• If you do decide to play Russian roulette -- the literal version of which has better odds than "marriage" and at least ends painlessly if you lose -- get a prenup. There is nothing unromantic or mercenary about this. You already have a prenup, namely your state's statutes governing what happens in the event of divorce. Your choice is not whether you want a prenup, but whether you want to have a say in it. Only a fool would forgo this opportunity and allow the state to have total discretion here, just as only a fool would fail to procure insurance when engaging in any life-threatening activity. But remember that your children still will never truly be yours, for no marriage avoidance or prenup can stop the state from taking them away.

UPDATE:

Right on cue, Amber Heard is flinging dubious accusations of abuse. This comes right out of the divorce playbook, a transparent attempt to make herself the victim and appear justified in her actions. Take heed here. The moment you realize that divorce is imminent, do not be baited into a confrontation, and try to avoid any interaction not witnessed by others. You will be presumed guilty, and you will have to prove your innocence.