In another chapter of “It would be funny if it wasn’t so serious” I keep listening to the reasons Trump is giving for ending all “DEI” directives across the federal government. The republican justification (or should I say explanation) for creating this STUPID issue is they want employment decisions based on “merit.” Of course, those of us still on “earth 1” understand what they really mean is they want “White” people to be filling the posts in their administration. Don’t believe me? Well as we go forward just take a close look at the photos you see of Trump with his core supporters. (Of course, there will be photos of the Black guy holding the “Blacks for Trump” sign on occasion.) As Stephen Miller said so cogently “We’re going to end discrimination against White people.”
That said, let’s take a closer look at the “merit” of some of Trump’s choices for his cabinet. Why don’t we start with Pete Hegseth, who’s now the Secretary of Defense. (And, OBTW one of his first actions post taking office was to rid our Military of those “pesky” Transgender members who are, by all reports, a critical part of the force, but I digress) Mr. Hegseth comes to one of the most critical positions in our government with a resume beginning with being a Fox “news” weekend Host. Yep, that’s at the top of his “pedigree.”
Looking a little deeper into Mr. Hegseth’s background we find a history of allegations regarding the sexual and emotional abuse of women. In one case where a woman apparently filed a claim of rape, Mr. Hegseth managed to make that go away by paying what’s been reported to be $50,000 to get the woman to agree to sign a non-disclosure agreement. In addition, between his Mom and the sister-in-law of his 2nd wife, he was so emotionally abusive to his (then) wife that she would occasionally hide in a closet to stay away from him – with a secret message she could text to acquaintances if she needed immediate help.
His Mom, at one point, sent him an email explaining, “I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around and uses women for his own power and ego. You are that man (and have been for years) and as your mother, it pains me and embarrasses me to say that, but it is the sad, sad truth.” She later said she wrote the email “in anger and with emotion” while trying to backtrack. However, the truth is Mr. Hegseth – based on the allegations of the sexual assault in the police report – had cheated on both his second wife, at the time, and the woman who became his third wife with whom he had already fathered a child, when this alleged sexual assault occurred.
Apparently having three wives of which he’s cheated on all of them in the eyes of Trump is “merit.” But, as usual, there’s always more with republicans. Hegseth at one point was in charge of TWO Veterans groups with budgets somewhere in the $10 MILLION range and he was dismissed from BOTH due to financial incompetence – leaving both behind a “history” of his negligence. Of course, with republicans in the Senate – who presumably are focused on “merit” – all of this history is an indication of “merit.” It appears Hegseth convinced Senators once confirmed he’ll “quit drinking.” (He’s now in charge of an entity with a budget nearing $900 BILLION. Yikes!)
Before I add this part, in full disclosure, I have to point out I’m a Christian. Even so, it wasn’t at all convincing to me that Hegseth is now proclaiming to be an “evangelical Christian” as something which gives him the “merit” required for his new position. I’m happy if he’s reformed himself (although, annonymous reports from his Fox compatriots might bely that thought) but, I really don’t understand how that would giver Mr. Hegseth the “merit” to be the Secretary of Defense.
But, let’s move on. There’s also Robert F Kennedy Jr. who is in line to be the Secretary of Heath and Human Services (HHS). I’m still struggling to understand where the “merit’ for his nomination is coming from. As someone who’s 77 and counting on Medicare and Social Security to stay in “tack” I was a bit concerned when Mr. Kennedy was unable to explain the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. Keeping in mind I’ve read a good bit of Project 2025 and I know (at least) some of the people behind it and many of these people are the ones who’ve been focused on dismantling what’s left of the “New Deal” of FDR and LBJ’s “Great Society” – both aimed at eliminating poverty and racism in America. (Well, LBJ’s “Great Society” took a “shot” at ending racism) These Project 2025 advocates are not concerned with either. They oppose Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Kennedy was excoriated by democrats on the Finance Committee, one of the committees involved in his confirmation process – the one which will (or won’t) move his nomination to the Senate floor for the yays and nays determining if his “merit” should put him in charge of America’s health. Aside from failing to know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid (I actually believe I could have answered that one) and not having ANY qualifications which would indicate a medical background, there are some issues which arose in the hearing causing me to wonder why ANYONE would consider Mr. Kennedy to have the “merit” needed for this particular job.
For example, Kennedy has a long history of being what is commonly referred to as an “anti-vaxxer.” He’s made wildly refuted claims about vaccines including that they cause “autism” – with absolutely NO evidence. In fact this claim has been “debunked” by many different credible medical sources including the Mayo Clinic – you know, sources with medical “merit.” According to Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, “He has made it his life’s work to sow doubt and discourage parents from getting their kids life saving vaccines. It has been lucrative for him and put him on the verge of immense power.” He’s allegedly STILL profitting off of lawsuits filed by an anti-vax enterprise he founded despite stating he’s resigned from that organization. Now, across America, many parents are refusing to have their children vaccinated. This could become a major problem for everyone else.
There are allegations Kennedy was (somewhat) responisble for an outbreak of the measles in Somoa which occurred after he had made his anti-vaccine “push” in that country. Several of the children who contracted measles died. Kennedy was asked if he felt any responsibility for that to which he replied, “no.” You can read about it online if you choose, but the truth is Kenneday, apparently in a blog post (or posts), blamed the measles outbreak in Samoa on the vaccines – which is “poppycock.” Due to his “merit” he’s likely to be in charge of the institutions in America which develop vaccines. What could possibly go wrong?
Of course, Kennedy comes from maybe the most famous family in America. His father is the politician who drew me into being active in politics – only to watch in horror on TV as he gave a news conference after winning the democratic primary for president back in 1968 – he was murdered “right before our eyes.” I say that because his (more famous) cousin, Caroline Kennedy, wrote a letter to the Senate Committee encouraging the Senators to vote against his nomination.
Ms. Kennedy have several compelling reasons for her decision to write the letter (which she read in an online post) including his misuse of drugs – apparently, RFK Jr. was a heroin addict “back in the day” and was distributing (selling?) drugs while he was using, leading to Ms. Kennedy referring to him as a “predator.” Apparently, he keeps “birds of prey” and puts little chicks in a blender in order to feed them. Yuck! Reminds me of what I’ve heard about people keeping fighting pitbulls and tossing them live kittens for their afternoon meal.
She added, “He lacks any relevant government, financial, management or medical experience. His views on vaccines are dangerous and willfully misinformed. These facts alone should be disqualifying, but he has personal qualities related to this job, which, for me, pose even greater concern.” in addition she said medical professionals “deserve a stable, moral and ethical person at the helm of this crucial agency.”
She also said she thinks her father, former President John F. Kennedy, and her uncles, former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and former Sen. Ted Kennedy, “would be disgusted” by RFK Jr.’s positions. before adding, “Bobby continues to grandstand off my father’s assassination and that of his own father.” It’s incomprehensible to me that someone who is willing to exploit their own painful family tragedies for publicity would be put in charge of America’s life and death situations.” That’s a “recommendation” from his own family. But, what’s to worry – other than America’s already stressed medical system. Clearly RFK Jr. has the “merit” required in the Trump administration.
There were other key questions for Kennedy, including his recent “change of heart” regarding the issue of abortion – and, potentially, the right wing’s attempt to repeal the drug “Mifepristone.” My guess is, and this is based on what I read in Project 2025, Mifepristone will be removed from use in America, despite 20 years of safe use by women, because it’s called the “abortion pill.” If you haven’t read Project 2025 it might surprise you to know their object is a national abortion ban – with no exceptions – despite Trump’s clains to the contrary. Where does Kennedy stand on this issue? Wherever Trump tells him to stand. Now, that’s “merit.” (Full disclosure, I’m not “pro abortion” – I believe it’s not up to me to decide how someone else [a woman] deals with her own circumstances.)
OK, enough with Kennedy – he obviously has the “merit” required to be part of Trump’s administration – he’ll do whatever Trump wants him to do. And, I’m going to be more brief in my observations about Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel. Gabbard appointed to be the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and Patel to be the Director of the FBI.
Mr. Patel has a long history of believing conspiracy theories, and, like the rest of the potential cabinet members won’t directly point out Trump LOST the 2020 election – they’re only willing to say President Biden’s election was certified and he served a four year term. Of course, that unwillingness to admit the TRUTH that Trump LOST in 2020 is a requirement for anyone who wants to serve in his administration. Naturally, Patel will be in a very important position (which presumably requires a lot of “merit”) leading what has been termed as the top law enforcement agency in the world.
I’m actually not sure what would give Patel the “merit” to become a school teacher let alone to be considered for this position. But, let me share at least a coupld of things I know about his “merit” speaking of being a school teacher. He’s written a couple “children’s books” telling the “true story” about “King Trump.” Here’s the promo if you check out the books on Amazon:
“A key player in uncovering one of our nations biggest injustices tells the whole story—for kids! Kash Patel partners with Beacon of Freedom Publishing House, an imprint of BRAVE Books, to bring a fantastical retelling of Hillary’s horrible plot against Trump to the whole family. Full of fake heralds and keeper Komey’s spying slugs, this is a story of daring and danger. But never fear! Kash the Distinguished Discoverer will win the day.”
My reaction: “What the eff?” I try not to use what were considered “bad words” in my classroom when I was still teaching. This is the guy who has the “merit” to be our next Director of the FBI? He’s also published Trump’s enemies list (which he says he’ll “go after” – although not in his confirmation hearing), and he was responsible for the National Anthem reportedly sung by the J6 choir Trump played at his rallies while calling the CRIMINALS who assaulted over 140 police officers on January 6th, 2021 as “hostages.” Patel wouldn’t second guess Trump on his pardoning of those who assaulted Capitol Police Officers – despite sitting right in front of those at the hearing. And, he wouldn’t second guess Trump’s pardoning of Ross William Ulbricht, considered by many the worst drug dealer in American history – the creator of a dark web marketplace for distrubiting illegal drugs. Once again, what could go wrong? Thankfully, Trump considered “merit” and not “DEI” when choosing his cabinet.
Tulsi Gabbard. I’ve only paid a distant attention to her over the years – I do remember her running for the democratic nomination for president back in 2020. Here’s what I’ve observed over the ensuing four years. On several occasions I’ve read how Russian TV uses her as what has been termed a “useful idiot” – making comments to the American public which are a regurgitation of the talking points coming out of the Kremlin. For example, she has claimed that the U.S. and NATO are responsible for Russians ILLEGAL invasion of Ukraine – an invasion chock FULL of WAR CRIMES. These comments are replayed over and over on Russian TV. Is this why Trump considers her to have the merit to be the DNI?
In the past she’s defended Edward Snowden who several years ago published a massive amount of secret government information online before escaping to and gaining exile in Russia. At times she has suggested that Snowden should be pardoned. Even some republicans don’t seem to agree with that sentiment. I know he’s been in Russia and apparently he’s now a Russian citizen. (Maybe he should be fighting for the Russians in Ukraine) Members of the committee on BOTH sides attempted to get Ms. Gabbard to answer whether or not (yes or no) Snowden is a “traitor.” She wouldn’t answer. Why should that surprise us? She’s been nominated to this position by maybe the worse TRAITOR in American history. After all, her potential boss led an attempted coup d’etat on our Capitol. Clearly, in his eyes, she has the “merit” to lead our 18 intelligence agencies, of course, including the CIA.
Final Thought: Maybe Trump and his republican sycophants – cowards who have repeatedly failed in their duty to the constitution since he walked down that escalator back in 2015 – in Congress seem to feel these “job applicants” have “merit.” (In the case of Hegseth, he’s already in the job – his “merit” should become obvious – to the peril of “we the people” – in the coming months) From my standpoint, as I’ve said, it would be “laughable if it wansn’t so serious.” The question to me, at this point, is how far are “we the people” going to allow this cabal of fascists to go?
Most people I know have no idea what is in the 900 pages of “Project 2025.” Little by little they’re going to be finding out – and, if Russel Vought – who I didn’t include in this rant – becomes the Secretary of OMB – much of the anger could be coming from Trump’s own base. Vought is going to be working in conjunction with Elon Musk to pare enough of our government’s support for those at the “bottom” in order to help fund those at the “top” with another massive “tax cut for the rich.” (This has happened in every republican administration except George HW Bush – since the day Ronald Reagan took the oath of office) Republicans create a mess, democrats clean it up. It appears many who would be included in the phrase “we the people” don’t understand this.
It’s going to happen again and these “meritorious” cabinet officials will work to keep the rest of us in line as Trump bungles through another four LONG years as our so-called president. I know several people in my (old white men) peer group who still believe Trump is going to “cut our taxes and balance the budget.” Here’s the reality, the next budget CRISIS is looming for early March. When the republican House pushes to eliminate the “debt ceiling” even these people I know (who watch outlets like Fox “news”) should be able to figure out Trump is NOT a budget hawk. The debt is going WAY up! Somewhere between 20 and 25% of our present national debt occurred in his first term. (yes in four years – over $7 TRILLION) His signature legislation will be centered, once again, on giving over $4 TRILLION to those at the top of the “food chain” in tax cuts. Count on it! (Did “we the people” use “merit” when choosing our president this time?) Stay tuned……