So, yikes! Going to try to post for Stream of Consciousness Saturday with a political post…
Linda’s prompt this week is “pack/peck/pick/pock/puck” and the first thing that popped into my head was the hearings in the US Senate over the past week for President-elect Trump’s Cabinet picks.
The scariest hearing so far has been for DT’s pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth. While he is a military veteran, he is best known for being a host on Fox News. Unfortunately, he is also known for public drunkenness, misogyny, and mismanagement of charitable organizations. His defense against this evidence was that the accusations against him were “anonymous smears” even though many of them are on public record and that he has now found Jesus and is happy with his third wife and won’t drink if he becomes Defense Secretary.
While I sincerely hope that Mr. Hegseth has mended his ways and retains his new-found maturity and sobriety – or potential sobriety, as I don’t think he said that he has stopped drinking yet – this is not a person whose history suggests he is capable of managing over 3 million employees and a $1 trillion budget. (Apologies if I’m misremembering the figures. Stream of consciousness writing does not allow for side research.)
The vote on his nomination, first on the committee before whom he testified and then, if he passes that, by the full Senate, has not yet been scheduled. I would hope that such an unqualified individual would not be confirmed but the Republicans do hold the Senate majority, so it’s entirely possible.
I’m afraid.
*****
Join us for Linda’s Stream of Consciousness Saturdays and/or Just Jot It January! More information at the link in the second paragraph.
Share this:
Joanne Corey 
Thank you for this summary since I have not been able to bring myself to watch or read much of what I consider sickening news. I did watch a bit on PBS about his comments that women should not serve in combat…. I can only imagine, but don’t want to just now, what else he thinks of women. It’s good that Hegseth’s dirty laundry is being brought to light so we can all keep an eye on him. Sobriety is not as easy as some people think. But maybe if he truly gets into Recovery, it will change him for the better. Anything is possible. But I’m certainly not holding my breath. Inhale…. Exhale…. Sigh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can certainly understand not being able to subject yourself to so much disturbing news. (I have decided that I can’t watch the inauguration.) The Senate Republicans don’t seem to be taking their role seriously. “Advise and consent” does not mean that you say yes to someone who is unqualified but I’m afraid that is what will happen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely will not watch the inauguration. I’ll just skim the highlights afterward. Will he put his hand on the Bible? Will Melania smile at all? No, never mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least we won’t have to contend with crowd size talk, given that it will be indoors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just found out about this event on Monday happening at the same time as the inauguration on Monday: https://www.facebook.com/events/799613369024488 It’s with Rebecca Solnit, Bill McKibben, and others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good idea!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not in the Senate but, in history, we’ve had some top-notch people in the Secretary of Defense (SOD) position. I’m thinking Robert Gates, Ashton Carter and William J. Perry. Read anything these three have written. People on the Senate or House Armed Services Committee or General Officers would be a more likely fit for SOD. The objective is chaos, so a person who has not served at the levels mentioned is sought by the President Elect.
Being in recovery is a benefit. The comments about women, in my opinion, are disqualifying. You want leadership that is respectful of everyone who can perform. Several CEOs have mentioned that putting a filter on hiring decisions means your competition will steal your lunch. If you only hire people whose hair is died green you reduce your chances of getting the most qualified person.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure you’re correct that the objective is chaos, which is doubly scary with DOD.
As far as I know, Hegseth has only promised to stop drinking if he is selected, so I don’t know if he is actually in recovery. I also agree that his long-time disrespect for women (and for anyone other than far-right politically) is disqualifying for heading the DOD – or anything else, in my opinion.
LikeLike