Every day, and sometimes several times a day, my heart skips a beat. Trump and his choices of cabinet and advisors gives me a migraine. I still cannot believe he will once again be President.
Most of the choices will be working counterintuitively to what America needs, in my humble opinion. Environmental integrity will probably be threatened by Doug Burgum (Interior Secretary) as he has strong ties to oil and gas. Pretty sure he will be pushing for more drilling.
The new Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk (I have no words for my fear of his legacy)(net worth 298 BILLION) and Vivek Ramaswamy (net worth one BILLION) who is a critic of “new secular religions” like Covid-ism, climate-ism and gender ideology. He seems to have no positive view on environmental, social or corporate governance initiatives. These billionaires sure know how to budget and reduce costs (have they ever even been IN a grocery store?).
It’s worrisome that Musk is already talking with other world leaders at Trump’s side. Nothing has been thought out or discussed with others or planned. Let’s hope the rest of the world can just bide their time for the next four years without some global consequences.
I’m especially dreading the deterioration of immigration to our country. So many of the current choices have no empathy (or morals). It really is almost impossible to muddle through the red tape to be here legally.
My hope is that Trump will push many of these advisors away quickly as he did in his first term. For instance Labor secretary, Energy secretary, Head of EPA, Health and Human Services and Veterans Affairs all left after a short stint. There was a scandal with Robert Wilkie, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, during the first term but Trump is bringing him back this term regardless. Duh.
In 2005, Doris Kearns Goodwin wrote the most interesting book (later made into a movie) called “Team of Rivals” the political genius of Abraham Lincoln and how he chose advisors based on their skills. He tried (and mostly succeeded) to reconcile political factions and conflicting personalities to put the country on a path to abolition and victory in the American Civil War. He was an amazing man and a true leader based on this historical account.
She has written several other books that I think I will now read, based on my research into this blog. https://doriskearnsgoodwin.com/books/ if you want to peruse. I think I will rewatch the movie today!
I’m not sure how to be heard at the high levels of government, so I’m going to be more active locally. Oregon is such a liberal state and could be doing a better job. I’m grateful that my little city (35,000) is just the opposite. Our Mayor (second term) is also a successful businessman and is active in several local nonprofits (he’s on the Board at Hunger Fighters Oregon, our local food pantry. And not as just a figurehead).
One day at a time, folks. Just one day at a time.
I'm truly ashamed of this country right now. I see nothing but disruptions and fighting ignorance in our next four years. 45/47's appointments are scandalous and like you, I hope they are short lived but I'm not counting on it.
ReplyDeleteI just cannot understand how a vicious, vengeful narcissist with felony convictions could have the appeal to win the vote. Just sad and stupid
DeleteBeing informed and active, without allowing fear or apathy to overcome us, is probably the best defense to what is clearly going to be not good by any stretch of the Imagination. So many Silos and Echo Chambers exist now that there's no telling where most people get their information from anymore. And so much misinformation and BS exists that is taken and run with as factual, without Sources being the least bit reliable or even having any Moral Compass. Look how many have been successfully Sued for spewing intentional Lies and Conspiritardia that has done irreparable harm.
ReplyDeleteOh Dawn. I plan to be strong and brave but every day I get knocked back at least once. Two steps forward, one step back. Surely there are some law abiding kind people in positions to help.
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