<http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/41805-focus-team-trumps-wrec
king-crew-the-early-roster>
Boardman writes: "What follows is a briefly annotated roster of the key
players on Team Trump assembled to carry out its game plan of a top-down
assault on America, to seize and destroy much of the US government as it
existed in 2016, and to accept whatever collateral damage may ensue."
Vice President Mike Pence and President Donald Trump are joined by
congressional leadership, including Paul Ryan, before formally signing his
cabinet nominations into law at the Capitol on Jan. 20. (photo: Getty
Images)
<http://readersupportednews.org/>
Team Trump's Wrecking Crew - The Early Roster
By William Boardman, Reader Supported News
06 February 17
The Donald's various US-haters want to make America grate again
There's little question that a cohort of the people who elected Trump,
possibly a minority of a minority of the population, want to tear down most
of the existing government and replace our imperfect government of the
people, by the people, and for the people with - well, with what? It's not
really clear beyond the premise that the Trump hats decide and the rest of
us are expected to obey bare-headed.
The people who didn't elect Trump, along with the people who regret electing
Trump, as well as the people who didn't elect anyone - all those people, a
majority of a majority, are already reacting in surprising numbers against
early Trump initiatives. This apparent majority of Americans, with little
help from Democrats or any of the other old swamp creatures in the
Trump-drained swamp, have more or less spontaneously risen in resistance to
Trumpian attacks on freedom, decency, constitutionality, and whatever else
might offend the nonpartisan oligarchy of rich predators.
The game is on now, and this may be the real Super Bowl for American
constitutional government. Unlike a typical sports bowl, this political bowl
has constantly changing rules, no time outs, and a running clock for the
game's four-year duration. There is no out-of-bounds and there is no limit
on the numbers of plays a team can run at the same time. And this time, this
bowl has only one organized team on the field, Team Trump. The Trumps say
the media is the "opposition party," to which Democrats offer no objection,
making it clear that where, in the past, there was something like an
opposing team, now there is a so-far largely disorganized rabble and maybe
some specialty squads (like the courts). This other "team" has no unifying
playbook, but it has the numbers, it can jam the field with more players
than the Trumps, at least now in the opening period, and that makes the game
seem less one-sided, perhaps.
What follows is a briefly annotated roster of the key players on Team Trump
assembled to carry out its game plan of a top-down assault on America, to
seize and destroy much of the US government as it existed in 2016, and to
accept whatever collateral damage may ensue.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (POTUS) - Donald J. Trump, 70, the team
captain, quarterback, calls the plays, sometimes takes suggestions from the
sidelines, is well known for being not very well known except in a celebrity
sense. Businessman. Billionaire (alleged net worth $3.7 billion, no
transparency; Trump himself has said $10 billion). How unpredictable is he
really? Who, if anyone, has his ear?
VICE PRESIDENT (1st in line of succession to Presidency) - Mike Pence, 57,
attorney, conservative radio host, congressman (12 years), Tea Party
loyalist, governor (3 years). Est. net worth $300,000 (not a typo). Said he
is "a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order." Stands
for religious freedom to control other people. Has never released tax
returns. Seems to believe God has his ear.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE (2nd in line of succession) - Paul Ryan, 47, not
actually a Team Trump member, but forced by circumstance to line up with the
team. Est. net worth $5 million. Professional politician, congressman (18
years), Ayn Rand devotee (25 years), fitness fanatic (30 years). Enemy of
Social Security, among other things. Not known to have an ear.
PRESIDENT PRO TEM OF US SENATE (3rd in succession) - Orrin Hatch, 82, also
not an official Team Trump member but boxed in by circumstance. Est. net
worth $4 million. Attorney, senator (41 years), reliably slippery, trashed
Anita Hill, tied to pharmaceutical industry, opposed fair housing. Keeps ear
to ground.
SECRETARY OF STATE (4th in succession) - Rex Tillerson, 65, oil industry
engineer (42 years), CEO of Exxon Mobil (10 years), close business ties with
Russia/Putin, opposes sanctions on Russia (over Crimea, Ukraine). Est. net
worth $325 million. Clear conflicts of interest, but business interests
depend on global peace. Comes across as one of the grown-ups in the room.
Seems to have ears in all directions.
SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY (5th) - Steve Mnuchin, 54 (nominated, not
confirmed as of Feb. 6), Skull and Bones at Yale, Goldman Sachs honcho (17
years), hedge fund manager (6 years), OneWest Bank owner and rapacious
mortgage forecloser (8 years). Est. net worth $300 million. Not prosecuted
for "widespread misconduct
<https://theintercept.com/2017/01/03/treasury-nominee-steve-mnuchins-bank-ac
cused-of-widespread-misconduct-in-leaked-memo/> " of bank. Defendant in
fraud lawsuits. In financial disclosure, "forgot" $100 million. Opposes bank
regulation, corporate taxation. Enjoyed Kamala Harris blowing in his ear.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (6th) - Gen. James "Mad Dog" Mattis, 67, first cabinet
member confirmed, vote of 98-1, despite law barring his taking office.
Career military officer (48 years). Never charged with war crimes in Iraq
(not even Fallujah, Mukaradeeb wedding party massacre). Post-military
corporate board member. Est. net worth $5 million. Obama appointee. Takes
hard line
<http://www.redstate.com/streiff/2017/02/04/mad-dog-mattis-removes-south-chi
na-sea/> on China, North Korea, Iran. Opposed targeting Muslims
<http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/01/31/mad-dog-mattis-just-another-pussycat
/> , until Trump did it. 2013 quote
<http://freebeacon.com/national-security/the-best-from-mad-dog-mattis/> :
"The first time you blow someone away is not an insignificant event. That
said, there are some assholes in the world that just need to be shot." Ear
tuned to master's voice.
ATTORNEY GENERAL (7th) - Sen. Jeff Sessions, 71 (nominated, not confirmed as
of Feb. 6), Eagle Scout, attorney, US attorney (12 years), senator (21
years). Rejected by Senate in 1986 as too racist to be federal judge.
Supported Iraq war, opposed same-sex marriage. Est. net worth $8 million.
Epitomizes southern charm and viciousness, graded "zero" by Human Rights
Campaign. Opposes Voting Rights Act. Believes life begins at conception,
marijuana more dangerous than alcohol, and climate change not real. Has ear
tuned to the smallest slight.
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE (8th) - Sonny Perdue, 70 (nominated, not confirmed
as of Feb. 6), veterinarian, Georgia state legislator (both parties, ten
years), Republican governor (8 years). Net worth $4.4 million. No direct
experience in agriculture, led official state prayers for rain in 2007,
Trump calls him
<http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2017/01/some-sketchy-things-trunps-u
sda-pick-did-while-governor-georgia> "a great, great farmer." Conflict of
interest land deal 2003, doubled value of his property. Loves Confederacy,
voter ID laws. Open ear to agribusiness.
SECRETARY OF COMMERCE (9th) - Wilbur Ross, 79 (nominated, not confirmed as
of Feb. 6) investor/banker/leveraged buyout (50+ years), known as the "King
of Bankruptcy" who off-shored 2700 jobs
<http://www.salon.com/2017/01/17/wilbur-ross-donald-trumps-secretary-of-comm
erce-nominee-has-offshored-2700-jobs-since-2004/> since 2004. Net worth
est. $2.9 billion, 10 times Bush
<http://time.com/money/4587400/trump-nominee-cabinet-richest-histry/> 's
entire cabinet. Sago Mine disaster 2006 killed 12, part-owner Ross well
aware of safety violations. Opposed TPP, China-bashing as "intellectually
wrong." He doesn't have to listen to anyone.
SECRETARY OF LABOR (10th) - Andrew Puzder, 67 (nominated, not confirmed as
of Feb. 6), attorney (22 years, including 5 years with a mob lawyer
<http://www.cnbc.com/2017/02/04/new-york-times-digital-for-andrew-puzder-lab
or-nominee-fighting-for-ownersa-interests-began-early.html> defending
charges of looting Labor trust funds), CEO of CKE Restaurants (Hardee's,
Carl's Jr.) (17 years). Est. net worth $45 million. Opposed minimum wage
increase, overtime pay, Obamacare, paid sick leave. Spoke highly of
robots/automation because machines are "always polite, they always upsell,
they never take a vacation, they never show up late, there's never a
slip-and-fall or an age, sex, or race discrimination case." He has a hard
time hearing worker issues.
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (11th) - Dr. Tom Price, 63
(nominated, not confirmed as of Feb. 6), doctor in his own orthopedic clinic
(20 years), Georgia Senate (10 years), congressman (12 years). Opposes
abortion rights, gay marriage, gun control, environmental regulations,
Obamacare, National Public Radio, and withdrawing US forces from Iraq. Est.
net worth $13.6 million. Shady deals include his buying shares in Zimmer
Biomet, then introduced legislation to help the company, which then donated
to his campaign. He has not heard from prosecutors.
SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (12th) - Dr. Ben Carson, 65
(nominated, not confirmed as of Feb.6), neurosurgeon (30 years), politician
(4 years). Est. net worth $29 million. He has no experience in government
generally, and none in housing or urban development. He told Fox News
<https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/05/us/politics/ben-carson-housing-urban-dev
elopment-trump.html> : "We cannot have a strong nation if we have weak inner
cities. We have to get beyond the promises and start really doing something.
The amount of corruption and graft and things, shell games that are played -
we need to get rid of all that stuff." He has his ears cocked.
SECRETARY OF ENERGY (13th) - Rick Perry, 67 (nominated, not confirmed as of
Feb. 6), Eagle Scout, salesman, cotton farmer (with father), career
politician (33 years). Switched from Democrat to Republican in 1990, ran for
Agriculture Commissioner, Karl Rove campaign manager, beat Jim Hightower by
1%. Est. net worth $3 million. Texas governor (14 years). Running for
president, famously forgot he wanted to abolish Energy Department
<https://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/hist
ory/brief-history-department-energy> . Has no experience or expertise in
energy issues, most of which involve nuclear reactors and weapons. He says
<http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rick-perry-confirmation-vote-former-texas-gover
nor-heads-to-full-senate/> "nucular." He keeps an ear peeled for every siren
song.
SECRETARY OF EDUCATION (14th) - Betsy DeVos, 59 (nominated, not confirmed as
of Feb. 6), born rich, married richer, philanthropist and school "choice"
advocate. Est. net worth $5.1 billion. She and husband support Neurocore, a
string of "brain performance centers <https://www.neurocorecenters.com/> "
based on fake science
<http://reverbpress.com/discovery/living/education/common-core-neurocore-bet
sy-devos-fake-science/> . Opposes public schools. Advocates unregulated
government spending on private, religious, charter schools. Testified using
fake statistics
<http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/02/04/513220220/betsy-devos-graduation-
rate-mistake> . Supports guns in classrooms
<http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/betsy-devos-schools-might-need-guns-due
-potential-grizzlies-n708261> to defend against "potential grizzlies."
Listens carefully to own voice.
SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (15th) - Dr. David Shulkin, 58 (nominated, not
confirmed as of Feb. 6), doctor and medical administrator (31 years),
current Under Secretary in Veterans Affairs (Obama nominee). Est. net worth
$17 million. Trump reported considering privatizing VA, Shulkin testified
<https://www.limacharlienews.com/politics-society/senate-holds-hearing-for-v
a-nominee-david-shulkin/> : "The Department of Veterans Affairs will not be
privatized under my watch." Critique: he's not a veteran, that he's working
with the Koch Brothers to turn VA into an insurance company
<http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/healthcare/314082-is-david-shulkin-th
e-best-pick-for-va-secretary> . Keeps ears pinned back.
SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY (16th) - Gen. John F. Kelly, 67, career
military officer (47 years), confirmed by 88-11 vote despite law barring his
taking office. Est. net worth $4 million. Opposes sanctuary cities,
DREAMers. Supports Mexico wall with "a layered defense," including patrols
and sensors. Calls drug trade "existential threat
<http://www.defenseone.com/threats/2014/07/top-general-says-mexico-border-se
curity-now-existential-threat-us/87958/?oref=search_%22existential%20threat%
22> " to US. 37 Democrats voted for him
<http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/01/27/what_the_hell_is_wrong_wi
th_senate_democrats.html> . Said: "I don't know why they hate us
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/retired-marine-gen-j
ohn-f-kelly-picked-to-head-department-of-homeland-security/2016/12/07/165472
f2-bbe6-11e6-94ac-3d324840106c_story.html?utm_term=.6eb24f4061bb> , and I
frankly don't care, but they do hate us and are driven irrationally to our
destruction." Hears what he wants to hear.
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION - Elaine Chao, 64 (not in line of succession,
not natural born citizen), came to US on freighter at age 8, banker (25
years), Secretary of Labor (8 years), married to Senate Majority Leader
Mitch McConnell (24 years), part of 1996 shady campaign giving
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_United_States_campaign_finance_controver
sy> . Est. Net worth $24 million. Favors highway spending. Disregards energy
efficiency, urban transit, pedestrians. Has extensive business and political
links to China
<http://www.wnd.com/2016/11/trump-shocker-who-is-elaine-chao/> . Listens to
own drummer.
SECRETARY OF INTERIOR (not currently in line of succession) - Ryan Zinke, 56
(nominated, not confirmed as of Feb. 6, would become 8th in line for
Presidency), Navy SEAL (22 years), Montana legislator (2 years), congressman
(2 years). Est. net worth $800,000. Wrote 2010 letter calling climate change
"a threat multiplier for instability in the most volatile regions of the
world.. the clean energy and climate challenge is America's new space race."
In Congress backtracked, "not proven science," got grade of 3 from League of
Conservation Voters. Opposed federal land giveaways, favors gas/oil/mining
exploitation
<https://www.desmogblog.com/2017/01/17/trump-s-doi-nominee-rep-ryan-zinke-fa
ce-questioning-climate-record-support-oil-gas-and-coal> . He seems to hear
the money talking.
That's it for the cabinet and presidential succession members of Team Trump.
Still to come: Team Trump deep insiders, like the CIA, National Security
Counsel, and White House staff.
_____
William M. Boardman has over 40 years experience in theatre, radio, TV,
print journalism, and non-fiction, including 20 years in the Vermont
judiciary. He has received honors from Writers Guild of America, Corporation
for Public Broadcasting, Vermont Life magazine, and an Emmy Award nomination
from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission
to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader
Supported News.
<http://e-max.it/posizionamento-siti-web/socialize>
Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.
Vice President Mike Pence and President Donald Trump are joined by
congressional leadership, including Paul Ryan, before formally signing his
cabinet nominations into law at the Capitol on Jan. 20. (photo: Getty
Images)
http://readersupportednews.org/http://readersupportednews.org/
Team Trump's Wrecking Crew - The Early Roster
By William Boardman, Reader Supported News
06 February 17
The Donald's various US-haters want to make America grate again
here's little question that a cohort of the people who elected Trump,
possibly a minority of a minority of the population, want to tear down most
of the existing government and replace our imperfect government of the
people, by the people, and for the people with - well, with what? It's not
really clear beyond the premise that the Trump hats decide and the rest of
us are expected to obey bare-headed.
The people who didn't elect Trump, along with the people who regret electing
Trump, as well as the people who didn't elect anyone - all those people, a
majority of a majority, are already reacting in surprising numbers against
early Trump initiatives. This apparent majority of Americans, with little
help from Democrats or any of the other old swamp creatures in the
Trump-drained swamp, have more or less spontaneously risen in resistance to
Trumpian attacks on freedom, decency, constitutionality, and whatever else
might offend the nonpartisan oligarchy of rich predators.
The game is on now, and this may be the real Super Bowl for American
constitutional government. Unlike a typical sports bowl, this political bowl
has constantly changing rules, no time outs, and a running clock for the
game's four-year duration. There is no out-of-bounds and there is no limit
on the numbers of plays a team can run at the same time. And this time, this
bowl has only one organized team on the field, Team Trump. The Trumps say
the media is the "opposition party," to which Democrats offer no objection,
making it clear that where, in the past, there was something like an
opposing team, now there is a so-far largely disorganized rabble and maybe
some specialty squads (like the courts). This other "team" has no unifying
playbook, but it has the numbers, it can jam the field with more players
than the Trumps, at least now in the opening period, and that makes the game
seem less one-sided, perhaps.
What follows is a briefly annotated roster of the key players on Team Trump
assembled to carry out its game plan of a top-down assault on America, to
seize and destroy much of the US government as it existed in 2016, and to
accept whatever collateral damage may ensue.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (POTUS) - Donald J. Trump, 70, the team
captain, quarterback, calls the plays, sometimes takes suggestions from the
sidelines, is well known for being not very well known except in a celebrity
sense. Businessman. Billionaire (alleged net worth $3.7 billion, no
transparency; Trump himself has said $10 billion). How unpredictable is he
really? Who, if anyone, has his ear?
VICE PRESIDENT (1st in line of succession to Presidency) - Mike Pence, 57,
attorney, conservative radio host, congressman (12 years), Tea Party
loyalist, governor (3 years). Est. net worth $300,000 (not a typo). Said he
is "a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order." Stands
for religious freedom to control other people. Has never released tax
returns. Seems to believe God has his ear.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE (2nd in line of succession) - Paul Ryan, 47, not
actually a Team Trump member, but forced by circumstance to line up with the
team. Est. net worth $5 million. Professional politician, congressman (18
years), Ayn Rand devotee (25 years), fitness fanatic (30 years). Enemy of
Social Security, among other things. Not known to have an ear.
PRESIDENT PRO TEM OF US SENATE (3rd in succession) - Orrin Hatch, 82, also
not an official Team Trump member but boxed in by circumstance. Est. net
worth $4 million. Attorney, senator (41 years), reliably slippery, trashed
Anita Hill, tied to pharmaceutical industry, opposed fair housing. Keeps ear
to ground.
SECRETARY OF STATE (4th in succession) - Rex Tillerson, 65, oil industry
engineer (42 years), CEO of Exxon Mobil (10 years), close business ties with
Russia/Putin, opposes sanctions on Russia (over Crimea, Ukraine). Est. net
worth $325 million. Clear conflicts of interest, but business interests
depend on global peace. Comes across as one of the grown-ups in the room.
Seems to have ears in all directions.
SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY (5th) - Steve Mnuchin, 54 (nominated, not
confirmed as of Feb. 6), Skull and Bones at Yale, Goldman Sachs honcho (17
years), hedge fund manager (6 years), OneWest Bank owner and rapacious
mortgage forecloser (8 years). Est. net worth $300 million. Not prosecuted
for "widespread misconduct
<https://theintercept.com/2017/01/03/treasury-nominee-steve-mnuchins-bank-ac
cused-of-widespread-misconduct-in-leaked-memo/> " of bank. Defendant in
fraud lawsuits. In financial disclosure, "forgot" $100 million. Opposes bank
regulation, corporate taxation. Enjoyed Kamala Harris blowing in his ear.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (6th) - Gen. James "Mad Dog" Mattis, 67, first cabinet
member confirmed, vote of 98-1, despite law barring his taking office.
Career military officer (48 years). Never charged with war crimes in Iraq
(not even Fallujah, Mukaradeeb wedding party massacre). Post-military
corporate board member. Est. net worth $5 million. Obama appointee. Takes
hard line
<http://www.redstate.com/streiff/2017/02/04/mad-dog-mattis-removes-south-chi
na-sea/> on China, North Korea, Iran. Opposed targeting Muslims
<http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/01/31/mad-dog-mattis-just-another-pussycat
/> , until Trump did it. 2013 quote
<http://freebeacon.com/national-security/the-best-from-mad-dog-mattis/> :
"The first time you blow someone away is not an insignificant event. That
said, there are some assholes in the world that just need to be shot." Ear
tuned to master's voice.
ATTORNEY GENERAL (7th) - Sen. Jeff Sessions, 71 (nominated, not confirmed as
of Feb. 6), Eagle Scout, attorney, US attorney (12 years), senator (21
years). Rejected by Senate in 1986 as too racist to be federal judge.
Supported Iraq war, opposed same-sex marriage. Est. net worth $8 million.
Epitomizes southern charm and viciousness, graded "zero" by Human Rights
Campaign. Opposes Voting Rights Act. Believes life begins at conception,
marijuana more dangerous than alcohol, and climate change not real. Has ear
tuned to the smallest slight.
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE (8th) - Sonny Perdue, 70 (nominated, not confirmed
as of Feb. 6), veterinarian, Georgia state legislator (both parties, ten
years), Republican governor (8 years). Net worth $4.4 million. No direct
experience in agriculture, led official state prayers for rain in 2007,
Trump calls him
<http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2017/01/some-sketchy-things-trunps-u
sda-pick-did-while-governor-georgia> "a great, great farmer." Conflict of
interest land deal 2003, doubled value of his property. Loves Confederacy,
voter ID laws. Open ear to agribusiness.
SECRETARY OF COMMERCE (9th) - Wilbur Ross, 79 (nominated, not confirmed as
of Feb. 6) investor/banker/leveraged buyout (50+ years), known as the "King
of Bankruptcy" who off-shored 2700 jobs
<http://www.salon.com/2017/01/17/wilbur-ross-donald-trumps-secretary-of-comm
erce-nominee-has-offshored-2700-jobs-since-2004/> since 2004. Net worth
est. $2.9 billion, 10 times Bush
<http://time.com/money/4587400/trump-nominee-cabinet-richest-histry/> 's
entire cabinet. Sago Mine disaster 2006 killed 12, part-owner Ross well
aware of safety violations. Opposed TPP, China-bashing as "intellectually
wrong." He doesn't have to listen to anyone.
SECRETARY OF LABOR (10th) - Andrew Puzder, 67 (nominated, not confirmed as
of Feb. 6), attorney (22 years, including 5 years with a mob lawyer
<http://www.cnbc.com/2017/02/04/new-york-times-digital-for-andrew-puzder-lab
or-nominee-fighting-for-ownersa-interests-began-early.html> defending
charges of looting Labor trust funds), CEO of CKE Restaurants (Hardee's,
Carl's Jr.) (17 years). Est. net worth $45 million. Opposed minimum wage
increase, overtime pay, Obamacare, paid sick leave. Spoke highly of
robots/automation because machines are "always polite, they always upsell,
they never take a vacation, they never show up late, there's never a
slip-and-fall or an age, sex, or race discrimination case." He has a hard
time hearing worker issues.
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (11th) - Dr. Tom Price, 63
(nominated, not confirmed as of Feb. 6), doctor in his own orthopedic clinic
(20 years), Georgia Senate (10 years), congressman (12 years). Opposes
abortion rights, gay marriage, gun control, environmental regulations,
Obamacare, National Public Radio, and withdrawing US forces from Iraq. Est.
net worth $13.6 million. Shady deals include his buying shares in Zimmer
Biomet, then introduced legislation to help the company, which then donated
to his campaign. He has not heard from prosecutors.
SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (12th) - Dr. Ben Carson, 65
(nominated, not confirmed as of Feb.6), neurosurgeon (30 years), politician
(4 years). Est. net worth $29 million. He has no experience in government
generally, and none in housing or urban development. He told Fox News
<https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/05/us/politics/ben-carson-housing-urban-dev
elopment-trump.html> : "We cannot have a strong nation if we have weak inner
cities. We have to get beyond the promises and start really doing something.
The amount of corruption and graft and things, shell games that are played -
we need to get rid of all that stuff." He has his ears cocked.
SECRETARY OF ENERGY (13th) - Rick Perry, 67 (nominated, not confirmed as of
Feb. 6), Eagle Scout, salesman, cotton farmer (with father), career
politician (33 years). Switched from Democrat to Republican in 1990, ran for
Agriculture Commissioner, Karl Rove campaign manager, beat Jim Hightower by
1%. Est. net worth $3 million. Texas governor (14 years). Running for
president, famously forgot he wanted to abolish Energy Department
<https://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/hist
ory/brief-history-department-energy> . Has no experience or expertise in
energy issues, most of which involve nuclear reactors and weapons. He says
<http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rick-perry-confirmation-vote-former-texas-gover
nor-heads-to-full-senate/> "nucular." He keeps an ear peeled for every siren
song.
SECRETARY OF EDUCATION (14th) - Betsy DeVos, 59 (nominated, not confirmed as
of Feb. 6), born rich, married richer, philanthropist and school "choice"
advocate. Est. net worth $5.1 billion. She and husband support Neurocore, a
string of "brain performance centers <https://www.neurocorecenters.com/> "
based on fake science
<http://reverbpress.com/discovery/living/education/common-core-neurocore-bet
sy-devos-fake-science/> . Opposes public schools. Advocates unregulated
government spending on private, religious, charter schools. Testified using
fake statistics
<http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/02/04/513220220/betsy-devos-graduation-
rate-mistake> . Supports guns in classrooms
<http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/betsy-devos-schools-might-need-guns-due
-potential-grizzlies-n708261> to defend against "potential grizzlies."
Listens carefully to own voice.
SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (15th) - Dr. David Shulkin, 58 (nominated, not
confirmed as of Feb. 6), doctor and medical administrator (31 years),
current Under Secretary in Veterans Affairs (Obama nominee). Est. net worth
$17 million. Trump reported considering privatizing VA, Shulkin testified
<https://www.limacharlienews.com/politics-society/senate-holds-hearing-for-v
a-nominee-david-shulkin/> : "The Department of Veterans Affairs will not be
privatized under my watch." Critique: he's not a veteran, that he's working
with the Koch Brothers to turn VA into an insurance company
<http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/healthcare/314082-is-david-shulkin-th
e-best-pick-for-va-secretary> . Keeps ears pinned back.
SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY (16th) - Gen. John F. Kelly, 67, career
military officer (47 years), confirmed by 88-11 vote despite law barring his
taking office. Est. net worth $4 million. Opposes sanctuary cities,
DREAMers. Supports Mexico wall with "a layered defense," including patrols
and sensors. Calls drug trade "existential threat
<http://www.defenseone.com/threats/2014/07/top-general-says-mexico-border-se
curity-now-existential-threat-us/87958/?oref=search_%22existential%20threat%
22> " to US. 37 Democrats voted for him
<http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/01/27/what_the_hell_is_wrong_wi
th_senate_democrats.html> . Said: "I don't know why they hate us
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/retired-marine-gen-j
ohn-f-kelly-picked-to-head-department-of-homeland-security/2016/12/07/165472
f2-bbe6-11e6-94ac-3d324840106c_story.html?utm_term=.6eb24f4061bb> , and I
frankly don't care, but they do hate us and are driven irrationally to our
destruction." Hears what he wants to hear.
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION - Elaine Chao, 64 (not in line of succession,
not natural born citizen), came to US on freighter at age 8, banker (25
years), Secretary of Labor (8 years), married to Senate Majority Leader
Mitch McConnell (24 years), part of 1996 shady campaign giving
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_United_States_campaign_finance_controver
sy> . Est. Net worth $24 million. Favors highway spending. Disregards energy
efficiency, urban transit, pedestrians. Has extensive business and political
links to China
<http://www.wnd.com/2016/11/trump-shocker-who-is-elaine-chao/> . Listens to
own drummer.
SECRETARY OF INTERIOR (not currently in line of succession) - Ryan Zinke, 56
(nominated, not confirmed as of Feb. 6, would become 8th in line for
Presidency), Navy SEAL (22 years), Montana legislator (2 years), congressman
(2 years). Est. net worth $800,000. Wrote 2010 letter calling climate change
"a threat multiplier for instability in the most volatile regions of the
world.. the clean energy and climate challenge is America's new space race."
In Congress backtracked, "not proven science," got grade of 3 from League of
Conservation Voters. Opposed federal land giveaways, favors gas/oil/mining
exploitation
<https://www.desmogblog.com/2017/01/17/trump-s-doi-nominee-rep-ryan-zinke-fa
ce-questioning-climate-record-support-oil-gas-and-coal> . He seems to hear
the money talking.
That's it for the cabinet and presidential succession members of Team Trump.
Still to come: Team Trump deep insiders, like the CIA, National Security
Counsel, and White House staff.
William M. Boardman has over 40 years experience in theatre, radio, TV,
print journalism, and non-fiction, including 20 years in the Vermont
judiciary. He has received honors from Writers Guild of America, Corporation
for Public Broadcasting, Vermont Life magazine, and an Emmy Award nomination
from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission
to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader
Supported News.
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