Currently, I'm a retired teacher (21 years in the classroom), but before that, I spent 20+ years in the retail industry (16 years in management). I remember my first management position, and the interview process that preceded my hiring. After a mere four years working as a grocery store box boy, then a couple of years as a department manager within a big box store, another company decided to take a chance on me. However, the personal interview (with the corporate V.P. of personnel himself) was, in a word, *grueling*. Then, after passing that part of the process, I filled out several forms in order that an extensive background check could be administered. There were also 'tests' involved. Three weeks later, I received an offer. From my perspective--at the time--I remember thinking this was an awful lot to put someone through for a "Manager Trainee." It was later explained to me that within a week of being on the job, I would be scheduled to 'close' the store. This meant that for the last four hours of the day, I would be the only person on-site from the management team. I would be responsible for a 60K sq.ft. store; the employees on duty; $2mil. of inventory (that was a lot at the time); and approximately $10K of cash on-hand. After that explanation--I felt sorely UN-qualified for the position. And, if I were to tell you the whole story of this particular job...let's just say that it didn't last long, nor end well for me. I did gain a wealth of experience, but the company also learned that anyone with my (lack of) experience is simply not ready.
All this to say...WTH is Trump thinking?! People with no (literally NO) experience? Others with VERY little experience. From the two careers that I've had in my life (retail and education), allow me to offer these analogies: 1) It's like promoting a school custodian to district superintendent. 2) It's like promoting a box-boy to CEO.
"It's hard to fly like an eagle when you surround yourself with turkeys." I guess, however, it does stoke your ego.
This is spot-on. It is no insult to say that, though many of these people may be qualified in their own industries, most simply do not have the experience or qualifications to run billion-dollar non-profits with thousands or even millions of employees. That doesn't even address positions in charge of the country's greatest secrets or lines of protection. I can only hope and pray that they use the expertise of those "below" them who will bear the burden of actually keeping things running.
I am appalled at the absolute lack of qualifications needed in order to be confirmed to these positions. I was a state social worker for over thirty years and served in non profits for seven. The necessary qualifications for these jobs included extensive education, background checks, references, and interviews. Any change in a position within the agency included all of this again. It is incredible that these vital positions do not require the same level of basic requirements. Trump is packing his cabinet with people who will do his bidding or have paid him off and has nothing to do with any ability to do the job.
Thank you for all of this information! I can't help but notice ... it seems as if many of these people have little to no experience in the area they're being nominated to serve. Hhmmmm.
Thank you Sharon. I’m so grateful for your thorough research and unbiased reporting. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your family who graciously share their wife and mother “for the greater good”. I know that your family is your top priority but they sacrifice a lot so you can do this wonderful work. May the peace of Christ permeate your home and hearts.
After sitting with this a little longer, I went back to see how the news covered Biden's initial picks. A simple 'were any of Biden's cabinet picks controversial' yielded many results, and here's a snapshot:
I share this as additional information for anyone who is curious. I'm not comparing Biden's picks to Trump's, just sharing an observation that condemnation and criticism (I'm referring to the news, not this edition of the Preamble) is as newsworthy as always.
Strategy should be to oppose those that are a credible threat to our country and require background checks, provided to Senators. Those that are merely unqualified for their role but are not an active danger can roll through. Expend political capital and fight for safety and security. Hegseth and Gabbard in particular as well as anyone leading a military/service branch department with no business doing so.
Currently, I'm a retired teacher (21 years in the classroom), but before that, I spent 20+ years in the retail industry (16 years in management). I remember my first management position, and the interview process that preceded my hiring. After a mere four years working as a grocery store box boy, then a couple of years as a department manager within a big box store, another company decided to take a chance on me. However, the personal interview (with the corporate V.P. of personnel himself) was, in a word, *grueling*. Then, after passing that part of the process, I filled out several forms in order that an extensive background check could be administered. There were also 'tests' involved. Three weeks later, I received an offer. From my perspective--at the time--I remember thinking this was an awful lot to put someone through for a "Manager Trainee." It was later explained to me that within a week of being on the job, I would be scheduled to 'close' the store. This meant that for the last four hours of the day, I would be the only person on-site from the management team. I would be responsible for a 60K sq.ft. store; the employees on duty; $2mil. of inventory (that was a lot at the time); and approximately $10K of cash on-hand. After that explanation--I felt sorely UN-qualified for the position. And, if I were to tell you the whole story of this particular job...let's just say that it didn't last long, nor end well for me. I did gain a wealth of experience, but the company also learned that anyone with my (lack of) experience is simply not ready.
All this to say...WTH is Trump thinking?! People with no (literally NO) experience? Others with VERY little experience. From the two careers that I've had in my life (retail and education), allow me to offer these analogies: 1) It's like promoting a school custodian to district superintendent. 2) It's like promoting a box-boy to CEO.
"It's hard to fly like an eagle when you surround yourself with turkeys." I guess, however, it does stoke your ego.
This is spot-on. It is no insult to say that, though many of these people may be qualified in their own industries, most simply do not have the experience or qualifications to run billion-dollar non-profits with thousands or even millions of employees. That doesn't even address positions in charge of the country's greatest secrets or lines of protection. I can only hope and pray that they use the expertise of those "below" them who will bear the burden of actually keeping things running.
Thanks for this! I know there’s a lot of research that went into this. Except,
“Tulsi Gabbard served for more than 10 decades in the Army National Guard.”
I think there’s something wrong with this sentence …
I noticed the same- thinking it was a typo. Maybe 2 decades?
Or 10 years? She’s not that old.
I am appalled at the absolute lack of qualifications needed in order to be confirmed to these positions. I was a state social worker for over thirty years and served in non profits for seven. The necessary qualifications for these jobs included extensive education, background checks, references, and interviews. Any change in a position within the agency included all of this again. It is incredible that these vital positions do not require the same level of basic requirements. Trump is packing his cabinet with people who will do his bidding or have paid him off and has nothing to do with any ability to do the job.
Thank you for all of this information! I can't help but notice ... it seems as if many of these people have little to no experience in the area they're being nominated to serve. Hhmmmm.
Thank you Sharon. I’m so grateful for your thorough research and unbiased reporting. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your family who graciously share their wife and mother “for the greater good”. I know that your family is your top priority but they sacrifice a lot so you can do this wonderful work. May the peace of Christ permeate your home and hearts.
Thank you for putting all this detailed information together.
Well, I'm optimistic about 2 nominees. This process and term will be VERY interesting, to say the least. We will see what we will see, won't we? 😬
Thank you so much for doing this, Sharon. I really appreciate this resource, and look forward to the second installment!
After sitting with this a little longer, I went back to see how the news covered Biden's initial picks. A simple 'were any of Biden's cabinet picks controversial' yielded many results, and here's a snapshot:
How Biden’s team botched his Cabinet debuts (Leans Left): https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/14/biden-transition-problems-444962
What do progressives make of Joe Biden's cabinet picks so far? (Left)
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/28/joe-biden-cabinet-administration-antony-blinken
Mounting confirmation battle sends warning sign to Biden (Leans left)
https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/23/politics/joe-biden-confirmations-cabinet/index.html
I share this as additional information for anyone who is curious. I'm not comparing Biden's picks to Trump's, just sharing an observation that condemnation and criticism (I'm referring to the news, not this edition of the Preamble) is as newsworthy as always.
Strategy should be to oppose those that are a credible threat to our country and require background checks, provided to Senators. Those that are merely unqualified for their role but are not an active danger can roll through. Expend political capital and fight for safety and security. Hegseth and Gabbard in particular as well as anyone leading a military/service branch department with no business doing so.
Good news is that background checks are being conducted on nominees and appointees:
Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staff
https://apnews.com/article/trump-transition-fbi-justice-security-clearance-9916d70ea53ed791f28c92889aac6573
FYI the link to ground news only offers a 40% discount