# Trump's Cabinet of Curiosities **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [November 10, 2016, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367 "2016-11-10T16:28:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 57
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1121 "2017-02-09T01:28:25Z")
Yeah, you’re right. Nothing projects strength like whimpering and rolling over to show your belly. If they really want to look manly, they should start siding with the Republicans on every issue. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1122 "2017-02-09T01:28:48Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > With all these futile attempts to block the appointments, all Democrats are managing is projecting weakness. You’re right! If Democrats rolled over and voted in FAVOR of these shitty and unqualified candidates, then they’d really show the world the courage of their convictions! > [@madsircool](#): > > Or fighting for bad teachers to keep their jobs. They are advocates for teachers, not the kids. I love it when people post stuff like this on the day when my NEA Today magazine comes, so I can tell them about the articles. Here’s from the Table of Contents: > [@](#): > > The Student Brain and Trauma [looking at how traumatized students have trouble learning, and how teachers can help] > Where Students Won in Election 2016 [one of the most political ones, talking about issues like increasing funding for schools, containing the spread of charters, etc.] > Get Organized! [the other political one, looking at things like getting air conditioning in Hawaii’s public schools and gaining support for new teachers in Arizona] > I’m a normal kid [talking about how schools can support transgender students] > Common Enrollment [looking at a specific relationship between charters and public schools and suggesting that it’s a scam by for-profits–straddles the politics line] > First and Foremost [short articles about things like social jockeying among middle-school students, the importance of correct pronunciation of names, and how black girls face bias in schools] > Teaching and learning [how to use graphic novels in class; how to reach students who appear unreachable; review of a picture book about slavery] > Issues and impact [the case for immigration reform] > People and places [stories of teachers working to improve student lives] If that looks to you like nothing more than an attempt to make teacher lives easier, I don’t know what to tell you. Sure, some of it is–but a great deal of it is not. ---
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1123 "2017-02-09T02:47:54Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > With all these futile attempts to block the appointments, all Democrats are managing is projecting weakness. Hardly. I’m hoping some Trump voters will see the light after they realize his administration is doing them no good. However, too many Trumpistas are lost to reason. We\* really\* need to inspire the Democrats who don’t come out for every election. Thanks to Mitch McConnell for giving Elizabeth Warren a big PR boost! ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1124 "2017-02-09T04:09:58Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > You’re right! If Democrats rolled over and voted in FAVOR of these shitty and unqualified candidates, then they’d really show the world the courage of their convictions! > > I love it when people post stuff like this on the day when my NEA Today magazine comes, so I can tell them about the articles. > > Here’s from the Table of Contents: > > If that looks to you like nothing more than an attempt to make teacher lives easier, I don’t know what to tell you. Sure, some of it is–but a great deal of it is not. Really? At least in Cali the kids aren’t even part of the equation… [http://m.townhall.com/tipsheet/cortneyobrien/2014/04/21/number-of-tenured-teachers-in-ca-fired-for-poor-performance-in-last-decade-19-n1826813](http://m.townhall.com/tipsheet/cortneyobrien/2014/04/21/number-of-tenured-teachers-in-ca-fired-for-poor-performance-in-last-decade-19-n1826813) ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 10:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1125 "2017-02-09T10:18:54Z")
One so seldom finds the time to see what insights TownHall has to offer. But long as you’re here, what deep wisdom did you gain from the article _The Left Hates You. Act Accordingly._ ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1126 "2017-02-09T13:40:30Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > One so seldom finds the time to see what insights TownHall has to offer. But long as you’re here, what deep wisdom did you gain from the article _The Left Hates You. Act Accordingly._ After extensive scrolling I did find one lonely article critical of Trump, authored by Jonah “Liberal Fascism” Goldberg. Nobody can say they aren’t fair and balanced. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1127 "2017-02-09T13:49:34Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Really? At least in Cali the kids aren’t even part of the equation… > > [http://m.townhall.com/tipsheet/cortneyobrien/2014/04/21/number-of-tenured-teachers-in-ca-fired-for-poor-performance-in-last-decade-19-n1826813](http://m.townhall.com/tipsheet/cortneyobrien/2014/04/21/number-of-tenured-teachers-in-ca-fired-for-poor-performance-in-last-decade-19-n1826813) This is a nonresponsive link for several reasons: 1. It doesn’t address the question of whether “kids are part of the equation” of what the NEA does in California. 2. Its stats have no control group. What percentage of teachers are fired for poor performance in states without a union? What percentage of other professionals–say, physicians, nurses, or accountants–are fired for poor performance after their first five years on the job? 3. It doesn’t address the question of how many teachers are dismissed before obtaining tenure. 4. It doesn’t address the question of how many teachers are persuaded to resign. 5. It doesn’t address the degree to which this is a failure of administration, not a problem with unions. By now, you’re probably embarrassed at offering such a shoddy and irrelevant cite, and are wondering, “so what DOES the NEA’s affiliate in California, the California Teachers Association, focus on?” I’m glad you hypothetically asked! [Here’s their website](https://www.cta.org/). The top five stories I’m seeing: > [@](#): > > 1. Despite nationwide public outcry Betsy DeVos confirmed > 2. California Educators: Riding the Wave of Innovation: Creative, transformative educators understand that the essence of innovation is looking at what exists, taking a chance, and making it better. > 3. Reflect, honor & celebrate: February is Black History Month > 4. The post-election trend making students feel unsafe and insecure prompts a Call to Action for the public education ALL California’s students deserve. (article about making safe spaces for kids at school) > 5. National School Counseling Week is February 6-10 Here’s where you’re thinking, “Woah–it turns out teachers do care about students after all, and this passion for education is front and center in their professional organizations! I’ve been fed a line of nonsense by union-busting conservatives, but I won’t be fooled again!” To which I say: good on you. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1128 "2017-02-09T19:26:42Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > This is a nonresponsive link for several reasons: > > 1. It doesn’t address the question of whether “kids are part of the equation” of what the NEA does in California. > 2. Its stats have no control group. What percentage of teachers are fired for poor performance in states without a union? What percentage of other professionals–say, physicians, nurses, or accountants–are fired for poor performance after their first five years on the job? > 3. It doesn’t address the question of how many teachers are dismissed before obtaining tenure. > 4. It doesn’t address the question of how many teachers are persuaded to resign. > 5. It doesn’t address the degree to which this is a failure of administration, not a problem with unions. > > … Here’s where you’re thinking, “Woah–it turns out teachers do care about students after all, and this passion for education is front and center in their professional organizations! I’ve been fed a line of nonsense by union-busting conservatives, but I won’t be fooled again!” > > To which I say: good on you. Heh. What Betsy DeVos and others on the right cannot tolerate is teachers thinking of themselves as _professionals_. In right-wing world, teachers know themselves to be disposable, interchangeable minimum-wage workers (and the minimum wage is 50 cents per hour!) _That’ll_ raise the USA’s standing in the “student performance by nation” lists! ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1129 "2017-02-09T20:08:47Z")
I said that the CTA stands behind teachers first, even bad ones, at the expense of kids…usually poor ones. Strawmen and red herring arguments won’t change that. When the CTA bank roles school board candidates, and gets them elected, they have to except responsibility for the public policy that results from that. What other profession has tenure? There has to be a better way to protect unpopular speech without protecting bad teachers. Right? ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1130 "2017-02-09T20:21:37Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > I said that the CTA stands behind teachers first, even bad ones, at the expense of kids…usually poor ones. …no. You said: > [@](#): > > At least in Cali the kids aren’t even part of the equation… If you meant to say that the CTA stands behind teachers first, then those words would have conveyed that message and saved me some time showing how wrong you were with the words you actually said. Now, if you want to support the words you’ve actually said, show us your cites for that, preferably from a source less egregious than TownHall. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1131 "2017-02-09T21:28:55Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > Heh. What Betsy DeVos and others on the right cannot tolerate is teachers thinking of themselves as _professionals_. In right-wing world, teachers know themselves to be disposable, interchangeable minimum-wage workers (and the minimum wage is 50 cents per hour!) > > _That’ll_ raise the USA’s standing in the “student performance by nation” lists! Do teachers make minimum wage now? ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1132 "2017-02-09T21:56:56Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Do teachers make minimum wage now? No, but they will when America is Great Again! ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1133 "2017-02-09T22:08:23Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > No, but they will when America is Great Again! I thought we were getting rid of that “minimum wage” commie crap altogether? ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2017, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1134 "2017-02-09T23:41:31Z")
For those interested, you can watch (LIVE!) the Senate debate the nomination of Tom Price for Secretary of HHS at [Replay: Senate Votes To Confirm Tom Price As HHS Secretary 52-47 | Video | RealClearHealth](http://www.realclearhealth.com/video/2017/02/09/watch_live_senate_debates_hhs_nominee_tom_price_obamacare.html) ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2017, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1135 "2017-02-10T00:10:47Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > No, but they will when America is Great Again! At some point hysteria and hyperbole are just tuned out. It’s like the tactic of calling everyone right of Mao a Nazi. Eventually the word loses its meaning. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2017, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1136 "2017-02-10T00:15:28Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > …no. You said: > > If you meant to say that the CTA stands behind teachers first, then those words would have conveyed that message and saved me some time showing how wrong you were with the words you actually said. > > Now, if you want to support the words you’ve actually said, show us your cites for that, preferably from a source less egregious than TownHall. Or show me a cite that the TownHall linked stat is incorrect. Or actually follow the link in the article. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2017, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1137 "2017-02-10T01:10:25Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Or show me a cite that the TownHall linked stat is incorrect. Or actually follow the link in the article. What are you even talking about? Your argument is, at this point, completely incoherent. Is your argument that, because few teachers with tenure get fired for the specific reason of poor performance, therefore the CTA doesn’t care about kids? Is that what you’re trying to say? Because if so, I’ve already and thoroughly rebutted it. If your argument is something else, you really need to make it. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1138 "2017-02-14T04:46:50Z")
[Micheal Flynn](http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_FLYNN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-02-13-23-28-16) resigns just 25 days into Trump’s term. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1139 "2017-02-14T05:49:21Z")
His resignation letter boasts of serving his country “in such a distinguished way.” Some of his boss’s humility must have rubbed off on him: [Michael Flynn’s Resignation Letter - The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/02/13/us/politics/document-Michael-Flynn-Resignation-Letter.html) ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2017, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1140 "2017-02-14T07:22:41Z")
He may go quietely, stealing away like a queef in the night. Loudly, with a marching band playing and little girls spreading rose petals in his path. He goes with the thanks of a grateful nation. Just so long as he goes. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367.md?page=56) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367.md?page=58)