# 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:** 9
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/161 "2016-12-01T17:14:16Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > That’s certainly one opinion. It’s actually 65,130,574 opinions. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/162 "2016-12-01T17:22:37Z")
> [@Happy\_Lendervedder](#): > > It’s actually 65,130,574 opinions. Huh? You think all HRC voters think voting for Trump was a “BIG mistake.”? Don’t think it was more likely to be a wide spectrum of views, with some people right on the edge between voting for HRC and Trump, only narrowly coming down on the side of Clinton, and some people on the other end convinced that all Trump voters were making a “BIG mistake”? I suspect that somewhere in this country, at least one voter _literally_ flipped a coin to decide if they would vote for Trump or Clinton. ETA: BTW, where are you reading the updated vote totals? CNN still shows HRC with 64,874,143 votes. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/163 "2016-12-01T17:23:32Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > Huh? You think all HRC voters think voting for Trump was a “BIG mistake.”? Don’t think it was more likely to be a wide spectrum of views, with some people right on the edge between voting for HRC and Trump, only narrowly coming down on the side of Clinton, and some people on the other end convinced that all Trump voters were making a “BIG mistake”? > > I suspect that somewhere in this country, at least one voter _literally_ flipped a coin to decide if they would vote for Trump or Clinton. OK, take one off for “flipped coin.” Hell, take 1% of for the reason of “flipped coin.” Actually, this really isn’t worth arguing over. Carry on. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/164 "2016-12-01T21:30:34Z")
Washington Post reports that Trump has picked James Mattis as his Secretary of Defense > **[Trump picks retired Marine Gen. James Mattis for secretary of defense](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-has-chosen-retired-marine-gen-james-mattis-for-secretary-of-defense/2016/12/01/6c6b3b74-aff9-11e6-be1c-8cec35b1ad25_story.html)** > > The decision will require nearly unprecedented legislation from Congress because Mattis is recently retired. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/165 "2016-12-01T21:36:19Z")
Perhaps it is only my imagination, but seems to me two rather different narratives are being offered. One is the rarer of the two. “Golly gee, electing Trump was the best thing _evah_! Can’t get enough of his crunchy goodness, yum, yum!” The second is a bit more reluctant, mainly pleased that liberals and lefties got scorched. But poke them on this policy or that, or this statement or that, and its “Well, yeah, he ain’t the best but at least he’s not tired ol’ lyin’ Hillary!” Guys, you do know that liberals and lefties _also_ oppose cholera, slavery and painful rectal itch? As do you, presumably. I know oodles and gobs of them, hardly any are Dark Wraiths from the Pit of Despair. Are you _sure_ you got your calibration right on this one? Its a commonplace that our nation is divided, nothing could be more obvious. But Trump and his onions are acting as if the nation cried out to them in one voice; that they are entitled to turn the country inside out and remake it just like they want it. Which, given the aforementioned commonplace, just ain’t so. Then you can’t really claim to love government of the people, by the people, for the people\*. Because you are _also_ saying that a minority of the voting public can take over and impose their will on the rest of us. 'Course, if that is your agenda, why not just come right out and say it? Still time to get a message to Santa so you don’t inadvertently get on the “Nice” list. Just sayin’, is all. \*Lincoln, he posted it on Facebook. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/166 "2016-12-01T21:42:08Z")
> [@](#): > > To take the job, Mattis will need Congress to pass new legislation to bypass a federal law stating that defense secretaries must not have been on active duty in the previous seven years. Congress has granted a similar exception just once, when Gen. George C. Marshall was appointed to the job in 1950. Will the Democrats oppose and/or filibuster this law change? ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/167 "2016-12-01T22:08:06Z")
Also, apparently there’s some speculation that he may be considering Democrat Senator Heidi Heitkamp from North Dakota for energy secretary > **[Heidi Heitkamp's Donald Trump meeting sets off alarm bells for Democrats |...](https://www.cnn.com/2016/12/01/politics/heidi-heitkamp-donald-trump-meeting/index.html)** > > President-elect Donald Trump is set to meet Friday with North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, a red-state Democrat, which could put Senate Democrats at a further disadvantage if she were to join the Trump administration. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/168 "2016-12-01T22:30:48Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > _shrug_ the EPA and Department of Education have, for a long time, been favorite targets of conservatives for which parts of the federal government they’d like to eliminate. Nominating someone who can rein in some of the worst excesses of these agencies from within probably seems like a win for most conservatives. This is nonsense. Sure, there’s room for ideological disagreement on what the roles of those agencies should be, and I’m sure we’d be on opposite sides of those views. But it should be obvious to anyone that, first of all, you do NOT campaign on a platform of “draining the swamp” of Washington insiders, and then appoint a whole series of Washington insiders to your most senior positions; Betsy DeVos is the ultimate insider, the core of the billionaire Republican fundraising machine closely aligned with the Koch brothers. The other thing you do NOT do if you are an honest politician is appoint to head the Department of Education someone who is so clearly and adamantly committed to destroying the public school system. Same with the EPA. One can argue ideology, but it’s hard to argue what the letters in “EPA” stand for, and that the appointment of an anti-science anti-environment climate change denier to head such an agency – literally, someone who makes his living denying climate change on behalf of the lobbyists at the Competitive Enterprise Institute – is just a thinly disguised effort to dismantle the agency as much and as fast as is legally possible, and maybe a little more. A rational conservative might want to undertake a scientifically based analysis of if and where regulations could be relaxed and cause the least harm and greatest potential economic benefits; this is not going to happen by putting a scientific illiterate and complete idiot in charge of the agency. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/169 "2016-12-01T22:31:51Z")
> [@PastTense](#): > > Will the Democrats oppose and/or filibuster this law change? I don’t know, but it would surprise me. Mattis is [practically revered by the armed forces](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0673/1329/products/mattis.png?v=1462294168). His resume appears to be sparkling with exactly the sort of experience you’d want in a SecDef. But, the law is in place to ensure civilian control of the military (not that I personally think it would be in any danger with Mattis as SecDef). It would be odd for the Dems, who are criticizing some of Trump’s nominees as inexperienced or unqualified, to filibuster one of the most clearly-qualified ones. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/170 "2016-12-01T23:20:06Z")
Your citation seems to actually express a sentiment directly opposite of your suggestion. “Patron Saint of Chaos”? Da fuq? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/171 "2016-12-01T23:34:25Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Your citation seems to actually express a sentiment directly opposite of your suggestion. > > “Patron Saint of Chaos”? Da fuq? **HD** thinks a motivational poster is a cite. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/172 "2016-12-01T23:41:33Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Your citation seems to actually express a sentiment directly opposite of your suggestion. > > “Patron Saint of Chaos”? Da fuq? I don’t think you’re reading it right. > [@running\_coach](#): > > **HD** thinks a motivational poster is a cite. I didn’t think it was anything someone would seriously contest. Are you doubting that General Mattis is widely respected in the military community? [Here, try reading a Terminal Lance cartoon and see if that convinces you](http://terminallance.com/2015/04/17/terminal-lance-lord-mattis-ii/). ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/173 "2016-12-01T23:53:35Z")
HD is absolutely correct. Mattis is revered in the military community. Even those jaded enlisted who hate officers as a matter of course but him in the “one of the good ones” category. ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2016, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/174 "2016-12-01T23:58:58Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > I don’t think you’re reading it right. > > I didn’t think it was anything someone would seriously contest. Are you doubting that General Mattis is widely respected in the military community? > > [Here, try reading a Terminal Lance cartoon and see if that convinces you](http://terminallance.com/2015/04/17/terminal-lance-lord-mattis-ii/). Seriously, your cites are a meme and a three panel comic? I can’t tell if you’re kidding or not. I am not familiar with this guy and have no idea if he’s widely respected or not. Do you have actual evidence that he is? Quotes from military analysts, polls of military personnel, anything like that? ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/175 "2016-12-02T00:01:13Z")
> [@Bayard](#): > > Seriously, your cites are a meme and a three panel comic? I can’t tell if you’re kidding or not. > > I am not familiar with this guy and have no idea if he’s widely respected or not. Do you have actual evidence that he is? Quotes from military analysts, polls of military personnel, anything like that? Seriously, this board is far more ignorant of the military culture than I thought if they question this. Would you, elucidator, or running coach believe me if I told you that Reagan was practically revered by Republicans? ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/176 "2016-12-02T00:43:38Z")
There is zero doubt whatsoever that Mattis is held in extremely high regard by uniformed military. The guy is the source of more repeated quotes than probably anyone since MacArthur. If you have not read of his reputation, you probably have only read one or two articles that mention his name. My guess is that 50% of the news artucles about him use terms like “highly respected,” “revered,” “legendary,” etc. Personally, I think the law about having a significant gap between military retirement and service as Secretary of Defense is extremely important, but I can’t imagine any more than a fringe or perhaps token opposition to his nomination. ETA: here’s a little insight to his personality. If you can’t see why he isn’t extremely appealing to troops, I don’t know what to say. > **[Humanity – theCHIVE](https://thechive.com/category/humanity/)** > > The best heartfelt, inspirational, cute, fun, photos and articles about people and life. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/177 "2016-12-02T01:29:11Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Your citation seems to actually express a sentiment directly opposite of your suggestion. > > “Patron Saint of Chaos”? Da fuq? Forgot to add - Chaos was Mattis’ call sign when he led the Marines’ attack on Fallujah. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/178 "2016-12-02T02:00:37Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > There is zero doubt whatsoever that Mattis is held in extremely high regard by uniformed military. The guy is the source of more repeated quotes than probably anyone since MacArthur. If you have not read of his reputation, you probably have only read one or two articles that mention his name. My guess is that 50% of the news artucles about him use terms like “highly respected,” “revered,” “legendary,” etc. > > Personally, I think the law about having a significant gap between military retirement and service as Secretary of Defense is extremely important, but I can’t imagine any more than a fringe or perhaps token opposition to his nomination. > > ETA: here’s a little insight to his personality. If you can’t see why he isn’t extremely appealing to troops, I don’t know what to say. > > [Humanity Photos, Memes & Videos - theCHIVE](http://thechive.com/2016/11/22/unforgettable-quotes-from-legendary-marine-gen-mad-dog-mattis-19-photos/) I think we liberals can stipulate that Mattis seems like a perfectly acceptable choice. Even a blind pig finds an acorn now and then. Mattis’ quote about not making enemies by harming civilians is something he’ll need to mention to his new boss, who is on the record as advocating bombing civilians. ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/179 "2016-12-02T02:12:29Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > Seriously, this board is far more ignorant of the military culture than I thought if they question this. Would you, elucidator, or running coach believe me if I told you that Reagan was practically revered by Republicans? I’ve never claimed to be anything other than ignorant of military culture. Being ignorant of military culture is not a personal failing. And I don’t think it’s fucking unreasonable to expect more than two slapdash attempts at humor when someone makes an assertion of fact. And comparing him to Reagan? Was Mattis president for eight years? Have right wing commentators been treating him like the Messiah for the better part of 30 years on radio, TV, and print? Is there an airport named after him? But, hey, I’ve learned my lesson. I was still hanging on to my proud ignorance of military culture, but that last cite finally swayed me. Truly, if I can’t accept the analysis provided by The Chive, there’s just no convincing me. I mean, this is the serious publication that this very day published an investigative piece on Celebrities With Big Dongs. I mean, going to The Chive pretty much ends all discussion of the matter. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2016, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/180 "2016-12-02T02:26:18Z")
I guess I’ve learned a lesson about trying to give a flavor of Mattis’ character and why he is held in high regard by many service members. I think sarcasm is a very inappropriate response to a good-faith effort to contribute something to your understanding of the type of guy that our likely next Secretary of Defense is. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367.md?page=10)