A cabinet secretary in the USA Executive Branch is supposed to be a somewhat solemn person and bring real facts to Congress when asked for them. That is not a solemn answer. That answer is filed with hubris and a 'designer statement' to bring about a result that is adverse to the country and the enormous new burgeoning national deficit.
"Stinky Zinke" is now responsible for an ethics violation and needs to minimally be admonished and/or fined for his casual playful attitude in his responsible position as Secretary of the Interior. It needs to be on the front page of every newsprint as well.
Trump seems incapable and/or unwilling to rein in the arrogance of his cabinet.
March 16, 2018
By Juliet Eilpern and Brady Dennis
Washington – During a Cabinet meeting (click here) at the White House last October, President Donald Trump extolled the virtues of the men and women surrounding him at the table.
“A great trust has been placed upon each member of our Cabinet,” he declared. “We have a Cabinet that – there are those that are saying it’s one of the finest group of people ever assembled . . . as a Cabinet. And I happen to agree with that.”
Less than five months later, Trump finds himself presiding over a Cabinet in which a number of members stand accused of living large at taxpayer expense – often by aggressively embracing the trappings of their high government posts.
At least a half-dozen current or former Trump Cabinet officials have been mired in federal investigations over everything from high-end travel and spending on items such as a soundproof phone booth to the role of family members weighing in on official business. On Wednesday alone, newly disclosed documents revealed fresh details about spending scandals at both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development....
The idea the staff has to get used to cost containment at the highest offices in the federal government is an excuse and not a reasonable statement. Faking an answer to the US Congress when asked about private jet trips is not a novice, that is professional. Zinke really thought he could get away with deceiving Congress. That is a liar and a thief and a man that intends to continue his lavish lifestyle at the expense of the American people. At this level of government, there are no excuses.
...“Staff needs to get better and principals need to get smarter about asking questions like, ‘How much does this cost?’ ” he said. “All of these folks are all new to Washington power, and so are their staffs. At their power level, anything is possible.”...
An excuse like this only tells Zinke and those like him they need to learn to lie better because Congresswomen are not morons in a dress.
Each offense should demand the repayment to the USA Treasury of any monies unduly spent even if it takes the rest of their lives!
This spending is about arrogance and entitlement, traits not only unbecoming a US Cabinet member, but, dangerous in it's practice in that office.
...Referring to a complaint to HUD’s special counsel about redecorating his office, Carson tweeted on Feb. 28, “We suspect, based on past attempts, that they will continue to probe and make further accusations even without evidence or substantiation. We will continue to ask for God’s guidance to do what is right.....=
I think Carson needs to spend some time at the dining tables of those that actually humble themselves before God to thank their savior for their daily food.
...At times, White House officials have made it clear to outsiders that they are scrutinizing Cabinet members closely. Two weeks ago, Chief of Staff John Kelly met with veterans service organizations to discuss the current turmoil at VA. Several representatives told him that Shulkin was being undermined at the department by an insurrection of high-level White House appointees who disagree with many of his policies, according to three people in attendance....
What question about veterans in need can exist that a high level Oval Office staffer needs to interfere? This report came out in September, things don't change that fast.
September 15, 2017
...Among VA findings: (click here)
Findings show there is variability across the nation in the rates and numbers of deaths by suicide among Veterans. Overall, the Veteran rates mirror those of the general population in the geographic region, with the highest rates in Western states. While we see higher rates of suicide in some states with smaller populations, most Veteran suicides are still in the heaviest populated areas.
The suicide rate among middle-age and older adult Veterans remains high. In 2014, approximately 65 percent of all Veterans who died by suicide were age 50 or older.
After adjusting for differences in age and sex, risk for suicide was 22 percent higher among Veterans when compared to U.S. non-Veteran adults. After adjusting for differences in age, risk for suicide was 19 percent higher among male Veterans when compared to U.S. non-Veteran adult men. After adjusting for differences in age, risk for suicide was 2.5 times higher among female Veterans when compared to U.S. non-Veteran adult women.,,,
This isn't about the benefits the veterans need, it is about putting in place a television personality that can help with elections. Why not just pick someone from RT?
March 15, 2018
By Lisa Rein
Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, (click here) a conservative voice on veterans’ policy, has emerged as a leading candidate to replace embattled Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, who has fallen from favor with the Trump administration, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
