16th November 2016

I read in a headline in today’s The New York Times that “Firings and Discord Put Trump Transition Team in a State of Disarray.” I read in another headline that “Giuliani’s Ties Raise Question For State Dept.” I read that “World Allies Struggle to Contact Leader as Stave Improvises Protocols.” I read that Chris Christie has been demoted from his position as head of the Transition Team. And I read that Steve Bannon of Breitbart News whose public positions smacks of racism, misogyny and anti-Semitism, at the least, has been appointed Presidential Chief of Staff.

     Giuliani’s credentials for the position of Secretary of State can be reduced to his having been mayor during the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Other than his lucrative business dealings with his “friends all over the world,”¾his words¾Giuliani has no experience in the politics of international affairs. The Times reports that “He vaulted to national prominence because of his leadership after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and he still views the world through the prism of that day.” Of course, Chris Christie has just barely avoided criminal implication in the Bridge Closings meant to punish the Democratic Mayor of Fort Lee for not endorsing Christie during his run for the governership of New Jersey. Two of his henchpeople have been convicted in conection with the heinous affair that created chaos and danger for at least three days on toll lanes on George Washington Bridge leading to New York City. There is nothing to say about Steve Bannon that has not already been said in horror from the Democrats and Republicans and even Conservatives still active (though that word is problematic when applied to government these days) in governing. There is grave concern for the activity and direction being taken by the new administration.
     And I wonder: what was anyone expecting from a President-elect who has absolutely no experience in public office, public affairs, or diplomacy and whose deportment and language can only be described as crude, hate-filled and incendiary> What to expect from his cadre of self-serving vindictive, often incompetent individuals who approach governing as a child might approach the toy section of a big department store: “Oh, boy, can I have this? Or that?” “Wow, look at that! I’d love to play with that next.” I think of Kurtz: “The horror. The horror.”