Idea that Trump "may surprise us" dashed by key picks

AROUND THE BLOCK

Commentary

 Trump picks Jeff Sessions for Attorney General

Senator known for anti-civil rights sentiments follows Mike Flynn choice as NSA; Is Rudy next?

Let’s see.

Jeff Sessions, an individual known for anti-civil rights sentiments and racist statements, (detailed in this The Nation piece - https://www.thenation.com/article/jeff-sessions-trumps-pick-for-attorney-general-is-a-fierce-opponent-of-civil-rights/) as AG;

Michael Flynn, an Islamophobic tweeter of dubiously sourced news, "AKA "fake news," including an anti-Semitic one (wait, is there a trend here?), who's pronouncements when he was head of the Defense Intelligence Agency were known as "Flynn facts," and who called CNN and MSNBC "state-run media" akin to the Russian government funded RT (for more details on Flynn see this Vox piece - http://www.vox.com/2016/11/17/13673280/mike-flynn-trump-new-national-security-adviser-russia-isis-obama-clinton-turkey) as National Security Advisor 

VP-elect Mike Pence, who's anti-abortion stance and history of anti-LGBT policies will most likely restrict the rights of both women and the LGBT community as the head of Trump's transition team; 

And Rudy Giuliani, still being considered for Secretary of State, who’s only credential for that job, beyond conspiracy theorist par excellence, is that he was once called “America’s mayor (!?). ”

So, how's it going so far?

I understand and respect that as the victor in this election, Mr. Trump has the right to nominate whomever he pleases to these critical positions. But do you think it’s time to start re-thinking my previous idea that “maybe he’ll surprise us?”

And, as much as I despise the idea of using arcane Senate rules to halt the workings of government, perhaps it’s time to implore Chuck Schumer to do a “McConnell” to block some of these appointments when they come up for confirmation. (Not Flynn’s, of course, since National Security Advisor does not require Senate confirmation.)

Fasten your seat belts. We're expecting extreme turbulence for the next four years.