Month: December 2022

Dennis McDonough Secretary of Veterans Affairs

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This 53 year old Minnesota born Secretary of Veterans Affairs was educated at Georgetown University, The College of St. Benedict, and St. John’s University. He has held numerous positions as Obama White House Chief of Staff from 2013-2017, and prior to that working for senators as their legislative director and in policy development. He has worked extensively on Latin American issues, and speaks fluent Spanish.

It was in 2007 when he was called to serve as Obama’s chief political advisor as his predecessor was summoned into military service. Much of his work is behind the scenes in a multitude of varied positions. He was in the room during the Bin Laden raid. In 2017 he retired but continued to serve in non-profits to change the oudated labor market to a more digital economy.

Upon returning to Washington at President Bident’s request, he accepted the Secretary position and was approved by the Senate with a 87-7 vote, with 6 senators not present.

LLoyd Austin III Secretary of Defense

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Lloyd Austin comes to this position after retiring as a 4 star general in 2016. Born in Mobile, Alabama he was educated at the US Military Academy at West Point, then received a Masters Degree at Auburn University, and an MBA at Webster University. He holds much advanced coursework in army operations. He was 41 years in uniform with his last years in Iraq leading the Army’s 3rd Division and subsequent leader of all Iraq operations. There he earned a Silver Star.

Upon retirement he has served on the boards of military contractors and health care organizations.

Monitoring the Secretary’s web site he is profoundly busy. As of this writing on 11/21/22, on 11/19 he addressed a forum in Canada, “Why Ukraine Matters,” and then he began travels to Indonesia.

As the US Department of Defense states, “Mr. Austin is the principal assistant to the President in all matters relating to the Department of Defense and serves on the National Security Council.” Believe we are in good hands, don’t you?

Xavier Becerra Health and Human Services Secretary

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This 64 year old Stanford graduate, (undergrad and JD), is the son of immigrants. As a member of congress he served for 24 years, and was the first Latino California Attorney General from 2017-2021. During that time this mover and shaker sued the orange prez’s administration over 120 times, and was instrumental in DACA and Affordable Care Act security. He secured billions from companies decreasing prescription drug costs, and implemented climate change initiatives.

Health and Human Services is tasked with protecting the health of all Americans providing essential services. Through its 11 agencies it promotes research in over 100 programs. The CDC, (Center for Disease Control), FDA, (Federal Drug Administration), and ACF, (Agency for Children and Families), fall under this cabinet post.

Recent news state Becerra is focusing on drug price negotiations for Medicare, something he has already handled as Attorney General in California. Another initiative is mental health care, and he is focusing on integrating this care into overall health care.

Sounds like the right man has been placed in this position.

Look forward to his results.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield United States Ambassador to the United Nations

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A Louisiana State University and University of Wisconsin graduate, (Ph.D. and 2018 Honorary Law Degree), this UN Ambassador began her career teaching political science at the university level. She later transitioned into the foreign service where she served since 1982 in many positions of responsibility receiving a multitude of distinguished service awards, and accolades. Terminated by the orange prez in 2017, she returned under the Biden administration to her current United Nations position in 2020.

In this position Linda is frequently seen on the world stage defending and speaking to the rights of others and US concerns. This is the number one task of this position to represent US interests, and to keep the US State Department informed of events at the United Nations.

Marty Walsh Secretary of Labor

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This 55 year old from Boston is a former union official, state representative and 7 year mayor of the City of Boston. He has a strong commitment to creating an economy that works for all. This is seen in his achievements in Boston:

  • Secured $15/hour minimum wage
  • created 140,000 jobs
  • free community college for low income students
  • established pre-k programs for children

In his current role he will be responsible for leading the labor department’s efforts to promote the welfare of wage earners, job seekers, and retirees across the U.S., including administering and enforcing a wide range of labor laws. Looking forward to continued greatness from this individual.

Dr. Miguel Cardona – Secretary of Education

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Dr. Cardona began his career as an elementary school teacher in Meriden, Connecticut, after graduating from the Connecticut state college system. He has always been active in his community, and was appointed to Commissioner of Education for the State of Connecticut in 2019. During his tenure he is credited with many accomplishments:

  • Covid 19 challenges and re-opening schools
  • Promoting access for students tech support
  • Learning devices for children in need
  • Partnering with Yale University to provide free social and emotional support
  • Programs for bilingual children
  • Programs for children with sensory concerns

His career has been focused on partnerships with other education forums/schools, unions, school boards, and families. Instrumental in the Biden tuition forgiveness program he remains creative and forthright in his endeavors.