world

Veterans Affairs Secretary Shulkin to resign; Trump to nominate his personal physician

48 Comments
By Steve Holland

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2018.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

48 Comments
Login to comment

That would suggest they aren't important jobs at all. 

Yes, it is one inference. Other, more reasonable inferences suggest it's incompetence, toxicity, or a combination of both.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I do, that’s why I support Trump, but open to decent pragmatic politicians like Clinton.

You supported Clinton in the past. Okay. You are currently a Trump partisan. It's quite clear.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Trump has no nominees for 245 important jobs. 

That would suggest they aren't important jobs at all. All those jobs unfilled and the country is still running. What better way to cut the budget?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

You clearly don't understand how it works

I do, that’s why I support Trump, but open to decent pragmatic politicians like Clinton.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Impossible, I voted for Clinton twice.

You clearly don't understand how it works.

partisan

ˈpɑːtɪzan,ˌpɑːtɪˈzan/

noun

1

a strong supporter of a party, cause, or person."partisans of the exiled Stuarts"

synonyms:supporter, follower, adherent, devotee, champion, backer, upholder, promoter, fanatic, fan, enthusiast, stalwart, zealot, disciple, votary; More

There is no factor in the definition that negates its accuracy because you were a supporter of someone else in the past.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Yes, do take the partisan hat off.

Impossible, I voted for Clinton twice.

Yes, we do know why they don't: Because they cannot confirm an appointee that hasn't been appointed. Additionally, it's their right not to, just like you guys did with that SCOTUS vacancay. It sucks when the shoe is on the other foot.

Yes, you are right and karma is a mug, so when it's the Dems round, the GOP will remember and then we will say the same thing, sucks when the shoe is on the other foot.

Trump does not have anyone lined up even after claiming everyone wants to work in the WH

How would you know that? LOL You guys are a crackup. I love me some lib humor!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Now if only Democrats would confirm many of his candidates to fill out those vacant positions, but then again, we know why they don’t.

Yes, we do know why they don't: Because they cannot confirm an appointee that hasn't been appointed. Additionally, it's their right not to, just like you guys did with that SCOTUS vacancay. It sucks when the shoe is on the other foot.

Also, take off your partisan hat and try looking at facts:

There are some 1,200 federal jobs that require Senate confirmation. From the start, President Trump has been skeptical of the need for them all.

https://www.npr.org/2017/11/22/566098660/trump-administration-has-more-than-250-unfilled-jobs

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

This:

Take the partisan hat off, who would be better? 

immediately after this:

 The failed Obama holdover that kept screwing up 

Yes, do take the partisan hat off.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Wot, not someone from Fox (Non)News??

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The doctor helped Trump to stop fatter.

Trump said military wastes money. Border Wall will. be paid by Military.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I don't know who would be the best VA head, but I do know us vets need better treatment. I've been in 3 different VA hospitals and several private hospitals. A huge difference! VA seems like what a USSR era place would be. But, it has gotten much better since Trump was elected. I can easily tell that people there have tightened up their work ethic. An amazing difference. Still not like regular hospital, but better. And the VA disability section - whew, they are experts at the 3 Ds - Delay, Deny, then Death. It seems obvious that they utilize these 3 Ds on veterans. I'm closer to the third D now...

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Lest we all forget.., that while the top may change, the actual staff below hardly changes.

It is a difficult job for any administration to get any good results regardless of whom they place at the top. Without a complete over hall of those in existing position for many years under many administrations, old habits, old cliques, old politics, and everything we identify as "corporate culture" in today's operational environment may not change. So call re-training is for skills, but it is the personal work philosophy and respect for those they "serve", as public employees must be cultivated.

That is the major problem with any organization that continues with existing personnel.

The problem here is the mentality of those at the top that forget that there is a major difference between rights and privileges and between serving the public and personal needs. While Shulkin may know how to improve the operation, obviously his "priority" was not for the benefit of the people he serves. But then, that is the exact problem with what is now identified as the swamp. The priority is not for the people they serve.

And it goes deep within the structure down to the very front-line staff. It may take generation of personnel changes done right and correctly before any organization, especially the government actually change. It even extends to the military where culture and discipline does not necessarily exist.

Even Japan faces the same problem.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

According to Trump, "Everyone wants to work at his White House!" So you would think this being Easter weekend there would be "No room at the inn" but in fact Trump has no nominees for 245 important jobs. Whirlwind envelopes the White House and the staff door a revolting one.

Now if only Democrats would confirm many of his candidates to fill out those vacant positions, but then again, we know why they don’t.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

For all we know... this may be an important part of draining the swamp.

Those in high positions today may be labeled qualified are difficult to classify as being reliable or good for the job they hold. Managers are often not good administrators and administrators often not good managers. Most important to note here is that not all medical doctors are good managers or administrators.

In politics, it appears that "reputation" more than "ability" is used to fill positions, especially when there are too many "critics" trying to prevent meaningful and effective operation which undermines political control by those in power. It is when they are actually performing at their tasks that the real ability shows up. They cannot "hide" behind others. When they cannot perform, they either resign or get fired.

Expect Trump to go through many many more replacements in all departments.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Well, as the good doctor said, if he can cut his cholesterol he could live to be 200.

Live to be 200? Is that what he said? Doesn’t sound like a good doctor to me. Sounds like a crackpot or a liar.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Actually an obama “appointee” but don’t let facts get in the way of the story.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Perhaps a term needs to be developed to describe a failed attempt at a dictatorship headed by a chronic-but-very-temporary-bone-spur-draft-dodger with no respect for the military, the FBI, the CIA, the judiciary, or the USA's Constitution. Or, maybe, that new iteration of inept but destabilizing power-grabs could henceforth be described at "Trump."

Food for thought, for sure.

Trumpton territory? Coalition of the corrupt? Sinister syndicate? Farcical faction?

But who is left to educate this ignorant man?

Nobody, I'd imagine. People who stand up to the man, or criticise him tend to be shown the (revolving) door so there will be more "yes" people introduced, more who fear being ousted, less to keep check on his fiendish doings and do not doings ("do not congratulate" etc).

Shulkin was blatantly a wrong 'un, so he definitely had to go. We shall see more at the door, evermore. How many gone now? A score?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Trump really knows how to hire quality people. Not! Appointing people and then getting rid of them soon after is just how he ran his failed businesses. Donald with a 'D' for Dodgy. In fact, his whole presidency is a distraction in itself. In the mid-terms voters need to give him a big 'D'.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

A junta, while not always, is traditionally a military dictatorship, so the USA's current administration cannot be described accurately as such because a chicken-hawk like President Trump is many things, but military is defintely not one of them. Perhaps a term needs to be developed to describe a failed attempt at a dictatorship headed by a chronic-but-very-temporary-bone-spur-draft-dodger with no respect for the military, the FBI, the CIA, the judiciary, or the USA's Constitution. Or, maybe, that new iteration of inept but destabilizing power-grabs could henceforth be described at "Trump." Odd thing, politics, how a person with nothing but contempt for the military ends up deciding verteran affair matters. Not the first time, certainly, but one for the record books. And now a desire to use defense funding for a wall-to-be-funded-by-Mexico. You would think someone around him would explain how the USA's government works vis-a-vis budgets, funding, laws, seperation of powers... But who is left to educate this ignorant man? Not that one could lead such a calcified mind to any sort of comprehension. But he got the corporate tax cut at the expense of the middle-class... So mission accomplished for his backers. To think that veterans of the services must function in the fat wake of this contemptible person with no respect for the military or the USA... The horror.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

We know Jackson lied about Trump's height in the exam.

Dear Lord....Liberals will make an issue about everything when it comes to this President. He ate dinner with a 3 prong fork instead of a 4 prong one, how dare he! Lol

Anyway, I am happy it wasn't the scamp of a doctor who wrote Trump's fitness at the beginning of his presidency. The headline had me scared, and given Trump's propensity to hire unqualified zealots, it was believable.

Well, as the good doctor said, if he can cut his cholesterol he could live to be 200.

Agreed and Jackson should be a decent replacement since he is military.

This appointment is going against the recent trend of replacing professionals with croneys. Maybe attributing logic is wrong since the only logic to anything Trump does is to know what was said to him last.

What?

Now we need to oust a few other idiots, Sec. of Hud and Sec. of Ed are two that immediately come to mind.

I like Carson, but I might have to agree on that one.

Both are batty and dumber than a bag of hammers. RIck Perry is also horribly underqualified at anything beyond square dancing.

Well, I don’t know about all that. That’s a bit of a stretch.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

Resign my fanny! 'Shoo-out' or 'kick out' is more true to life here.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I would LOVE to transplant those who use language like “junta” to describe the US government into a country led by an actual junta.

We're all aware of your fantasies regarding posters who go against your master.

The US is well known through various administrations trying to surpress the black vote. And its disproportionate incarcerations of black men, not to mention police executions of the same demographic.

Trump has advocated violence against suspects and admires dictators like Putin and Duterte.

It may sound like a stretch to describe this administration and previous as a junta so I'll soften the blow. Neo-junta.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

That’s true. He did say POWs are losers for being captured, and his base cheered.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Teacher if you give me an a grade in the school test you and your family can stay in my golf course in Florida when it's snowing here...

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Trump treats and respects vets better than any president ever.

Apart from those captured of course.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Trump treats and respects vets better than any president ever. Great choice I think.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

Good to see the US steadily advancing through the "Third World".... soon US will be a "Banana Republic" too

1 ( +4 / -3 )

I would LOVE to transplant those who use language like “junta” to describe the US government into a country led by an actual junta.

they wouldn’t last 5 minutes...

I agree with you on using the correct terms. I can remember reading comparisons of Trump to Hitler and Bernie Sanders to Stalin here. One Trump supporter here described the Obama years as a ‘dictatorship’.

Silly partisanship.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Good appointment.  At least Ronny has experience looking after older gents.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I had no idea you were A) a physician, and B) present during the President's exminations and privy to the results

We know Jackson lied about Trump's height in the exam.

Anyway, I am happy it wasn't the scamp of a doctor who wrote Trump's fitness at the beginning of his presidency. The headline had me scared, and given Trump's propensity to hire unqualified zealots, it was believable.

Well, at least we can agree on Shulkin being ousted is a good move at least.

Agreed and Jackson should be a decent replacement since he is military.

This appointment is going against the recent trend of replacing professionals with croneys. Maybe attributing logic is wrong since the only logic to anything Trump does is to know what was said to him last.

Now we need to oust a few other idiots, Sec. of Hud and Sec. of Ed are two that immediately come to mind. Both are batty and dumber than a bag of hammers. RIck Perry is also horribly underqualified at anything beyond square dancing.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

I would LOVE to transplant those who use language like “junta” to describe the US government into a country led by an actual junta.

they wouldn’t last 5 minutes...

-13 ( +2 / -15 )

No worries, bass. I'm not here for the "likes". That said, I've given you thumbs aloft in the past.

I think junta is a reasonable word to describe the corruption that is endemic in this iteration of a White House admininstration, yep.

Come on, dude...lol.

Shulkin had utter contempt for the ordinary people and am glad he's gone. I'll be even gladder when Spanky gets packing, too.

Well, at least we can agree on Shulkin being ousted is a good move at least.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

Before you gloat any harder, just FYI, Shulkin was originally an Obama cabinet appointe

Gloat? I made no reference to Trump or the GOP. I don’t care where this scum is from. Good riddance to a selfish loser. And “these people” mean anyone in government who does this.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Drain the swap!

Oh, riiiiiiight.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

No worries, bass. I'm not here for the "likes". That said, I've given you thumbs aloft in the past.

I think junta is a reasonable word to describe the corruption that is endemic in this iteration of a White House admininstration, yep.

Shulkin had utter contempt for the ordinary people and am glad he's gone. I'll be even gladder when Spanky gets packing, too.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Glad to see Shulkin go. The jet-setting, SW19-loving scrounger was a clear liability to the Trump junta with his clear contempt for ordinary tax payers.

I almost gave you a thumbs up. Trump Junta? Seriously? ROFL

-12 ( +3 / -15 )

Glad to see Shulkin go. The jet-setting, SW19-loving scrounger was a clear liability to the Trump junta with his clear contempt for ordinary tax payers.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43063940

However, will this man who gave Spanky the all-clear be any better in the role?

5 ( +7 / -2 )

've been waiting for Ronny Jackson to show up after he gave the phony physical info. This is his reward for lying for Trump.

Shame on you Dr Jackson. You discredit your uniform.

God help us all

Semper Fi

So who would be better? The failed Obama holdover that kept screwing up or someone with medical, military, combat and administrative experience? Take the partisan hat off, who would be better? Shulkin was disastrous, so Jackson sold his soul to help our veterans? Wow! You guys are going to have a hard time if you keep that hate up. This was a good and very logical move.

Hervorragend!

-13 ( +4 / -17 )

Damn ! I was betting on Kelly !

Well... Next week I guess !

7 ( +8 / -1 )

These guys sure do like burning through our tax dollars for personal gain.

Good riddance, loser.

Before you gloat any harder, just FYI, Shulkin was originally an Obama cabinet appointee and was unanimously approved by Congress as Trump's choice to head the VA, so I'm not sure who you mean by 'these guys'.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

So 'Trump's personal physician' also happens to have been the presidential physician for the previous two presidents. That headline is a little bit misleading.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

These guys sure do like burning through our tax dollars for personal gain.

Good riddance, loser.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

I've been waiting for Ronny Jackson to show up after he gave the phony physical info. This is his reward for lying for Trump.

Dr. CrazyJoe!

I had no idea you were A) a physician, and B) present during the President's exminations and privy to the results

It always thrills me to know I'm rubbing shoulders with such interesting people right here on JT!

-17 ( +6 / -23 )

I've been waiting for Ronny Jackson to show up after he gave the phony physical info. This is his reward for lying for Trump.

Shame on you Dr Jackson. You discredit your uniform.

God help us all

Semper Fi

17 ( +19 / -2 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites