It’s hard to listen to the news, read the paper, or even follow social media. As we are watching what is going on around us, a sense of shock almost overcomes us. Remember we kept saying that “elections have consequences?” We are seeing it now with the appointments that Joe Biden is making and the confirmations from the Senate.
Kiran Ahuja was appointed to be the Director of the Office of Personnel Management; the head of all human resources for the federal government. She just became the Director of 2.1 million civilian workers and oversees the retirement payments of millions more of retired civilian workers. She was appointed in a tie-breaker when Kamala Harris stepped in and broke the 50-D to 50-R tie. Citing her ties to critical race theory through her nonprofit organization, Philanthropy Northwest, and her activity with anti-racism activist Ibram X. Kendi brought all the Republicans together and demonstrated just how divided this country is right now. So I guess you can see where Sinema and Kelley fell on that vote.
In May 2018, President Trump signed Executive Order 13839, Promoting Accountability and Streamlining Removal Procedures Consistent with Merit System Principles. In the EO, President Trump stated that the government should focus on competency assessment and testing for the workforce rather than solely rating individuals on whether or not they had a college degree. President Trump acknowledged when he presented the EO that we were disenfranchising minority applicants by requiring college degrees which statistically are attained disproportionately by whites. President Trump was working for those in poverty who could not afford an education but had skills, drive, and commitment to serve in public service. He was working for the two-thirds of Americans who do not get college degrees–regardless of their race, ethnicity, or gender. President Trump, a businessman, knew that a college degree is not what makes a good employee. Regardless of what you think about President Trump, no one can question that he worked for the American people—rich people, poor people, men, women and all colors. You want to see where racism starts? You want to see the division of people? Look no further than the appointments, policies, and EO of the current administration. Listen to the news; read the papers; follow social media. The wolves in sheep’s clothing have arrived.
Oh yeah, Joe Biden rescinded Executive Order 13839 on January 22, 2021—his second day in office.