Mullin Faces Senate Firestorm Over DHS Nomination

The Odds Were Never In His Favor

Well folks seems like another day another arena. This time it's not a fight to the death but Senator Markwayne Mullin is facing a different kind of Hunger Games – a Senate confirmation hearing for Department of Homeland Security Secretary. You know the kind of role where you decide who gets in who stays out and who gets a free trip back to District… I mean their country of origin. I’ve seen nicer sponsors in the arena than some of these Senators.

No Warrant No Entry? That's What She Said

Mullin says he’d require judicial warrants for immigration agents to enter private homes or businesses. That's a big deal especially after the old administration was all about the 'shoot first ask questions later' approach and let’s not forget how popular that was with everyone just like the Capitol’s obsession with mockingjays. It sounds like a step towards basic human rights something Panem... oops I mean America... could use a little more of. But promises promises eh? I learned to be careful what to believe in the arena. I wonder if he'll actually keep his word or if it's just more Capitol propaganda. Speaking of propaganda to understand the full impact of these policy shifts you might want to read Yabba Dabba Doo Stellantis Takes a Tumble Auto Giant Reports First Loss it is another example of how promises can crumble under pressure.

Anger Management: Capitol Edition

Senator Rand Paul bless his heart decided to air some dirty laundry right off the bat. Apparently Mullin called him a "freaking snake" and seemed okay with Paul getting attacked. Real classy Mullin. Paul even suggested Mullin's anger issues make him unfit to lead an agency. I mean I understand anger. Gale and I practically invented it. But maybe leading Homeland Security isn’t the best job for someone who applauds violence. Unless you're planning a rebellion and then well let’s talk.

The Bipartisan Charade

Mullin’s got friends on both sides of the aisle apparently. Even ex Speaker Kevin McCarthy showed up. It’s always interesting to see politicians buddy buddying especially when they were trying to throw each other under the bus last week. Remember in the arena alliances are temporary. Trust no one as Haymitch would say. These friendships remind me of President Snow offering me berries – sweet on the surface deadly underneath.

War Stories and Tall Tales

Then there's the bit about Mullin’s war experience. Senator Peters grilled him about some flowery language Mullin used about the smell of war. Turns out Mullin never actually served in the military but took some "classified" trips. Sounds fishy doesn’t it? I mean I've been in a real war and let me tell you the smell isn't something you want to romanticize. It’s the smell of death fear and desperation. And trust me there's nothing poetic about that. Especially if you start to experience it in District 12 or anywhere else.

The Puppet Master Still Pulling Strings

Some folks are saying that even if Mullin gets the job nothing will change because Stephen Miller that cheerful ray of sunshine from the Trump administration will still be calling the shots. It's like replacing one Gamemaker with another; the games are still rigged. The question is can Mullin actually make a difference or is he just another pawn in a much larger much uglier game? Only time will tell. But if history is anything to go by I’m not holding my breath.