The insane hypocrisy behind MAGA's DEI obsession

[Colonoscopy]

Pete Hegseth is easily the least qualified secretary of defense in our lifetime. If not ever in the US.

Take a look at the people that came before him. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_Defense, it's obvious Hegseth is severely lacking in qualifications.

The chief reason for being against DEI by most of its critics is that you should always be picking the most qualified person for the job.

You should select on merit. And I basically agree.

But that's not why Hegseth was selected. It wasn't merit. It was politics and loyalty to Trump personally that got him the job -- not expertise and experience.

If Hegseth had the same resume but happened to be a democrat and not be a white guy, MAGA would be ****ing losing their mind. They'd be throwing a conniption fit of the highest order; worst DEI pick.... ever.

And you wonder why I hate MAGA. So, so stupid.

 

[FAUlty Gator]

Well…if a CEO were to say, “I want to hire someone who is going to be loyal to our mission here”, you think that’s the same or worse as saying, “I want to hire an Eskimo, regardless of their qualifications, because we just don’t have that many Eskimos here”?

 

[Colonoscopy]

Well…if a CEO were to say, “I want to hire someone who is going to be loyal to our mission here”, you think that’s the same or worse as saying, “I want to hire an Eskimo, regardless of their qualifications, because we just don’t have that many Eskimos here”?

Nope.

Look, there's normal loyalty and then there's loyalty that says you have to pretend that up is down and down is up. That the 2020 election was stolen. That sort of loyalty.

Of course the eskimo is going to be loyal in the traditional sense. Every pick would be.

Anyway, to use your scenario, even the DEI picks like the Eskimo in recent democratic administrations are going to outshine someone like Hegseth a good bit. In a simple merit based comparison between Hegseth they'll win out.

 

[TNHAWK79]

Nope.

Look, there's normal loyalty and then there's loyalty that says you have to pretend that up is down and down is up. That the 2020 election was stolen. That sort of loyalty.

Of course the eskimo is going to be loyal in the traditional sense. Every pick would be.

Do you think there is any difference between what Trump is doing vs DEI?

 

[Colonoscopy]

Do you think there is any difference between what Trump is doing vs DEI?

Of course. Different criteria -- but a gross violation of merit nonetheless... which is the big argument against DEI.

My point is you claim to care so much about merit... and then you do that. And so, hypocrite.

 

[FAUlty Gator]

Of course. Different criteria -- but a gross violation of merit nonetheless... which is the big argument against DEI.

My point is you claim to care so much about merit... and then you do that.

Can’t it be both?

Biden’s VP, HHS secretary and press secretary all had some experience for what they were chosen to do, but all of them were 100% chosen for their race, gender or lifestyle.

 

[Colonoscopy]

Do you think there is any difference between what Trump is doing vs DEI?

Like Biden's "DEI pick" -- the first black secretary of defense, Llyod Austin -- was a four star general.

41 years in the armed forces; tons of roles in leadership. He blows Hegseth out of the water.

Lloyd J. Austin III

Lloyd James Austin III served as the Secretary of Defense from Jan. 22, 2021, to Jan. 20, 2025. Mr. Austin was the principal assistant to the President in all matters relating to the Department of

www.defense.gov

 

[Jerome Silberman]

Do all of you think Deversity Equity & Inclusion = hiring quotas?

 

[Colonoscopy]

Do all of you think Deversity Equity & Inclusion means quotes don't you?

At this point most people use DEI interchangeably with the notion of some quota based affirmative action.

In reality there is probably a gaggle of different items rolled up under the umbrella of DEI. (in its corporate/governmental instantiation)

 

[fredjr82]

The chief reason for being against DEI by most of its critics is that you should always be picking the most qualified person for the job.

You should select on merit. And I basically agree.

The real reason in their heads is because most DEI hires are minorities. Pete H is white so he's not hired because of his skin color, sexual preference, etc. He's hired because Trump thinks he is qualified. They never question Trump

 

[Jerome Silberman]

At this point most people use DEI interchangeably with the notion of affirmative action.

In reality there is probably a gaggle of different items rolled up under the umbrella of DEI.

Honestly, in my experience it's mostly been about identifying personal prejudices in order to hire the best person for the job.

 

[Colonoscopy]

The real reason in their heads is because most DEI hires are minorities. Pete H is white so he's not hired because of his skin color, sexual preference, etc. He's hired because Trump thinks he is qualified. They never question Trump

Eh. I don't think not liking minorities is what drives most of these people. What drives most people at this point is that it's a big republican talking point and they're already heavily invested in this holy war against the democrats.

The excesses of DEI were a weak-point for democrats and republicans ruthlessly exploited the weak point as they usually do. And as per normal their once legitimate arguments de-evolved into complete nonsense.

And now here we are fighting claims that an aviation mishap was caused by "DEI" without any frigging evidence.

 

[Urohawk]

Honestly, in my experience it's mostly been about identifying personal prejudices in order to hire the best person for the job.

This is mine as well. Three candidates apply for grad school:
1. White guy. Son of doctors. Applies with 3.81 GPA. Parents paid for school. Grew up in rich suburbs of big city. Slightly higher test scores.
2. White guy. Somewhere in between the #1 and #3 in terms of performance. Middle class background.
3. Black guy. Comes from a single parent mom, factory worker. Dad's in jail. Guy worked 30 hours a week while being a full time student and gets a 3.27 GP. Test scores are 20% lower.

DEI taught me to peel back the onion a bit. The black guy given the same opportunity as #1 or #2, might have performed just as well but perhaps his grades and test scores are lower because he had to work. Had learned less educational skills while in high school as a result of coming from a single-family home. He got less help and poor guidance because mom worked 2nd shift and was gone when he was home from school. The issue is #3 may be starting life from a worse position. DEI just means I give him an interview rather than just defaulting to hiring the guy with highest grades and test scores. #3 deserves a shot. In fact, what he has gone through might bring out some qualities that others haven't developed.

 

[libbity bibbity]

Like Biden's "DEI pick" -- the first black secretary of defense, Llyod Austin -- was a four star general.

41 years in the armed forces; tons of roles in leadership. He blows Hegseth out of the water.

Lloyd J. Austin III

Lloyd James Austin III served as the Secretary of Defense from Jan. 22, 2021, to Jan. 20, 2025. Mr. Austin was the principal assistant to the President in all matters relating to the Department of

www.defense.gov

He definitely blows Hegseth out of the water on going AWOL while being 6th in the chain of command, now that's leadership for you.

 

[3boysmom]

I had a discussion with a friend a couple of days ago because her son had applied to the Omaha Fire Department and despite being toward the top of the list he didn't get an offer. Until a friend who has 25 years on the department stepped in and suddenly he was hired. Shockingly, just about every firefighter I know is the son of a firefighter and his son is also now a firefighter. Isn't it stunning that they were all obviously the most qualified and it has nothing to do with nepotism in the fire department. But they all scream DEI from the rooftops.

 

[hawksurprize]

Well…if a CEO were to say, “I want to hire someone who is going to be loyal to our mission here”, you think that’s the same or worse as saying, “I want to hire an Eskimo, regardless of their qualifications, because we just don’t have that many Eskimos here”?

Yes. If you're not qualified you shouldn't be in that position,I don't think there are degrees of qualifications. You are either qualified or the person employing them is an idiot or related to 👨‍🍼

 

[SalAunese]

I had a discussion with a friend a couple of days ago because her son had applied to the Omaha Fire Department and despite being toward the top of the list he didn't get an offer. Until a friend who has 25 years on the department stepped in and suddenly he was hired. Shockingly, just about every firefighter I know is the son of a firefighter and his son is also now a firefighter. Isn't it stunning that they were all obviously the most qualified and it has nothing to do with nepotism in the fire department. But they all scream DEI from the rooftops.

Police and fire departments are filled with instances of nepotism, especially in places like NYC, Chicago, Boston etc.

 

[thewop]

Hegseth had the same resume but happened to be a democrat and not be a white guy, MAGA would be ****ing losing their mind. They'd be throwing a conniption fit of the highest order; worst DEI pick.... ever.

And you wonder why I hate MAGA. So, so stupid.

This part right here, in a rant about MAGA hypocrisy, is pure gold.

Irony is amazing. Funny thing is this statement is absolutely correct...it's just correct both ways.

You do realize Hegseth has an awful lot of good military experience though right? He's certainly closer to the boots on the ground than those who came before him, but this gives him the respect of the armed forces. What's better, that you and a bunch of career bureaucrats who will hate any trump pick have their panties in a wad or that the men and women of the armed forces are stoked about his leadership?

I know which group I'd rather our Sec Def win over.

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

This part right here, in a rant about MAGA hypocrisy, is pure gold.

Irony is amazing. Funny thing is this statement is absolutely correct...it's just correct both ways.

You do realize Hegseth has an awful lot of good military experience though right? He's certainly closer to the boots on the ground than those who came before him, but this gives him the respect of the armed forces. What's better, that you and a bunch of career bureaucrats who will hate any trump pick have their panties in a wad or that the men and women of the armed forces are stoked about his leadership?

I know which group I'd rather our Sec Def win over.

Support is one thing. I hope our finest support whoever is a sec def. But if they believe him qualified they are morons. The rank and file should want a sec def that is committed and capable of carrying out one of, if not the most, important roles in US government. And they hired someone with no demonstrable expertise at doing so.

The best factory worker at Tesla might be an amazing worker, they might understand the reality of what is happening on the production line, but they are not automatically qualified to take Musk’s role. They just aren’t. It requires education, it requires training, it requires years of experience running very large organizations. The military is a bureaucracy and we need people skilled at navigating and cutting through bullshit red tape. Not someone who looks good on TV.

Y’all have jumped the shark.

 

[SA_Hawk]

Wait until airplanes start falling from the skies because experienced higher quality pilots were passed over to promote DEI hiring lesser qualified pilots because of government policies.

 

[Flie]

Well…if a CEO were to say, “I want to hire someone who is going to be loyal to our mission here”, you think that’s the same or worse as saying, “I want to hire an Eskimo, regardless of their qualifications, because we just don’t have that many Eskimos here”?

"I want a yes man who will never question me" vs "I want the person who is most qualified and will do the best job for our country".

Interesting how people believe that DEI is basically "pick unqualified people based on gender/race".

 

[Flie]

<narrative>Wait until airplanes start falling from the skies because experienced higher quality pilots were passed over to promote DEI hiring lesser qualified pilots because of government policies.</narrative>

 

[FAUlty Gator]

"I want a yes man who will never question me" vs "I want the person who is most qualified and will do the best job for our country".

Interesting how people believe that DEI is basically "pick unqualified people based on gender/race".

I was basing mine off the way the OP laid it out.

 

[ClarindaA's]

Do all of you think Deversity Equity & Inclusion = hiring quotas?

No, but it does mean prioritizing traits over merit and qualifications. I don’t think the goal wasn’t noble, just not worth the damage, both of production, performance, as well as the political optics. Anytime someone does or doesn’t get hired based on race, sex, etc is bad.

 

[Bulldogs1974]

Well…if a CEO were to say, “I want to hire someone who is going to be loyal to our mission here”, you think that’s the same or worse as saying, “I want to hire an Eskimo, regardless of their qualifications, because we just don’t have that many Eskimos here”?

problem is "their mission" don't have to be the same as the united states. loyalty to trump over the usa is the DEI initiative here.

 

[BioHawk]

Because they can get away with saying "DEI hire". They can't get away with "Hiring black people and women". Although they are working on that.

 

[abby97]

Like Biden's "DEI pick" -- the first black secretary of defense, Llyod Austin -- was a four star general.

41 years in the armed forces; tons of roles in leadership. He blows Hegseth out of the water.

Lloyd J. Austin III

Lloyd James Austin III served as the Secretary of Defense from Jan. 22, 2021, to Jan. 20, 2025. Mr. Austin was the principal assistant to the President in all matters relating to the Department of

www.defense.gov

But he, Austin, had no problem not showing up for work for surgery and didn't think it was necessary to let anyone in the White House know. That really sounds like someone who understands the chain of command as well as the importance of his position.

Austin says he never told anyone on his staff to keep White House in the dark on hospitalization

Austin said he never directed anyone on his staff not to tell the White House he’d been hospitalized.

apnews.com

 

[Tom Paris]

This part right here, in a rant about MAGA hypocrisy, is pure gold.

Irony is amazing. Funny thing is this statement is absolutely correct...it's just correct both ways.

You do realize Hegseth has an awful lot of good military experience though right? He's certainly closer to the boots on the ground than those who came before him, but this gives him the respect of the armed forces. What's better, that you and a bunch of career bureaucrats who will hate any trump pick have their panties in a wad or that the men and women of the armed forces are stoked about his leadership?

I know which group I'd rather our Sec Def win over.

I read over this twice and can't find the serial cheater, sexual abuser, and alcoholic part of your diatribe.

 

[Tom Paris]

But he, Austin, had no problem not showing up for work for surgery and didn't think it was necessary to let anyone in the White House know. That really sounds like someone who understands the chain of command as well as the importance of his position.

Austin says he never told anyone on his staff to keep White House in the dark on hospitalization

Austin said he never directed anyone on his staff not to tell the White House he’d been hospitalized.

apnews.com

This right here is an example of why democrats have to do EVERYTHING PERFECTLY or MAGAs pull this whatabout crap.

 

[Jerome Silberman]

No, but it does mean prioritizing traits over merit and qualifications. I don’t think the goal wasn’t noble, just not worth the damage, both of production, performance, as well as the political optics. Anytime someone does or doesn’t get hired based on race, sex, etc is bad.

I am a hiring manager that has been through various DEI training for years, this is not true in the slightest.

 

[Titanhawk2]

Pete Hegseth is easily the least qualified secretary of defense in our lifetime. If not ever in the US.

Take a look at the people that came before him. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_Defense, it's obvious Hegseth is severely lacking in qualifications.

The chief reason for being against DEI by most of its critics is that you should always be picking the most qualified person for the job.

You should select on merit. And I basically agree.

But that's not why Hegseth was selected. It wasn't merit. It was politics and loyalty to Trump personally that got him the job -- not expertise and experience.

If Hegseth had the same resume but happened to be a democrat and not be a white guy, MAGA would be ****ing losing their mind. They'd be throwing a conniption fit of the highest order; worst DEI pick.... ever.

And you wonder why I hate MAGA. So, so stupid.

Yeah, like Leon Panetta?

 

[doughuddl2]

I had a discussion with a friend a couple of days ago because her son had applied to the Omaha Fire Department and despite being toward the top of the list he didn't get an offer. Until a friend who has 25 years on the department stepped in and suddenly he was hired. Shockingly, just about every firefighter I know is the son of a firefighter and his son is also now a firefighter. Isn't it stunning that they were all obviously the most qualified and it has nothing to do with nepotism in the fire department. But they all scream DEI from the rooftops.

All college football coaches that i know have their son as a assistant coach too.

Oh wait.

 

[ThorneStockton]

Meh, for most the 'meritocracy' angle isn't actually a genuine, good faith reason for hating on DEI. It's just post hoc justification. The point is to always have some issue to engage, agitate, anger the base and use it to attack the opposition. For a lot of people, no further justification is required, they have faith. For others, they want it to seem like it's principle based as opposed to political tribalism, but it's mostly bullshit.

 

[Colonoscopy]

Yeah, like Leon Panetta?

Not a 4 star general, but he served, and was a leader at a high level before taking on sec def. Still heads and shoulders above Hegseth


Leon Edward Panetta served as the 23rd Secretary of Defense from July 2011 to February 2013.
Before joining the Department of Defense, Mr. Panetta served as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from February 2009 to June 2011. Mr. Panetta led the agency and managed human intelligence and open source collection programs on behalf of the intelligence community.
Secretary Panetta has dedicated much of his life to public service. Before joining CIA, he spent 10 years co-directing with his wife, Sylvia, the Leon & Sylvia Panetta Institute for Public Policy, based at California State University, Monterey Bay. The Institute is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit center that seeks to instill in young men and women the virtues and values of public service. In March 2006, he was chosen as a member of the Iraq Study Group, a bipartisan committee established at the urging of Congress to conduct an independent assessment of the war in Iraq.
From July 1994 to January 1997, Mr. Panetta served as Chief of Staff to President William Clinton. Prior to that, he was Director of the Office of Management and Budget, a position that built on his years of work on the House Budget Committee. Mr. Panetta represented California’s 16th (now 17th) Congressional District from 1977 to 1993, rising to House Budget Committee chairman during his final four years in Congress.
Early in his career, Mr. Panetta served as a legislative assistant to Senator Thomas H. Kuchel of California; special assistant to the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare; director of the U.S. Office for Civil Rights; and executive assistant to Mayor John Lindsay of New York. He also spent five years in private law practice.
He served as an Army intelligence officer from 1964 to 1966 and received the Army Commendation Medal.
Secretary Panetta holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and a law degree, both from Santa Clara University. He was born on June 28, 1938 in Monterey, where his Italian immigrant parents operated a restaurant. Later, they purchased a farm in Carmel Valley, a place Secretary and Mrs. Panetta continue to call home. The Panettas have three grown sons and six grandchildren.
All Biographies

 

[CarolinaHawkeye]

Most magats wouldn't have jobs, if they had to compete fairly.

 

[ZumaHawk]

This right here is an example of why democrats have to do EVERYTHING PERFECTLY or MAGAs pull this whatabout crap.

Not sure if this makes sense or not! Try having a surgery and not telling the school you won’t be there. Do you think the school would appreciate that?