President Trump Nominates One of My School Chums General Counsel to the U.S. Department of Energy
David Jonas was a year behind me (and several rungs ahead of me on the tennis ladder) when we attended the William Penn Charter School, an independent, K-12, Quaker institution in Philadelphia in the early 1970s. Now, President Trump has nominated him to serve as the general counsel to the U.S. Department of Energy, though this needs to be confirmed by the Senate.
On Facebook just now, I wrote: I know I speak for all PC grads when I say: I’m very glad to hear you’ve done so “well.” Now, at this point in your stratospheric career, it’s of paramount importance that you do “good,” and use your vast array of talents to protect our environment from the numerous threats it faces. We know you’ll rise to the occasion.
Obviously, I’m concerned; I was being optimistic and kind when I said I was sure he’ll “rise to the occasion.” A Quaker education normally produces a thoughtful, fair-minded and circumspect person–but not always. If Trump likes this guy, well, again, I’m concerned.
Craig,
I hope you keep an open mind about your old school chum.
President Trump is a very complex and diverse personality. He can be petty and belligerent, outrageous, stubborn and ruthless, yet also charming, self depreciating, loyal, humorous, insightful, kind and generous.
What surprises most people on meeting Donald Trump for the first time is how intently and carefully he listens. Even Angela Merkel was surprised by how Trump could sit and listen for hours, asking only questions that displayed how much he absorbed.
His public persona and portrayal in the media tends to create a one faceted caricature. ignoring the may other facet of the president’s personality.
I find it very credible that he listens intently. That’s because he doesn’t read, and thus gleaning ideas from conversations is the only way he has of learning anything at all about the myriad subjects, an understanding on which is required for him to appear somewhat knowledgeable.