Gary Sinise should be Romney’s VA secretary, says Gingrich

Human Events ^ | 11 July 2012 | Hope Hodge

[NonValueAdded]

If elected president, presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney should add some star power by seating Gary Sinise on his cabinet, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich told Human Events this week in an interview.

Gingrich suggested that Romney could make the CSI:NY star, best known for his 1994 breakout role as Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump, his Secretary of Veterans Affairs, saying Sinise cares deeply for military veterans and could bring fresh eyes to the job.

[NonValueAdded]

I recdently heard Gary Sinese's name floated for VA Secretary but found nothing current in the news, hence this old article. Now that Sarah Palin has pooped the bed, I think this is a FANTASTIC idea.

I challenge anyone to find someone more passionate about our Veterans.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, no executive experience but is that really what is necessary for the top job in a Trump-style administration? Unlike administrations of the past, where pols surround themselves with yes-men (and women), Trump and by extension his cabinet should be bringing in competent lieutenants to make their Department really work. The top guy isn't the one who would do the heavy lifting, anyway.

So who else would make a good Secretary? Some perfumed prince from the Pentagon? Executive experience but military-style exsperience. They are used to issuing orders and having subordinates jump. Not to mention the deference they feel is due their rank. No, the bureaucracy will completely envelope them and it will be another crash and burn.

A Senator? WTF do they know about the real world??? They know how the bureaucracy works, are likely on board with it, and will ride out their term with no real progress. Isn't that what we've seen over the past decade?

Lt. DAN IS THE MAN!!!

[NonValueAdded]

sorry about the typos - or is it a Canary Trap?

Love, Clancy

[Enlightened1]

I like the guy, but I think it should be a Veteran.

[mom4melody]

Gary’s a great guy with zero experience.

I work for the VA and used to work with the current Secretary Robert McDonald at P&G, another guy nice who accomplished nothing.

[The people have spoken]

He was the psycho cop in Ransom.

[LS]

Newt is late. I suggested this to Team Trump a week ago.

[Lumper20]

I disagree. Ideally, the VA head or his right hand man should be a Vet who was wounded in action and has used the VA for over 18 years so he knows how it once was. Appointing Gens or other senior officers will not do zip. Appointing a proven health care CEO might also work.

[Lumper20]

Roger that.

[Spirit of Liberty]

Since this article is from 2012, he's actually early. 😉 (Note that he suggested it to ROMNEY)

[newfreep]

The VA is such a morass of incompetence & corruption, the incoming Secy MUST have successful experience in firing, dismantling and rebuilding a new culture.

Just being a vet or a strong supporter of vets is not enough.

The new Secy MUST be able to Drain the Swamp!

[LibertarianLiz]

When Zero was handing out Medal of Freedom awards to, what was it — 36-37 people, I thought that if he was going to honor any actor, it should have been Gary Sinise.

[Bob]

Now that Sarah Palin has pooped the bed...

I'm presuming that you're referring to her comments on the Carrier situation.

If so, did you read the quotes of what she actually said or are you going by what she was reported to have said? They're quite different.

[Safetgiver]

Dump actual VA Benefits, real estate, personnel and supplies, food service Security etc. Sell it all, use the money to give vouchers, annual accounts to Vets to use at doctors, hospitals, therapists at market rates.

[RoosterRedux]

This must have been written before Candy Crowley grabbed Mitt’s pussy.

[donna]

Why don't we make VA hospitals active duty military sites and let the military deliver health care to their own retirees?

[PrairieLady2]

I think Gary gets more done on his own than he ever could with his hands tied at the government level. His buddy Dave might be a good one to check out.

[thoughtomator]

I really appreciate that Gingrich lets us know who all the enemy agents are by recommending them.

Thanks, Newt!

[Liz]

Gary Sinise in Forrest Gump.

He was awarded the Presidential Citizen Medal by George W. Bush for work he did supporting the U.S. military and humanitarian work supporting Iraqi children.[12]

He narrated Army and Army Reserve Army Strong recruitment ads[13] in late 2008.

He is also the national spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.

Sinise is the executive producer—along with David Scantling—of the Iraq War documentary Brothers at War.[14] The film features an American military family and the experiences of three brothers: Jake Rademacher, Isaac Rademacher, and Joseph Rademacher.[15]

In November 2009, Sinise narrated the highly acclaimed World War II in HD on the History Channel. In 2010, he narrated the World War II documentary Mission That Changed The War on the Military Channel. (hat tip Wiki)

[Persevero]

Oh, that would be a brilliant pick. Brilliant.

[xp38]

So a CEO who has specialized in turnarounds and comebacks.