Tulsi Gabbard

Yesterday I learned that Tulsi Gabbard is not Indian American (by way of Hawaii). That's on me for assuming, based on her appearance and the name Tulsi, which is an Indian name, and because she adheres to Hinduism.

She is instead part Samoan (and European) on her father's side and of European ancestry on her mother's side.

I also learned a bit earlier that she has long belonged to a cult called the Science of Identity, a fringe offshoot of Hare Krishna. Her parents have been prominent members as well, she has hired staff who are members, and her husband is connected with the group.

Aside from the usual problem with followers of a cult not being reliable as independent thinkers, the leader of Science of Identity is particularly grounded in a virulently homophobic worldview (plus he's anti-Muslim and anti-science, including denying the moon-landing). One of Gabbard's father's claims to fame is that he ran the campaign against marriage equality in Hawaii, which won out for years before it was overturned in 2013.

So it's not just her lack of intelligence experience and support for Assad and Putin that disqualify her as Director of National Intelligence… it's the fact that she's a puppet for a cult leader. Just what we need! The Dear Leaders sure knows how to pick ’em.