We Will Survive

Nothing about the past week has shown an ability of the President-elect to get off to a good start.  Truthfully, I have tried not to pay too much attention since I do not expect anything of substantial effect for a while.  But really, the bad signs are evident everywhere.
Purging his transition team (even though as a Jerseyite I detest Christie and am happy to see him put in his place for one) in an apparent vendetta over Christie conviction of Jared Kushner's father is frightening in itself.  Trump halted the pace of the transition over a family vendetta.  The vendetta included Mike Rogers who is said to be the most capable person for security on the team.  And the replacement team was not anywhere near ready to pick up the pieces.
Then there are the only staffing decisions public - Reince Prievis, Steve Bannon and the Trump adult children.
Then there is the issue of the Trump empire - to be run by the same adult children for whom he wants security clearances.  The family that already is mixing their commercial interests with the government funded transition website.
Then there is the Presidency-elect by tweet, declaring that the transition is organized and only Trump himself knows who will be joining the cabinet.
Then there is Fifth Avenue, New York City. brought to gridlock because of both protesters and Presidential level security.  Think of the cost in dollars and personnel for the NYC Police Department.  But Trump won't take his team to Washington.
Finally, he spoke Putin and the next day Putin bombed Aleppo.  Republican John McCain issued a warning about not responding appropriately to Putin's phoney overtures.  The American government's reaction to Putin's behavior was reasonable.  Funny how Trump wants to warm to Putin while he distances the American public form his transition activities.
Speaker Paul Ryan is grinning and happy about total Republican control of the federal government.  Senator leader Mitch McConnell was more measured, responding to question with silence.  I have written many times that the future in in their hands.  How far are they going to be willing to go in selling the country's soul to the devil?
Congressional elections are in two years.  The struggle continues
Yes,. the USA will survive but vigilance is essential and the press will play a vital role.