To What End?

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/14/us/pete-hegseth-confirmation-hearing-takeaways.html

("4 Takeaways from Hegseth's Confirmation Hearing")

"To what end" was a favorite query of my mother-in-law.

The Pete Hegseth dog and pony show nothing but an opportunity for one party to demonstrate its muscle flexing and the other to circle the wagons.

A game of accusation and evasion standing in stark contrast to the obeisance of please and thank you.

A predestined, preordained outcome playing out in two part disharmony.

Mr. Hegseth, soon to be followed by the likes of Mr. Kennedy, Ms. Gabbard and Ms. McMahon. An unholy covey of nominees inexorably and inevitably headed for confirmation no matter what is revealed when peeking under their hoods. "Aggravation without representation" the undeniable result when it comes to changing minds or votes.

If there is a purpose, a true and valid reason to go through this charade, it escapes my grasp.

To what end? Indeed.