**Written by Doug Powers

Donald Trump had barely finished saying that he was choosing retired Marine Corps General James Mattis to be Secretary of Defense when the first Democrats was triggered by the choice, vowing to take a step to try and block the nomination:

Less than an hour after the president-elect announced his selection of retired Marine Gen. James “Mad Dog” Mattis, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) said she’d vote against the waiver that will be required for him to serve.

“While I deeply respect General Mattis’ service, I will oppose a waiver,” Gillibrand said in a statement, referring to the law that prevents those on active military duty within the last seven years from serving in the civilian post.

Congress will have to confirm Mattis, and also pass a law providing the waiver, a provision that dates back to 1947.

“Civilian control of our military is a fundamental principle of American democracy, and I will not vote for an exception to this rule,” Gillibrand said.

When Republicans do stuff like that they’re “obstructionists,” when Dems do it they’re safeguarding the principles of American democracy. See how it works? Or maybe the problem is the intimidating sounding nickname. Up until now the only “Mad Dog” Gillibrand has seen in DC on the label of an empty bottle she found under Hillary’s Senate desk while moving into her old office.

Fear not, Sen. Gillibrand, because Senate Dems can always filibuster the Mattis nomina… Oh wait, they can’t — thanks to Harry Reid. It’s almost like Harry’s exercise bands have snapped back and knocked out his entire party.

**Written by Doug Powers

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