Michael Bray

[The Real Mike Rowe @mikeroweworks]

If you haven’t heard, and even if you have, Jimmy Kimmel said this about Markwayne Mullin, former Senator from Oklahoma, and our newest Secretary of Homeland Security:
“We have a plumber now protecting us from terrorism.”

Apparently, there has been some backlash. Plumbers were offended, obviously, as were parents of plumbers, spouses of plumbers, children of plumbers, and millions of people who have had a plumber show up when they needed one. Comedians were also offended, (the funny ones, anyway,) along with a surprising number of terrorists - especially those with access to hot and cold running water. However, in spite of the ensuing kerfuffle, @jimmykimmel doubled down.

“I’m not upset that the head of Homeland Security was a plumber,” he said, “I’m upset that he isn’t still a plumber." He further elucidated by adding, "I wouldn't put a plumber in charge of Homeland Security for the same reason I wouldn't call a five-star general to pull a rat out of my toilet, OK? We all have our areas of expertise.”

Being offended is always a choice, and I don’t choose to be offended by a joke, even one that comes at the expense of the skilled tradespeople my foundation tries to elevate. But I am a tad butt hurt by the suggestion that skilled workers should never evolve into something new, and that competence is somehow limited to one vocation. Obviously, expertise and skill are important. If I need a new kidney, I’d prefer a doctor do the surgery, not a late-night talk show host. But if the doctor in question used to host a talk show, why would I hold that against him?

Ten years ago, during one of the presidential debates, @MarcoRubio answered a workforce-related question by arguing that America needed to get shop class back into high schools. He concluded by saying, “What our country needs are more welders and fewer philosophers.” A lot of people on this page commented that Rubio and I were singing from the same hymnal, but in fact, we weren’t. At least not entirely. Because I don’t think the current shortage of welders has anything to do with an overabundance of philosophers. In fact, I think it’s a mistake to promote one vocation at the expense of the other. What we really need in this country, are more welders who can talk intelligently about Aristotle, and more philosophers who can run an even bead. More Generals, in other words, who can fix their own toilets, and more plumbers who can hold a powerful government job.

This is what Mullin did. He was a private citizen who mastered an essential skill and then turned that skill into a multi-million-dollar company that employed a lot of people and served a lot of customers. That gave him the freedom to do other things with his life, including a career in public service which got him into Congress, where he’s spent the last eleven years doing whatever Congressmen do. Now, he has a very consequential position in the Cabinet of the current administration.

Is that not the embodiment of the American Dream? I get that Jimmy Kimmel might have a problem with Mullin’s politics, but what possible objection could he have about the trajectory of his career, or his desire to do more than one thing with his life?

The only sensible thing to do in the wake of a moment this tone deaf, is remind America that the skills gap is wide, and getting wider. The shortage of skilled tradespeople is now headline news and closing it is nothing less than a matter of national security. This year, my foundation has set aside $10 million dollars to help train the next generation of plumbers, and lots of other essential workers. I'm talking about hundreds of thousands of AI-proof, six figure jobs that don't require a four-year degree, waiting to be filled. The money is currently available to anyone who wants to master a useful skill at https://t.co/uolhGspFtN. Apply today.

As for those of you genuinely offended by Kimmel's comments, consider expressing your disappointment with a modest donation to mikeroweWORKS. Our work ethic scholarship is making a real difference, and your money will be well spent, I promise. The donate button is big and red and hard to miss, at https://t.co/uolhGspFtN

I’d love to chat but I’ve gotta pull a rat out of my toilet…

[Michael Bray @MBrayPE]

@MarchMadnessMBB @HuskerMBB @Huskers @bigten @UNLincoln This needs to be studied. 👀

[Michael Bray @MBrayPE]

@HuskersTalk 46-12 Neb. GBR

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

Dear @WhiteHouse, I Know this is a kind shot, but My name is Rodney Smith Jr. I live in Huntsville, AL. I’m currently traveling to all 50 states mowing lawns for veterans, active duty service members, Gold Star families & widows. I’m also sharing their stories . This is my way of honoring them.

As founder of a nonprofit with 6,000+ kids mowing FREE lawns for the elderly, disabled, single parents & veterans nationwide, I’d be honored to bring my USA Flag Mower to mow at the Arlington National Cemetery where veterans rest.

I’m currently in the New England area heading down the East Coast before Florida, then Alaska. Thank you for your consideration.

— Rodney

[Michael Bray @MBrayPE]

@virgilwalker Would love to see the vote counts for all those cells.

[Michael Bray @MBrayPE]

@AFRO_THUNDER80 @TeamPillen Say it louder for those in the back. After the truth about Frost was veiled for so long people are done believing all is peachy at the leadership level so let's get the facts out and hold people accountable.

[Kevin W. @Brink_Thinker]

RT for two who stormed Normandy, now 100 🇺🇸

[Benny Johnson @bennyjohnson]

Man DESTROYS woke youth to their faces in SAVAGE University speech— Students left STUNNED🔥

[Michael Bray @MBrayPE]

@aka_SmoothRedd Say it louder for the boosters in the back…

[Michael Bray @MBrayPE]

@23VILLAIN23 @tatejohnson3434 @chasbogatz @KadeLight57 Coaching in nfl not same as coaching in college. Ask Saban. Look what happened his second college go round

[Michael Bray @MBrayPE]

@TalkHuskers Why is no one talking about Orgeron as dc? He’s tried hc enough times to know it’s not his thing. We’ll have the pool

[Michael Bray @MBrayPE]

@yuenglingbeer Why don’t you airdrop some to Nebraska🤔

[Michael Bray @MBrayPE]

@Taege @rmohr05 @tacobell @Doritos

[Michael Bray @MBrayPE]

@Taege @MarkGudgel @rmohr05 Just rewatched the last 3 minutes plus overtime and it’s still insane. 10/10 would watch again

[Michael Bray @MBrayPE]

@nmchugh85 Yes! 😂

[Bloomberg @business]

Elon Musk says he will donate $6 billion if the World Food Programme proves to him that amount would solve world hunger https://t.co/kQvbL8bb5d

[Elon Musk @elonmusk]

@DrEliDavid If WFP can describe on this Twitter thread exactly how $6B will solve world hunger, I will sell Tesla stock right now and do it.

[CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil @CBSEveningNews]

DADS ON DUTY: After a violent week of fighting at a Louisiana high school, parents knew something had to change. So, a group of dads decided to show up not just for their kids - but for the whole student body - to help maintain a positive environment. @SteveHartmanCBS has more.

[Ndamukong Suh @NdamukongSuh]

I came into some money at a young age.

Which can be a blessing, but it can also be trouble.

I made some mistakes, learned from the best, and ultimately found a formula for financial success.

Here's my story and the 5 principles I use to manage money well over time 🧵

[Rodney Smith Jr @iamrodneysmith]

Hello to the great state of NE! So wonderful to be back. I'll be mowing for a teacher in Omaha.