Why Rick Perry is a Terrifying, Dangerous Choice for Secretary of Energy

This morning Donald Trump officially selected Fromer Texas Governor Rick Perry to be Secretary of Energy--a terrifying decision.

Perry ran against Trump in this year's Republican primary race. He ended up dropping out, endorsing Ted Cruz, and calling the President-elect a "barking carnival act." Once Trump had become the clear frontrunner, however, Perry rescinded his comments and said, "I will be open to any way I can help."

Perry ran for the presidency in 2012, as well. In a November 2011 debate, he explained his intentions to abolish the Department of Education, Commerce, and, infamously, could not remember that he also intended to abolish the Department of Energy, of which he will now be the head.

Let that sink in.

If that's not enough unsettling news for you, Perry released this blatantly homophobic campaign ad during his 2012 bid, in which he insulted LGBT soldiers and military personnel.

In other news, Trump also announced that Rex Tillerson, Chief Executive of Exxon Mobil, will be Secretary of State. Tillerson has no political experience and has been under instense scrutiny for his business ties to Russia and Vladimir Putin; he's reportedly received billions of dollars worth of oil deals that will only continue if the U.S. lifts Russian sanctions.