The Appointees Are Leaving!
By Tom Shoop | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 | 04:22 PM
By Tom Shoop | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 | 04:22 PM
So reports the Washington Post today, noting that almost half of the top politically appointed positions in government are vacant or being filled on a temporary basis. And it's unlikely that Congress will move very swiftly on pending nominations this late in the administration.
It's not exactly an unprecedented scenario, considering how late it is in the president's term, but, the Post's story notes, we're in kind of a dicey situation to be lacking high-level leadership, what with the deteriorating economic situation at home and a whole lot of military activity overseas.
Comments
These political appointees remind me of rats on a ship. They are the first to clammer aboard when the pickin's are fat and easy, and the first to jump when the ship starts to go down. Whatever happened to Loyalty, Duty, and Honor?
Charles | Thursday, May 29, 2008 | 10:57 AMMore proof that we don't need them at all.
Charleen | Thursday, May 29, 2008 | 09:30 AMThis is why the government service was created in the first place. So that, despite the change in the administration, the government would continue to function.
Patricia L | Thursday, May 29, 2008 | 07:33 AMAs Mr. Shoop points out, this situation is not unprecendented -- it happens every four years. Additionally, when the Presidency changes, there is a long period where substantial numbers of political appointments are vacant.
Thank goodness we have capable, informed career executives willing to step into the vacuum and provide competent "high-livel leadership" to keep the U.S. Government functioning.
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Government Executive Editor Tom Shoop takes a look at news and events affecting the federal bureaucracy, from the perspective of a longtime observer of government.
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