Transition Fever

It says here in the civics book that The Transition is a time of rebirth and renewal, a quiet passage in the seamless story of American democracy. It says here that one Administration segues smoothly into the next, reaffirming our faith in the political system. It says here that what we are witnessing is the orderly transfer of power.

Funny thing. From where we sit The Transition looks about as orderly as your average looting spree through the South Bronx. At transition headquarters, it is reliably leaked, the infighting has reached such intensity that they are stabbing each other in the front. The principal source of the conflict is the dawning numerical reality that Republicans now outnumber high-level federal jobs. This development represents a watershed in bureaucratic history, with all the predictable consequences. Throw open the door to power and fame and the world will beat a path to your personnel office. From the lobby prowlers at 1726 M Street alone you could cast a half-dozen road companies of A Chorus Line.

About the Author

Neal B. Freeman

Neal B. Freeman, businessman and journalist, was a director of National Review Inc. for 38 years.

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It says here in the civics book that The Transition is a time of rebirth and renewal, a quiet passage in the seamless story of American democracy. It says here that one Administration segues smoothly into the next, reaffirming our faith in the political system. It says here that what we are witnessing is the orderly transfer of power.

Funny thing. From where we sit The Transition looks about as orderly as your average looting spree through the South Bronx. At transition headquarters, it is reliably leaked, the infighting has reached such intensity that they are stabbing each other in the front. The principal source of the conflict is the dawning numerical reality that Republicans now outnumber high-level federal jobs. This development represents a watershed in bureaucratic history, with all the predictable consequences. Throw open the door to power and fame and the world will beat a path to your personnel office. From the lobby prowlers at 1726 M Street alone you could cast a half-dozen road companies of A Chorus Line.