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ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD |
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TRANSITIONS Transition is the political word of the week. It is happening all around and the implications will be far reaching. Not only do we have a transition at the federal level; we are witnessing one in New Jersey and one abroad as well. At home, the last days of the James McGreevey administration are finally upon New Jersey residents. This sorry figure continues to make appointments to various boards around the state- by some estimates, as many as 200 since he announced his resignation in August. McGreevey continues to espouse about his personal epiphany but refuses to acknowledge that it’s the abuse of power that insults our residents. His successor, State Senate President Richard Codey, appears to be his own man and seems genuine about a fresh start in Trenton. He deserves some slack, but will have to make his mark quickly if he wants to run for the Governor’s office next year. Several Republicans have already announced their candidacy, and Senator Jon Corzine appears ready to throw his hat in on the Democrat side. On a national level, several cabinet officers have already announced that they are packing it in after four years. Attorney General John Ashcroft and Commerce Secretary Evans have declared their intentions, and President Bush can expect a few more to announce as well. This will give the President the opportunity to bring in some fresh blood, maybe even a Democrat or two, to push his agenda forward. Another area that is sure to be transitioning is the Supreme Court, where Bush may have a few appointments to make in the coming months. Finally, a serious transition is taking place overseas. It appears that Yasser Arafat is down to hours, and the struggle for Palestinian leadership has begun. Arafat has been a key player in the Middle East for so long, that no clear successor to his authority has emerged. Several factions are expected to vie for the leadership role of the Palestinians, and it could be awhile before a consensus leader emerges. In any event, the world can only hope that whoever emerges is realistic about the balance of power in the region, abhors terrorism as a tool, and for genuine peace in the Middle East. These transitions show how well democracy works. In America, we know who is next up to the plate and generally what to expect. In the Middle East, expect the unexpected and hope for the best.
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