One of the aspects that makes the 2008-2009 transition sucha well thought out one is the groundwork laid by governmentactions taken to enhance national security. The Congress andthe president viewed a smooth transition a national securitynecessity and both branches took action on issues relatedto getting a new administration up and running as soon aspossible. The impetus for much of their preparatory workwas the events of September 11, 2001. The attacks on theUnited States that day had a substantial impact on the shape

"Seven months into his presidency, fewer than half of his top appointees are in place advancing his agenda," notes Peter Baker in a New York Times story, "Obama's Team Is Lacking Most of Its Top Players."

People have been asking me why I’m still doing a transition blog:  “Isn’t the transition over?”  Well, no.

 This is the second entry in a two-part review of the federal appointee Nomination and Confirmation Process.