With the 2004 U.S. presidential election still fresh in the minds of millions of American voters, particularly among a good percentage of Democrats who remain angry and frustrated over the outcome of the election, there are bound to be differing ideas and reasons offered as to why so many of President Bush’s Cabinet members are stepping aside at this time.

In the minds of Bush critics there may be the suggestion some or perhaps all departing Cabinet members are leaving to get off a sinking ship. Others will point out a large turnover of Cabinet members is not that unusual as an incumbent president is getting ready for a second term in the White House.

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Some will note a Cabinet job may be prestigious but is not a relatively high-paying position and that former Cabinet members usually can move into a fairly comfortable, well-paid job without all the distractions and pressures of a Cabinet position.

In still other instances, it is likely at least several current Cabinet members who are leaving received word the president preferred his or her resignation, even if the individual would like to remain in the administration.

Whatever the case, both Republicans and Democrats should hope Bush is able to fill each Cabinet vacancy with top-flight, able, honest and knowledgeable individuals. In fact, elevate and improve the strength and ability of the Cabinet position rather than merely making a sideways appointment.

A strong, honest and courageous Cabinet can help the president do a better job for this country and its citizens.

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Certain Cabinet positions would appear to have more stress associated with the job than others. It is the opinion of this writer that Tom Ridge, secretary of Homeland Security, probably has operated under a higher degree of strain and pressure than any other Cabinet members.

Knowing there is no way to insulate this country from terrorist attacks, and with the likelihood there will be a deadly terrorist effort against this country at some future date, how could Ridge ever have a moment when he didn’t think of when and where such an attack might take place?

What could he and members of his new department do to try to protect the people of this nation? How could the maximum effort be exerted to protect all seaports, national boundaries, airports, rivers and reservoirs, railways, subways and tunnels, and to keep those eager to bring death and destruction from entering the United States and being successful?

It is common to advise those in the civilian work force to leave their troubles at the office or workplace and not bring these worries home.

But how has Ridge been able to think of anything other than the very real threat of terrorists? It has been a 24-hours-a-day worry, 365 days a year. And no matter how good a job he does, he knows there is no way to guarantee safety from such acts.

It must be frustrating for Ridge to know he cannot disclose specific actions that have reduced the threat of terrorist attacks or how some attempt may have been thwarted. He can’t level with the public as much as he would like to show how his department is getting the job done. He knows there will be millions of second guessers when and if there is a deadly attack, with critics asking why more of an effort wasn’t made to stop what may end up being a deadly catastrophe.

Is there any Cabinet position that presents such stress and strain? And isn’t it understandable Ridge probably is worn out by the strain of starting and running this new department? Maybe it is pure luck, maybe it is a case of his department doing an excellent job or, there may be other reasons why there have not been successful terrorist attacks here since the Sept. 11 attacks.

Some of the programs put into effect by the Homeland Security Department probably have helped foil terrorists’ efforts, and millions of law-abiding Americans have been inconvenienced by Homeland Security policies. But if such actions have worked, it is a small price to pay.

Whatever the reasons, Americans have enjoyed three years of safety, which unfortunately could be shattered tomorrow, the next day or next month. Nevertheless, Ridge and associates deserve the thanks and appreciation of all Americans for the tireless, dedicated efforts he has made to help make the United States a safer place in this world of growing terror.