Adfero Group HSPI

2976 is the final fatality toll from the 9/11 attacks in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. 2688 is the number of days since 9/11 where we have been fortunate not to suffer another terrorist incident on our shores

Security Debrief’s contributor, Dr. Scott G. Borgerson, shares his expertise on the economic and security issues related to global warming.

The attitude of DHS planning should be one of enlisting Americans into the effort, building a culture of inclusiveness, information sharing, and trust with the public, a stark departure from previous approaches that homeland security is best left up to professionals in the federal government.

One of the primary roles of the police is to protect the population from crime, and to maintain order. Within a democracy that role should be achieved within the context of facilitating free speech within an orderly context. Order can be compromised by a wide range of situations, some more likely than others.

The emergence of citizens news conferences, such as those hosted by FEMA and the Israeli Government, make clear that social media tools have the potential to serve as critical communications tools during national emergencies.

Our Nation has spent over one-half trillion dollars in Iraq and Afghanistan in the past five years—and rightfully so. However, our country plans on spending a mere $400 million dollars a year for the next few years to help Mexico take on the cartels and win back their country. Our Central American neighbors are losing the fight against these same syndicates as many of these thugs flee south to evade the pressure from Mexican security forces.

In a letter written on January 15th, Adler outlined the legislative priorities in the coming year as including law enforcement disability reform and enhancement of the retirement system for federal law enforcement. FLEOA also pledged support for the priority initiatives of its encompassed agencies such as the Department of Defense, Federal Air Marshalls, US Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

AZ Governor Janet Napolitano brought her A Game to her confirmation hearing today. She didn’t need it. Her command of the issues and her previous experiences came through so easily and clearly in all of her responses during the two hours and 20 minute hearing that I don’t think she broke a sweat.

Nothing conveys a large national gathering in Washington as much as the sight of massive amounts of fencing, deployed jersey walls and acres of Port-O-Johns as far as the Beltway eyes can see

Following Congress’ failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform, the Administration has stepped up enforcement activities against employers, possibly in the hope that it would spur compromise and further consideration of immigration reform. These efforts over the past two years have resulted in impressive Department of Homeland Security operations.

Today we seem to have journeyed far enough from 9/11 to come to a place in which we institute security regulations the old fashioned way. Lots of bureaucratic study, endless comment periods, stacks of economic analysis that academic economists can’t even understand, legal commentary and adherence to process and procedure that produce more frustration than better security. I suggest the pendulum has swung too far in favor of regulatory niceties and away from negotiated outcomes that make security better faster.

Bob Stephan, oft referred to as the “soul” of DHS, officially added “former” to his title as Assistant Secretary of Infrastructure Protection this weekend. Bob has been a visionary at DHS, building the public/private partnership model for homeland security and creating the National Infrastructure Protection Plan.

Today’s Washington Times (January 14, 2009) features an editorial by US House of Representative Homeland Security Committee leaders calling for FEMA to stay within the US Department of Homeland Security.

Holder continues to receive support from prominent Republican lawyer-politicians. Former Sen. John Danforth (R-Mo.) and former Rep. Asa Hutchinson (R-Ark.) joined Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy in a conference call to vouch for Holder’s independence and judgment as deputy attorney general.

E-Verify is an Internet-based program that permits registered employers to verify a new hire’s legal ability to work in the United States. This report explores how E-Verify has been received by some public and private sector employers who have been required to use it.

The White House just released a new US policy for the Arctic, where melting sea ice is allowing access to an estimated 22 percent of the world’s undiscovered but technically recoverable hydrocarbons. While the administration gets high marks for getting this new Arctic policy mostly right, unfortunately it does not go far enough.

Egypt in an unenviable position, especially as a leader within the Arab-Islamic world. Influenced by global outcries to negotiate a settlement with Hamas and criticized by the West (including the United States), the enormity of Egypt’s dilemma reflects its strategic importance to the region and the world.

While clear sailing seems to be forecast for Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano confirmation for one of the toughest jobs in the world, she will still have to answer some fairly direct, contentious and sometimes volatile questions. Since I have no future as a prospective US Senator and no chance to ask questions at these hearings, I thought I would take a shot at crafting questions that I would ask if I was given the opportunity.

With Inauguration festivities fast approaching, news about the vast amounts of security that will be needed to protect the Nation’s Capitol is increasing amid some grumbling from the public. While the increased security will inevitably cause delays and restrict movement in the National Mall, the public should take a few minutes to reflect on past events before they start complaining. The need for security is evident, as is the potentially devastating effects of not having the necessary safeguards in place.

I am generally a fan of term limits to ensure that new ideas have a chance to be heard, but in this case, a waiver was justified. The continuity on the subcommittee, especially at a time when the department won’t have much continuity, is extremely valuable to DHS and to all Americans who depend on its success.