David Olive

88, Count 'Em: A Continuing Embarrassment on the Hill

January 11, 2010

Last Friday, the editorial board of the New York Times added its considerable weight to the growing list of thought leaders advocating the completion of the 9-11 Commission recommendations – namely, the consolidation of congressional oversight of the Department of Homeland Security. Entitled “88, Count ‘Em,” the Times editors called the 88 committees and subcommittees who claim a piece of DHS oversight “little more than a competitive rush for headlines.”

A Response to Stewart Baker's “Al Qaeda Failed. What About Us? Ten Questions.”

David Olive |

December 30, 2009

My friend, and fellow Security DeBrief blogger, Stewart Baker, has raised a number of questions in his recent blog posting that exemplify the way too many policy-makers try to influence political outcomes – and that is by using the time-worn, law school technique of asking Socratic-style questions that hint at – but rarely provide – answers. But there are times when the questions themselves should be questioned. This, I believe, is one of those times.

Anniversaries and Remembrances: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

David Olive |

November 25, 2009

With the news of former TSA Administrator David Stone’s untimely death, two events compressed in my mind: TSA relocating to the Department of Homeland Security with President Bush signing the Homeland Security Act of 2002; and the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. It is my hope that we remember the “right” lessons from these events; that we honor the public servants and private sector folks who work so diligently to make us safer and more secure, and that we are ever vigilant against those who would do us harm.

Congress Heal Thyself (Con’t – ad nauseum)

David Olive |

November 20, 2009

Once again it is time to revisit the issue of Congressional meddling into the operations of DHS. As has been well established by many commentators, myself included, the only item from the 9-11 Commission’s Report that has yet to be implemented is the consolidation of congressional oversight of the Department of Homeland Security.

A Lack of Imagination Led to a Lack of Preparation – A Report From Mumbai

David Olive |

November 16, 2009

As the anniversary of another terrorist attack approaches, the questions remain: Are we safer than we were before the attacks, and are we doing the right things to prevent another attack? Those were the questions on the minds of participants this past week in Mumbai, India, at the second Security and Resiliency Summit co-sponsored by London First and Bombay First – held on the cusp of the first anniversary of the Mumbai attacks of November 26, 2008.

S&T Bloggers Roundtable finds sparse attendance for a substantive message

David Olive |

October 15, 2009

I give S&T high marks for beginning to open itself to the public and media in a transparent fashion. The roundtable gave me an opportunity to ask questions about how the Commercialization office might be tied closer with the acquisition process (something where the public and private sector would find benefit, I believe.)

The Critical Need for Congressional Reform on Homeland Security Oversight

David Olive |

September 22, 2009

At this morning’s Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing on the report of the WMD Commission former Senator Bob Graham started his testimony by highlighting the critical need for congressional reform of the homeland security oversight process. The continuing question is whether Senate and House leaders who can actually change the oversight jurisdiction of other committees are listening to former Senator Graham and other bi-partisan thought leaders.

A Day to Remember – A Day to Recognize Those Who Protect Us – Adopt a Station

David Olive |

September 11, 2009

On this 8th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, across America people will stop and reflect on where they were, what they were doing and how their lives changed because of the events of that tragic day. Whenever that next “bad day” event occurs, it is NOT the US Department of Homeland Security that will be the first to arrive at the scene. It will be the local first responders – police, fire, emergency medical and rescue personnel – who will be there first.

O'Toole's Commentary to Murphy's Law

David Olive |

June 10, 2009

This morning’s confirmation hearing for Dr. Tara O’Toole to become the next Under Secretary for Science and Technology went smoothly. However, if confirmed, there are some potential traps that lie in Dr. O’Toole’s pathway to success that need to be clarified – and quickly.

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