Rich Cooper

A Single American view of 9/11

September 12, 2011

The attacks of September 11 are full of many amazing and heartbreaking stories of loss, heartbreak and heroism. Frank Culbertson was the Commander of Expedition 3, a three-man crew on board the International Space Station when then attacks occurred. Frank recorded his thoughts and experiences at the time in an open letter that was circulated shortly after the attacks. With the ten-year anniversary observances underway, deserved attention is finally being given to Frank, his unique letter and his one in 250 million American experiences.

Hurricane Irene, Underwhelmed but alive – Is that a problem?

Rich Cooper |

August 31, 2011

With Hurricane Irene now nothing but some sputtering winds and loosely formed rain showers, we are about to endure the aftermath of whining naysayers and professional complainers. Even as the storm was beginning to pass through North Carolina and Virginia, observers began to comment that the storm was not packing the punch that it had been forecast to hold. It’s almost as if there was a measure of disappointment from these complaining parties that there was not some type of large body count or more catastrophic destruction.

A Positive Feel after an Earth-Moving Experience

Rich Cooper |

August 24, 2011

I’m back in my office building after the great DC Shake of 2011. The earthquake that struck Virginia and surrounding areas was a surreal experience, one I’ve never had and one I don’t care to repeat any time soon. I have to say I’m proud of the people in my building for knowing what to do and doing it without panic, as well as the surrounding buildings for replicating the same behavior.

9/11 Conspiracy, Clarke Comments Generate Response

Rich Cooper |

August 18, 2011

My recent post on Richard Clarke has generated a lot of interest in discussion. I was fortunate to get a response from the people behind the controversial interview with Mr. Clarke, including a link to a YouTube video of the interview. Despite the new materials they have shared, I still want to see the proof behind the charges that have been made.

9/11 Conspiracy Theories and the End of Richard Clarke

Rich Cooper |

August 17, 2011

The homeland security and national security community is full of all types of personalities, and there are few personalities as polarizing as Richard Clarke. As a former senior official, he made quite the reputation for himself. Clarke has never shied away from making headlines or making waves. In an upcoming documentary, Clarke points a finger at former CIA Director George Tenet claiming the CIA conducted a cover-up to hide information about the 9/11 terrorist attacks from the White House and FBI. Whether he’s anxious to be on the media circuit in the pre-9/11 anniversary days or just anxious to burn any remaining bridges he has left to former colleagues, Clarke’s charges are slanderous without any proof.

Oslo Terrorist Attacks: Terrorism with a different face, in a different place

Rich Cooper |

July 27, 2011

I recently published a piece on the terrorist attacks in Oslo, Norway, which killed 76 people. Similar to the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building bombing in Oklahoma in 1995, after the attacks in Oslo, many believed it was the work of Islamist terrorists. As we are finding out, however, that was not the case.

Business, Government Finding the Edges and Opportunities in Transportation Infrastructure

Rich Cooper |

July 21, 2011

There was a time when the United States’ transportation infrastructure was the envy of the world. Times are changing and U.S. infrastructure isn’t. This poses a significant threat to America’s profitability, economic recovery and international competitiveness. Recognizing this, the National Chamber Foundation – the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s think tank – put on a program in conjunction with the Chamber’s Let’s Rebuild America initiative, “Infrastructure: What We Want, What We Need.” Here’s a breakdown.

Space Life After "Wheels Stop" – Shuttle Atlantis Makes Final Landing

Rich Cooper |

July 21, 2011

“Wheels stop.” With those two words, the era of the Space Shuttle officially closed. Those two words are traditionally spoken by the Shuttle Commander as the orbiter comes to a complete stop. Today’s space shuttle landing means 6,300 people will be laid off and the Johnson Space Center’s Mission Control will fall silent. For now, we will have to wait until we see what the private sector can provide for a new era in human spaceflight.

Need, Want, (Don’t) Have: Bringing America’s Infrastructure into the 21st Century

Rich Cooper |

July 7, 2011

America’s infrastructure could use a makeover. Many of the things that help this country “GO” – roads, bridges, utilities and more – are in poor shape and in many places, crumbling before our eyes. Yet, the country has seen little in the way of real change when it comes to building a stronger, more resilient America. Not enough of us are talking and thinking strategically about infrastructure investment priorities, how risk and resilience are considered, and how we are going to pay for these much-needed updates. Enter Adm. Thad Allen, former commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

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