The U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security held a joint hearing today with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs entitled “Homegrown Terrorism: The Threat to Military Communities Inside the United States.” According to the Department of Defense, American soil is the most dangerous place for our service men and women outside of actual war zones due to radicalism and homegrown terrorism.
Bipartisan legislation being considered in the U.S. Senate would expand the military’s power to go after any terrorism suspect, including American citizens, anywhere in the world—including within the United States—and confine them indefinitely without being charged or tried.
S. 1867, referred to as the National Defense Authorization Act bill, was drafted in secret by Senators Carl Levin (D-Michigan) and John McCain (R-Arizona) and was scheduled for a vote by the full Senate on Tuesday.
I am always a few days late on blogs related to big days. I guess it takes the day itself to jog my thoughts sufficiently to write something. Bottom line today: We have a lot to be thankful for here in America. Are we a perfect society? No. Do I wish we were better at meeting the needs of everyone in our country? Absolutely. Is any other place in the world better at that pursuit? An emphatic “NO.” Thank you Lord for allowing me to be born in America.
The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security held a hearing on how DHS and law enforcement agencies could take advantage of technology used by the Department of Defense. Many DoD systems have a significantly higher cost for civilian agencies than other technologies due to operational complexity and crew requirements. What better example do we have than the CBP’s use of the Predator UAV, which some estimates say costs $32,000 per illegal alien apprehended.
American citizens love their soldiers, a phenomenon that sometimes mystifies people from other countries. For those who offer their service and their life to defend and advance our interests, Americans are quick to offer thanks and praise, as they should. Our veterans and active duty troops deserve it. Yet, for a country that so clearly respects and appreciates its military, we sometimes forget that after the service is done, our veterans must have access to the opportunities, jobs and rewards they fought to protect. This, unfortunately, is not always the case.
Why Obama Should Take Out Iran’s Nuclear Program | Foreign Affairs According to the recent IAEA report, Iran is closer to having nuclear weapons that was widely assumed. Once it does goes nuclear, Tehran will be almost impossible to stop. To prevent it, the Obama administration must use military force–and soon.
Richard Clarke is at it again. In a conference this week, he stridently appealed to the audience. He warned that the President aught not consider going to war any time in the near future. This because our cyber capabilities are so weak and America’s enemies are sure to use cyber attacks against us. Dick Clarke is a competent and farsighted man who has served this Nation long and well. Why does he seem to relish wallowing in hyperbole? We are NOT boxed in by our cyber insecurities to the point of having no options.
Recent press reports suggest the world is closer to seeing a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Whether these particular reports are the result of credible leaks, disinformation campaigns, and/or journalistic speculation, it seems clear that there is a military option with respect to Iran’s nuclear sites and infrastructure. The United States Government will be doing it and its citizens a serious disservice if it does not put in place contingency plans for the “day after” a strike on Iran. Unfortunately, Iran has a menu of options with respect to striking back at the United States and larger Western interests.
I do a lot of public speaking. Most of my speaking gigs are in the DC area, or perhaps other military or government connected locations. Every once in a while, however, I get invited to do something that is both exciting and frankly humbling. I get to speak to the real American Public. Next week, I will travel to Emporia, Kansas, to speak to several groups on the occasion of Veteran’s Day and will call for our citizens to honor all those who have served and assist them in being a part of the solution to our national challenges.
Legislation could expand Reserve role in homeland security | Army News at DefenseTalk Legislation being considered by both houses of Congress could provide the Army Reserve broader authority to call up troops for homeland security and also allow the force to deploy units for operations lasting 120 days or less.
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