A Legislative Prescription for Confronting 21st-Century Risks to The Homeland

• Published in: Harvard journal on legislation Vol. 47; no. 2; pp. 277 - 326
• Main Author: Thompson, Bennie G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2010
• Subjects: Risk; Security Policy; United States of America
• ISSN: 0017-808X

Evaluates post-9/11 homeland security policies in the US & suggests measures to improve them. It is maintained that all policies should be based on four underlying principles: 1) freedom from fear; 2) technological advancement; 3) an empowered citizenry; & 4) a consolidated congressional jurisdiction. Emphasis is placed on the development of more effective collaboration between the government & the citizens. The vital importance of moving away from the politics of fear, keeping up with the technology used by terrorists/other potential adversaries, channeling the energy of the citizenry into securing the homeland, & creating a single body for oversight/review of homeland security are discussed. Attention is called to the fragmentation that has weakened the department as well as specific problems & proposals related to infrastructure protection, disaster preparedness, & border security. Although much has been done to circumvent terrorist attacks & improve the response to disasters, there are still many obstacles to achieving meaningful security/preparedness. It is the responsibility of Congress to legislate proposals aimed at overcoming these obstacles. J. Lindroth