The Earth-Moving Message Not Heard
Like much of the National Capital Region, I am shocked we had an earthquake this morning. For people in Washington, DC, an earthquake is usually a shocking news story - like when a President has an intern do...
DetailsThe Value of Aspen
As we continue to swelter in the ongoing summer heat wave, it is easy for me to reminisce about my recent visit to Aspen, Colo. Tucked amongst the Rockies with its clean air, fervent green and majestic views, a...
DetailsNASA’s Mission to Muslims
Having worked as a NASA contractor and as an employee, I like to think there is not much that happens at America's Space Agency that doesn't surprise me. I was wrong. The recent Al Jazeera interview with NASA Administrator...
Details“Flooded with Help – But Still Flailing”
In what I can only call a solid piece of researched commentary, Dan Kaniewski of GWU’s Homeland Security Policy Institute and Jim Carafano of the Heritage Foundation have put together a great article, “Flooded with Help – But Still...
DetailsFinally – Pistole is IN!
This morning by voice vote, the US Senate confirmed the nomination of John Pistole to be the next Administrator of DHS' Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In what has been a grueling odyssey for everyone involved, from former nominees and...
Details"The US border has never been more secure"
Before a packed audience at CSIS, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano delivered what can only be described as a pointed and aggressive defense of the Obama Administration's border security efforts. Declaring that "the US border has never been more secure…but...
DetailsWatch Your Mouth – Words can be the Real WMDs
As every person knows, words have consequences. They can raise someone up or tear them down. Depending on how they are used, words can change the meaning and significance of events. They can also ruin someone's career, and the...
DetailsPainfully Unprepared for Space Weather
If you can’t see a threat, or describe it in terms that the average person can understand or appreciate, is it really a threat? That was the challenge put before 200+ scientists, physicists, meteorologists and other very technical specialists...
DetailsThe Perfect TSA Nominee: The Pistole Hearing
When the Chairman of any Congressional Committee uses the word the “embarrassing” to describe something at the very beginning of a hearing, a feeling or look of fear and dread is prone to appear in the testifying witness. ...
DetailsAn Exercise in Idiocy
As all of us know, exercise is good for one's health. It gets you in shape. It improves your game. It gets you ready for whatever play may come your way. Whether it is sports, emergency drills or military...
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