Unprecedented Service – Thad Allen’s Almost Retirement
On Tuesday, a man much of America recognizes for his leadership following the occurrence of a "bad day" will relinquish his command of one of our country's oldest branches of federal service, the U.S. Coast Guard. Having served the...
DetailsCooper on Federal News Countdown
Last week, I had an opportunity to speak with Federal News Radio's Francis Rose about a variety of topics. We covered John Pistole's nomination for TSA administrator, the Taliban's plans for attacking our nation's capital and of course, the...
DetailsStratfor’s Bad Day Forecastno
You know it’s going to be rough day when you go to get in your car and discover a flat tire. You know your day has the potential to get even worse when you’re listening to the morning news,...
DetailsTSA Take 3: The Pistole Nomination
There’s lots you can say about the nomination of John Pistole to be the next TSA Administrator. The first thing is “vetted.” You don’t get to be the number two guy in charge of the FBI without being...
DetailsRevising the Stafford Act: Cries for Common Sense
Legendary singer-song writer Jim Croce had a classic song, "Don’t Mess with Jim." Its refrain goes:You don't tug on superman's capeYou don't spit into the windYou don't pull the mask off that old lone rangerAnd you don't mess...
DetailsAnother Mexico Victim: Mission Trips
With summer quickly approaching, many church groups are making plans for the various mission trips that they sponsor for adults and youth. For the people who participate in these annual trips, they are more than a chance to get...
DetailsHeat and Feedback on “The System Worked”
Since posting my blog, “The System Worked,” on Security Debrief and several other social media sites commending the work of law enforcement, intelligence and others in the capture of the failed Times Square bomber, I’ve received lots of feedback....
DetailsThe System Worked: Faisal Shahzad’s Failed Bomb in Times Square
For what seemed an endless series of weeks, DHS Secretary Napolitano was mercilessly mocked and derided for uttering three words following the failed Christmas Day bombing of Northwest Flight 253 – she stated, “The system worked.” As debatable...
DetailsOversight, Grocery Lists and Mortar Boards… Oh My
If you wanted an example of Congressional oversight gone amuck, all you had to do was watch the April 27 hearing of DHS Secretary Napolitano in front of the Senate’s Judiciary Committee. When I saw the hearing title, "Oversight...
DetailsNurturing our Roots: K-12 Education and Homeland Security
Nurturing our Roots – K-12 Education & Homeland SecuritySecretary Napolitano has spent considerable time of late getting in front of higher education leaders and students. From her speech at Harvard’s Kennedy School on resilience to meeting with nearly ten...
Details