Water Systems – A Rising Rate to Lift Our Nation?
Leaders at every level of government continue to ignore the obvious, and dare I say, “inconvenient” truth about water: We need to raise rates. Either that or get used to being thirsty, stock up on Pepto-Bismol, and get ready...
DetailsThe Airport Security Process: Learning the Hard Way
Last week, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers at the Philadelphia airport grossly mistreated Ryan Thomas, a 4-year-old boy who has intellectual and physical disabilities, and his parents. Headed for an Orlando-bound flight to celebrate Ryan’s birthday at Disney World,...
DetailsFear-mongering at its Worst – A Threat to Water?
The January 12, 2010 headline of The Washington Examiner was irresponsible, reckless, and salacious. Splashed across the front page read: Terror threat to city water.” As a water security guy, I was sucked in. After reading...
DetailsRapid Notification – When You Really Have to Know
Last week in Portland, officials conducting routine reservoir testing found something unexpected: E. Coli. Officials reached out to the community via print, television, and radio news outlets, health networks, and their utility Web site. Unfortunately, many in...
DetailsSecurity vs. Process: The Chemical and Water Security Act
As chemical security legislation (H.R. 2868) moves from the House to the Senate, it's my hope that legislators will stay focused on the issue of security, rather than getting lost on the issue of process. Included in the...
DetailsHomeland Security: America in Action
Two miles from home, on what had been a typical evening, I sat on a Metrobus last week and saw a bright orange flash cut through the dark night – 50 feet in front of us, a car erupted...
DetailsSticks and Stones
Dear Congress: Over the past year, you’ve made me (and the world) serve as unfortunate witnesses to the death of political civility. At a time when the economy is in the toilet, when we’re fighting (and perhaps losing)...
DetailsBehold – The Answers Have Arrived
Last year the Department of Homeland Security asked the President’s private sector advisors on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) to examine the following question: What impedes the nation’s ability to respond and recover from a major disaster resulting...
DetailsAn American Beauty
If you’re like most people, Independence Day brings to mind all-things Americana: Will Smith chasing aliens, Dad’s “famous” cookout, and loads of illegal fireworks. For me however, it brings to mind a 22-year-old Salvadorian woman. Before you...
DetailsA Flu by Any Other Name…
America: Despite the existence of H1N1, you’re going to be OK - really! As of May 5th there were 403 confirmed cases of H1N1 infection in the United States. One of those, my friend’s niece in New...
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