Ignorance & Poor Word Choices
Every now and then a “no-win situation” can be made worse by what a person says, how they say it, or what they do not say at all. This is the situation facing DHS following a recently...
DetailsThe Second Most Powerful Position on the Planet – Part 2
As a people, Americans have long harbored suspicions with any one holding too much power. We believe in and hold fast to a checks and balance system, but in a world whose operations function faster than the speed...
DetailsThe Second Most Powerful Position on the Planet – Part 1
With the introduction of legislation by Sens. Rockefeller and Snowe and the full thumbs up support of the Obama Administration, it is a foregone conclusion that some type of executive authority position overseeing cybersecurity will be established. Taking...
DetailsSuper Powers for Cyber Czar
Building off of many of the recommendations of the recently issued CSIS study, Sens. Rockefeller (D-WV) and Snowe (R-ME) are preparing to introduce legislation to establish the Office of the National Cybersecurity Adviser which would report directly to the...
DetailsA Good Day for Congressional Oversight
Today's House Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee hearing on "Priorities Enforcing Immigration Law" got off to a delayed and roaring thud. After delaying the start of the hearing by 30 minutes due to anticipated floor votes, Chairman David Price started...
DetailsA “Fein” Knock Out Over Fusion Centers – News & Notes from the Hearing
There is always a danger whenever you put something in writing - your words may come back and haunt you or be used against you. Such was the case of Bruce Fein, one of the witnesses at today’s...
DetailsLegacy Beyond Nassau
One of the greatest rewards in life is the people you meet and the things they teach you along the way. I’ve been more than fortunate throughout my career to work with some amazing people. They have...
DetailsAn American Success Story
On Friday, March 27, 2009 an amazing tenure at DHS will conclude. Al Martinez-Fonts’ services as the Assistant Secretary for the Private Sector will end and he will return to where he came from, the private sector. ...
DetailsIntelligence Sharing Hearing Notes & Observations
The word “intelligence” can have multiple meanings. If you were watching last week’s hearing (March 18, 2009) - “Homeland Security Intelligence: Its Relevance and Limitations,” held before the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and...
DetailsDemonizing at its Finest & Leadership at its Worst
Several days ago, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) spoke at a town hall-type meeting at St. Anthony’s Church in San Francisco, CA. In addressing the assembled crowd, which news coverage described as being filled with both legal and...
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