Report: Danger of growing complacence in US about terrorism

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/1217/dailyUpdate.html?s=entt

Federal commission cites continuing problems with intelligence sharing, lack of 'clear strategic guidance' from White House.

US intelligence agencies are still reluctant to share information with each other. The Bush administration hasn't put forth "a clear strategic guidance" about the definition of homeland security, and objectives of preparedness. While the US has made progress in "beefing up" its defenses against terrorism, momentum for a comprehensive, national homeland security strategy appears to have diminished. The result could be a patch quilt of different rules and regulation in each state about how to deal with issues like weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and national emergencies like 9/11, and that Americans might think the US is more prepared for another major terrorist attack than it really is.

These findings are detailed in a report by the "Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction." The federal commission chaired by former Virginia governor James Gillmore (current chair of the Republican Party) will disband next year.

"The panel has serious concern about the current state of homeland security efforts along the full spectrum from awareness to recovery," the report states. "Efforts by the government may provide the perception of enhanced security that causes the nation to become complacent about the many critical actions still required."

GovEx.com also reports that the panel recommended that President Bush create an independent, bipartisan oversight board to provide advice on security efforts, such as the Patriot Act, that may impact civil liberties. The freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment could be violated by increased reliance on sophisticated technology that has "vast potential to invade personal privacy," according to the commission's statement.

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[Newsjock]

1. Translation of headline

"Americans not scared enough; GOP sees '04 election threat"

[aquart]

2. See? That's exactly how I read it.

We ain't scared enough. At least, not enough to vote for the bastards.