DHS Lags in Preparations for Transition of Power, Study Says

[DogPoundPup]

Source: WaPo

The Department of Homeland Security is moving too slowly to prepare for the risks that will accompany the first presidential transition for U.S. counterterrorism agencies formed after the 2001 terrorist attacks, according to a study scheduled for release today.

The department's plan to train scores of key career officials, temporarily fill the posts of 26 departing political appointees and complete a transition plan are insufficient or should be accelerated, according to a 118-page report by the National Academy of Public Administration that was funded by Congress and DHS.

The report urged the presumptive presidential nominees, Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.), to move more quickly than previous candidates to submit the names of top aides for security clearances in order to ensure that they are ready to handle a national security crisis upon taking office.

Breaking with tradition by moving the deadline up two months -- to September from November -- would ensure that background checks are completed in time for officials to receive classified briefings the day after Election Day.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/25/AR2008062502709.html

[global1]

1. And What Makes Anyone Think That *Co Won't Screw This Up Too?....

I think there is nothing they wouldn't like better than to put the country in harms way and let the consequences fall on the new Dem president.

[shanti]

2. couldn't it just be disbanded?

:shrug:

[ixion]

6. that would be the most prudent thing to do

which means it'll probably never happen. :(

[loudsue]

10. Best. Idea. Ever. It NEVER should have passed in the first place.

The entire "homeland security" bill was a fascist/totalitarian anticonstitutional piece of shit to begin with. And our own Robert Byrd was almost alone in arguing against it.

[Autumn Colors]

3. Maybe * Co. is not planning to leave.... (nt)

[xxqqqzme]

11. That was my first thought as well.

Tragic that it is my first thought. Not surprising but still.......

[pattmarty]

4. I mean really, is that any kind of major surprise????

[DogPoundPup]

8. It is 1984 ...

[Wizard777]

5. They aren't expecting a transition to occur. CUE BIN LADEN! Welcome to eternal martial law.

Bin laden attacked us on 9/11. Our government has been largely ignoring him and Al qaida to attack our liberties instead. If Bin Laden attacks again. The government will do what they have always done. That's more of what they know not to work. Much more. They will go for our throats this time. They won't even be able to trust us to wear clothes. The wearing of clothes will be nothing more than proof we are hiding something from a government that won't tell us Jack shit about anything. They'll tell us Bush shit about everything. But not Jack shit about anything.

[Javaman]

7. perhaps they know something we don't. queue the deathstar music.

:tinfoilhat:

[jaybeat]

9. Transition? What transition? (nt)

[AndyTiedye]

12. Perhaps They Don't Really Intend to HAVE a Transition of Power

:scared: