Homeland security

Definition and stakes

Portrait of George W. Bush George W. Bush,  Presidential Radio Address (2004)

“ But as Governor Kean also noted, the danger to America has not passed. In a vast, free society such as ours, there is no such thing as perfect security. And no matter how good our defenses are, a determined enemy can still strike us. Yet all Americans can be certain our government is using every resource and technological advantage we have to prevent future attacks.
We have created a new Department of Homeland Security with a single mission—protecting the American people.
”
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of George W. Bush George W. Bush,  George Walker Bush's Second State of the Union Address (2002)

“ Homeland security will make America not only stronger, but, in many ways, better. Knowledge gained from bioterrorism research will improve public health. Stronger police and fire departments will mean safer neighborhoods. Stricter border enforcement will help combat illegal drugs. And as government works to better secure our homeland, America will continue to depend on the eyes and ears of alert citizens. ”
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of George W. Bush George W. Bush,  Information Sharing, PATRIOT Act Vital to Homeland Security

“ We created the Department of Homeland Security which would allow us to better coordinate between agencies. It's kind of -- what happens in bureaucracies is you get what they call stovepipes -- in other words, people don't talk to each other, they kind of stay in their own lane, and they don't share information across the lanes, and therefore, vital information may show up, but it's not widely disseminated so there's not real-time action on, say, a threat. ”
Source: Wikisource

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