Protecting and Preserving an Open Society
Download the complete book of ideas (PDF, 6MB)
As a new presidential term and a new Congress begin, the Center for American Progress has launched the Progressive Priorities Project to provide policymakers and the public with a positive vision for progressive policymaking supported by a series of new and bold policy ideas in priority areas identified by American Progress. Protecting and Preserving an Open Society: The Challenge for the Next Secretary of Homeland Security is the fifth of approximately a dozen papers in the series that American Progress will issue over the course of two months. In addition to providing broad policy recommendations, each of the papers in the series proposes specific steps that policymakers can take to achieve the broader policy goals. All of the papers in the series will be compiled and published as a book early this year.
The Challenge for the Next Secretary of Homeland Security
Executive Summary
A great deal has changed in response to September 11, but the United States is not as safe as it should be. Even though we have not been attacked again at home, the threat remains high. Homeland security requires a stronger sense of urgency. Business as usual is unacceptable. Action is required now, not years from now. This will require more resources than are presently committed.
In this chapter of the Progressive Priorities Series, the Center for American Progress identifies clear vulnerabilities that leave our society and our economy at an unacceptable level of risk and recommends specific steps that the administration and Congress need to take to address these vulnerabilities. The emphasis of our government must be on preventing catastrophic terrorism against targets where the threat and consequences of attack are most significant. Port security, air cargo, and chemical facilities are areas where voluntary approaches have fallen short or unfunded mandates exist. The private sector must be better prepared, since 85 percent of our critical infrastructure rests in private hands. The current administration has created an artificial division between homeland security and national security. In fact, they are indivisible. Ultimately, although homeland security involves partnership with states, local communities, and the private sector, the federal government must lead and provide the necessary resources "for our common defense." Homeland security is sustainable only if the government is transparent and credible. Keeping faith with the American people requires keeping them informed. Our challenge is to protect and preserve the open society that has been our greatest source of strength and is ultimately our best weapon against terrorism.