Monday
Sep282009
Former Homeland Security Official Calls For Increased Information Sharing In War On Terror
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 2:32PM
By Leah Valencia, University of New Mexico – Talk Radio News Service
Former Homeland Security Adviser Frances F. Townsend called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Monday to focus on information sharing among local governments and other government entities, warning that a failure to do so could impede the Department's ability to prevent future terrorist attacks.
“If we do not get information sharing right, when there is another attack ... there will be a problem with information sharing,” Townsend said during a presentation at the Heritage Foundation.
Townsend said the issue of information sharing often falls down the list of priorities for the current administration, but could be vital in the prevention and response to terrorism.
“This is not a sexy issue but it is one that will absolutely be our downfall in terms of stopping an attack,” she explained.
The DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis outlined their key intelligence initiatives and reforms in a hearing before the house subcommittee on intelligence late last week. One priority mentioned included improved coordination and information sharing.
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said the fundamental goal for protection is to better information sharing so that it occurs in a regular and timely manner.
“The key for protecting the homeland from attack is disseminating useable intelligence and information to our state, local, tribal and private sector partners, getting similar intelligence and information back from those partners for analytic work by Office of Intelligence and Analysis and the national Intelligence Community, and ensuring this two-way exchange happens on a real-time basis,” Napolitano said.
Townsend said drastic circumstances should not be necessary before this issue gets the attention it deserves.
“I think people sorely underestimate the consequences of a large scale cyber attack,” Townsend said. “There will be a cyber 9/11 and regretfully I think that is what it will take before people pay attention to these security issues.”
Former Homeland Security Adviser Frances F. Townsend called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Monday to focus on information sharing among local governments and other government entities, warning that a failure to do so could impede the Department's ability to prevent future terrorist attacks.
“If we do not get information sharing right, when there is another attack ... there will be a problem with information sharing,” Townsend said during a presentation at the Heritage Foundation.
Townsend said the issue of information sharing often falls down the list of priorities for the current administration, but could be vital in the prevention and response to terrorism.
“This is not a sexy issue but it is one that will absolutely be our downfall in terms of stopping an attack,” she explained.
The DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis outlined their key intelligence initiatives and reforms in a hearing before the house subcommittee on intelligence late last week. One priority mentioned included improved coordination and information sharing.
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said the fundamental goal for protection is to better information sharing so that it occurs in a regular and timely manner.
“The key for protecting the homeland from attack is disseminating useable intelligence and information to our state, local, tribal and private sector partners, getting similar intelligence and information back from those partners for analytic work by Office of Intelligence and Analysis and the national Intelligence Community, and ensuring this two-way exchange happens on a real-time basis,” Napolitano said.
Townsend said drastic circumstances should not be necessary before this issue gets the attention it deserves.
“I think people sorely underestimate the consequences of a large scale cyber attack,” Townsend said. “There will be a cyber 9/11 and regretfully I think that is what it will take before people pay attention to these security issues.”
Reader Comments (2)
As soon as we have those* who dictated to NORAD to "Stand Down" during the 9/11 attacks in prison where they belong, then the real terror will be behind us. We can then sweat the "small stuff" like the Taliban.
*Cheney and Bush are just two of the high level criminals who need to be tried on treason. They know who gave the orders to Stand Down and they knew we invaded Iraq under false pretenses. These men need to be tried on war crimes against humanity and there are many more who need to join them in prison.
We need to Re-Empower the CIA and their intelligence network and dismantle "Homeland Security". Homeland Security is just a part of "The New World Order" and needs to be stopped in its tracks.
Support the Patriots: Fight REAL ID. Repeal the Patriot Act and be aware of President Obama's socialist goals and agendas.
We need a strong internal Defense, but we do not have to instill fear in the public while doing so. We can preserve 100% of the Constitution without sacrificing freedom and liberty wile protecting our borders.
It would seem that Mr.Townsend is not up on current affairs as DHS has already begun the unconstitutional act of sharing data.
http://rawstory.com/08/news/2009/09/16/police-to-get-access-to-classified-military-intelligence/" rel="nofollow">rawstory.com