Threat Is Here To Stay, U.S. Must Remain Vigilant, Says Ridge

Fmr. Governor of Pennsylvania and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge said at a forum on homeland security today that Americans must acknowledge a post-911 reality where terror is a reality, but should not live in fear.

Ridge, who spoke at a forum held by the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs, said that terrorist threats to the United States are still very real and prevalent, but that does not mean Americans should be losing sleep at night.

“We ought to accept that reality and do everything we can to reduce the risk, manage the risk, reduce the threat,” said Ridge.

In the aftermath of last week’s foiled terrorist plots, the question of intelligence and international collaboration has once again found its way into the national discussion. Ridge reiterated the point that intelligence is the single greatest tool that we have in keeping America safe, but its development is also our greatest challenge.

“At the heart of combatting terrorism, is information,” said Ridge, who expressed concern that the U.S.’s information sharing capacity is still lacking.

“There is no reason to think that we have that system refined very well.”

Ridge called for increased communication on an international, national, state and local level, but said Americans should continue to live their lives.

“We need to leave the worrying and the sleepless nights…for the intelligence community, the law enforcement community, and the soldiers, the brave men and women serving overseas.”