Seven Years Later: A WMD Report Card

The Partnership for a Secure America, a bipartisan group that includes former leaders of the 9/11 Commission, has released a report that states that "We are still dangerously vulnerable" to a WMD attack.

The independent group's evaluation of the U.S. Government's efforts to prevent WMD terrorism is an overall grade of C. The analysis covers the 3 years since the conclusion of the 9/11 Public Discourse Project.

WMD Report Card excerpt:

Here is what the U.S. Government must do next:

• Put someone in charge. There is a critical need for a top-level official with the authority to make government-wide decisions on funding and programs. Someone needs to be responsible for turning our resolve into results.

• Build the blueprint. We need a strategic plan that links all existing programs together, prioritizes funding across the Federal Government, and coordinates implementation. We can no longer afford to hope that our patchwork of programs and initiatives will naturally cohere into an effective whole.

• Strengthen international cooperation. The United States cannot be safe working alone. Terrorism does not respect borders. We must utilize multilateral institutions, regional organizations and bilateral ties. We must be firm in our goals, but flexible in our approach.
  

Compare those recommendations to the mission of the 5 year old Department of Homeland Security:

We will lead the unified national effort to secure America. We will prevent and deter terrorist attacks and protect against and respond to threats and hazards to the nation. We will ensure safe and secure borders, welcome lawful immigrants and visitors, and promote the free flow of commerce.

The WMD Report Card reveals a failure of leadership. After 7 years of Republican control of the security of the U.S., it is time for a change. I agree wholeheartedly with the Partnership for a Secure America; it is time to put someone in charge.