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Lesson 3: Homeland Security: The Concept, the Organization

Overview

This lesson will outline in great detail the actual events of September 11, 2001 as reported by the 9/11 Commission. This account will provide a chilling reminder of that fateful day that truly changed the course of our nation’s history. You will view a video from the perspective of the emergency first responders at “ground zero” in New York City. The lesson will also explain the actions taken by the United States and its leaders in reaction to the attacks. You will read Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge's personal recollection of the call to duty from President George W. Bush. You will also hear from one of the governor’s senior staff describe his account of the events of 9/11 and the days that followed that led to the creation of the White House Office of Homeland Security, and at the conclusion of the lesson you will have a better understanding of the chaos of that September day followed by a period of tremendous cooperation, pride, and the resolve of our nation to move forward.

In the immediate aftermath of September 11th. . .

. . .the nation was frightened and attempting to cope with the events that were witnessed. Over 3,000 of our fellow citizens have been killed in three separate and horrific events. President Bush, Congress, and many of other leaders joined with our nation’s spiritual leaders at an event held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Days after the attack, President Bush visited ground zero and vowed that our nation would never forget the attacks and would recover. President George Bush at Ground Zero Defense measures were initiated to protect the nation from another attack and nine days after the attack, President Bush issued an executive order announcing the formation of the White House Office of Homeland Security and creating the Homeland Security Council. That council would be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive national strategy to make our nation secure from another terrorist attack.

Several weeks later. . .

. . .President Bush issued the first of many Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPDs) which were specifically designed to “record and communicate presidential decisions about the homeland security policies of the United States” (HSPD-1, 2001). HSPD-1 dealt with the creation and operation of the Homeland Security Council. The objective of HSPD-1 was to ensure coordination of all homeland security-related activities among the various federal government executive departments and agencies to develop and implement all homeland security policies.

During future lessons, we will learn more about the other HSPDs that have been issued by Presidents Bush and Obama in the past decade since 9/11.

The flurry of homeland security legislation that was enacted after September 11 created a considerable debate concerning the appropriate role of federal and state governments in the discipline of homeland security. No greater example of that debate was the passage of a congressional bill: Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism, which would be commonly referred to as the Patriot Act. This legislation was and still is very controversial. We will spend time discussing this and other pieces of legislation that significantly increased the investigative and surveillance powers of law enforcement agencies.

The events of September 11, 2001, which you will hear and read about through the recollections of those involved, set into motion dramatic changes in the American political, legal, bureaucratic, economic, psychological, philosophical, and virtually all other facets of the American way of life.

Lesson Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to do the following:

  • Better understanding of the events of September 11 and the initial actions taken by the United States in response to the attacks.
  • Discuss the ramifications of congressional action and comprehend the policy decisions, directives, and executive orders stemming from various federal statutes that were enacted.

Lesson Readings & Activities

By the end of this lesson, make sure you have completed the readings and activities found in the Course Schedule.

 

Reference

Homeland Security Presidential Directive-1. (October 29, 2001). Retrieved on April 23, 2012.


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