Declaration of Independence

Sadly, many Americans tend to forget how our government operates, delineation of Executive Branch responsibilities, how laws are crafted and the various statutory constraints/restraints governing our legal systems (federal and state). But any understanding of Homeland Security policy must begin with an understanding of the American philosophy of government – what it was designed and tasked to do – and more importantly, what it was neither designated nor tasked to do. As you review the Declaration of Independence, look for the signs – either specified or implied - of government responsibility in identifying and protecting CIKR.

Ask this question: Are the states also empowered to identify and protect CIKR? Yes, indeed, the states have that authority as well. So, why didn’t the states do anything about identifying and protecting their CIKR prior to 9/11?  Good questions – all.