Our Homeland and Our Security: A Look Into Americau27s Critical Infrastructures

摘要

Since 9/11 this country has been faced with a problem unforeseen prior to the tragic events in 2001: terrorist threats and attacks against the United States. Just a decade later, we are facing complex issues regarding the protection of this nation‘s most critical assets. Ordinary Americans depend on banking, public transportation, highways, and other infrastructures to maintain a healthy living. The protection of these assets is conducive to how we sustain freedom and prosperity in America. Addressed in this project are several topics analyzing the safety and security of critical infrastructures including banking and finance, maritime areas, rail way systems, and the critical infrastructures for the U.S. Department of Defense are used as primary examples. In addition to these topics, the issue of human rights, the USA Patriot Act, and military tribunals are included, as well as intelligence assessments against the New York City subway system.Chapter I contains a report to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, laying out the need to increase and enhance security measures for the nation‘s infrastructures, in this case, seaport security. This gives a broader view on how government agencies of all levels must sustain healthy relationships with private stakeholders and international organizations. As the world becomes smaller with technology, we have to become mindful of how one act of terrorism could be detrimental to not only America but to the global economy.