COLUMN: Danger is Lurking in the Department of Homeland Security
Last weekend, on a quick trip, I was reminded of a growing threat facing our nation. This threat is from an organization quietly and steadily working to undermine our freedom. It is well-funded and powerful. This threat is the Department of Homeland Security.
The Department of Homeland Security was created Nov. 25, 2002, with the passage of the Homeland Security Act. The creation of this department resulted in the greatest restructuring of the executive branch since the creation of the Department of Defense more than 50 years ago.
Despite the fact that the creation of the DHS resulted in a massive restructuring of the government, little time was spent in Congress drafting and debating the legislation that made this new department possible.
The creation of the DHS was justified by the 9/11 attacks. However, the attacks only acted as a catalyst to push authorization of the DHS through Congress.
Plans for the DHS had been laid as early as 1998, by influential members of the Council on Foreign Relations. Space does not permit a discussion of the “achievements” of this Council, but the CFR has been working “behind the scenes,” as it were, for decades to destroy the United States. One powerful member of the CFR is Vice President Dick Cheney, who would later prove instrumental in the realization of the CFR’s plans.
The DHS is charged with keeping our nation secure from terrorist attacks. It has been given control over a wide range of activities, including securing our borders, tracking terrorists, securing transportation, law enforcement and disaster relief.
The DHS has been given a disturbing arsenal of tools to perform its mission. It has been allowed to spy on Americans, and has been given access to a great deal of personal information. It has also gained a great deal of control over local law enforcement.
One is left to question the real intent and purpose of the DHS. It has been charged with providing the security of America. However, our borders have still been severely neglected. Clearly, it is essential to stop potential terrorists before they enter the U.S. Instead of taking this important measure in ensuring national security, the DHS has turned to domestic spying. The DHS is also responsible for the implementation of the new Real ID card, which is a huge threat to privacy.
While immigrants are crossing the borders at will, the Transportation Security Administration, an important part of the DHS, is doing its part to ensure the security of our transportation system. Apparently, this includes ensuring no one enters a plane carrying suspicious looking cheese, over-sized shampoo bottles, or other such dangerous items. Despite this agency’s diligence, one man recently managed to pass airport security with a loaded handgun. This would lead one to question the efficiency of the TSA. Even though the TSA has been apparently so dedicated to securing our airlines, it refused to allow the arming of pilots, despite the desires of Congress.
This agency has been sold to Americans as an essential step in protecting our nation from terrorism. However, it seems to be growing into an agency bent on harassing, spying on, and controlling American citizens. If not stopped, the DHS may prove to be an agent of terror more dangerous than any of the external terrorist organizations we are being taught to fear.
Colby Lyons is a senior majoring in law and constitutional studies. Comments can be sent to him at c.lyons@aggiemail.usu.edu