10-Point Plan for Better Homeland Security

W. David Stephenson, an expert on crisis management, has posted on his blog a 10-point plan for improving the way we manage homeland security issues. Among the key points: Focus on information rather than pacification and propaganda; use technologies such as cell phones, wireless PDAs and text messaging to keep people informed; work more at the grass-roots level; emphasize advanced planning; and educate the public on cultural differences. All of which, Stephenson asserts, the government has thus far failed to do.

Ironically, this critique coincides with yesterday's abrupt resignation of DHS cybersecurity chief Amit Yoran after only a year with the agency, citing frustration over the government's lack of attention to information security issues.