U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano discussed the need for public service and the threats that face America on Monday night as part of the Frank and Kula Kumpuris Distinguished Lecture Series.
After an introduction by U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, Napolitano dove head first into speaking on public service, what it means to be a public servant and explained her personal experience in the field. Using an amusing anecdote about her father’s five-dollar campaign contribution, Napolitano explained that service work is not about the money, but about the “vital” work of helping people.
The former governor of Arizona discussed the necessary creation of Homeland Security after the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. Napolitano noted that the incident, though “previously…inconceivable,” united Americans and the world’s citizens. She argued that this sentiment can and must be recaptured and that “Americans must serve.”
One of the biggest problems Homeland Security faces is the ever-changing global community, and it’s ever changing threats to national security, Napolitano said. She noted that the death of Osama bin Laden does not mean the threats are over, and that homegrown terrorism is a continued threat to the country.
While the threat of another terrorist attack or an impending natural disaster can be frightening to the American people, Napolitano promotes informing the public and easing their fears.
In order to achieve the “educated participation of individual citizens,” the Department employs a program that promotes “building homeland security with hometown security,” Napolitano said.
To achieve this goal and ease the fear of American citizens, Homeland Security has brought expertise to local communities and trained local law enforcement how to document and share suspicious activity.
Napolitano added that the color code threat system has been replaced. Her announcement that “orange is gone” was met with a burst of applause and cheers of approval from the audience.
Three specific initiatives introduced recently were highlighted during the talk; “See something, Say something”, “Heroes on the Frontline”, and the intuitive strategy of building on what actually works. All programs are designed to get the public involved in their safety. Napolitano urged the public to visit www.dhs.org and stay abreast about current developments.
The Kumpuris Lecture Series is sponsored by the Clinton School, the Clinton Foundation and AT&T. Video of Napolitano’s speech will be posted soon at www.clintonschoolspeakers.com.
This post was written by Clinton School student Maggie Carroll (’13).