Derek Brown
(G00040841)
Grantham University
Abstract
This paper will discuss the role of technocrats in Homeland Security and this paper will discuss whether or not Canada should of been the starting point for border security architecture. What is a technocrat? Is it some new genre of music for bureaucrats? Or is it what you get when you cross the techno genre and a Politian? Actually, it’s none of these; a technocrat is someone who feels many important issues in society can be solved using technology focused solutions. Should technology be used as a means of minimizing terrorism? Or should we continue to use current methods already in place? Tom Ridge and those of the newly formed Homeland Security felt technology could solve and diminish the threat of terrorism against our borders. Do you feel Canada should be the first choice for the new border architecture or should Mexico of been the first choice. Where does the real security threat as it relates to terrorism rests, the border to the South or the border to the North? As a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001, President George Bush established Homeland Security and appointed Governor Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania to be its first Secretary. "Almost immediately after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the president created by executive order the Office of Homeland Security within the White House. The same day that the announce was made, Tom Ridge, the governor of Pennsylvania was sworn in to lead the office with the title Assistant to the President (Haddow, Bullock & Coppola, 2010) ." He strongly believed technology was a crucial element in securing America's borders; however, Ridge needed to convince Congress and other parts of the Executive Branch to see his point of view. "But the technocrats had the kind of coherent vision of what could be done that Ridge need to persuade Congress and other parts
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