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The Test of Our Times: America Under Siege...And How We Can Be Safe Again

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For most Washingtonians, there is little new news here. Secretary Ridge is clearly passionate about DHS and security and it clearly showed in this book. To his credit, this was not a kiss and tell mudslinging book, but a point by point history of his involvement in the formation of DHS and the protection of America in the aftermath of 9/11."

I have no doubt Tom Ridge is an intelligent and honest person; however, readers will not miss anything by skipping "The Test of Our Times." His goals in writing it are to convince readers to take the ongoing threat of terrorism seriously, and to realize that we can prepare for terrorism, but not eliminate the risks. True statements, obvious without reading a book lacking detail and insight. The bulk of Ridge's book is taken up reflecting back to his personal experiences on 9/11, meeting with the president and others prior to the formation of the DHS, vignettes of the background and qualifications of its early leaders, and frustrations with instances of lack of cooperation between some government agencies.

What Ridge's book doesn't cover is how ineffective our homeland defense efforts are. Our near blank-check support for Israel vs. the Palestinians continues to aggravate Arabs of all nations and motivate the most extreme to at least consider becoming terrorists. Thus, prevention - the most effective strategy of all, isn't even on the homeland defense agenda. As for keeping potential terrorists from entering the U.S., we still can't stop even illegal immigrants and/or drugs from entering, ID theft and document forgeries are rampant and increasing, and we are unable to track the 600,000 entering the U.S. each year with student visas - let alone the millions more tourists. Then there's the "No fly list" - incapable of dealing with spelling permutations of Arab names, and probably still stuffed with obviously erroneous names such as the late Sen. Ted Kennedy. Finally, it seems like every year another report surfaces about how airport security allowed weapons or at least easily assembled parts of weapons onto flights. Airline cargo is still not screened, nor are most shipping containers. About 100 easily smuggled suitcase nukes are reportedly missing from Russia and may/may not be operable. Then there are the periodic anthrax scares. As for Department of Homeland Security's operational effectiveness - Katrina provided incredible negative evidence. And what would we do if North Korea or bin Laden sailed a ship into international waters near American shores - offering the potential of launching a short-distance missile into a coastal city?

When evaluating homeland security it is important to step back and remind ourselves that Osama bin Laden's real aim is economic evisceration of the U.S. While the billions spent on Homeland Security somewhat contribute to that aim, they pale in comparison to the economic damage we've wreaked upon ourselves via continual market meltdowns - eg. decades of trade, government, Medicare, and Social Security deficits, bailing out the S&L industry, Long Term Capital Management, the airlines (post 9/11), the auto industry, AIG, and the whole banking industry sub-prime mess. Then there's the decades of continually outsourcing manufacturing jobs, talent, and equipment - the U.S. is becoming increasingly hollowed-out and non self-sufficient in strategic dimensions, despite Adam Smith's warnings. Finally, American health care, defense, education, and the War on Drugs are each funded at about 2X the level of other developed nations - thereby draining our economic vitality by $2+ trillion/year. None of this is addressed by Ridge's book, nor the media.

Ridge's book created a temporary issue via promotional statements on the front flap alleging he was pushed to raise the threat level for political reasons. (Ridge himself writes that a Cornell study of Gallup Polls from 2001-2004 found Bush's rating rose about 3 points each time the terror alert was raised.) Inside the book, however, Ridge unequivocally states he was not so pressured, and that he would not have raised the level for political reasons. I take him at his word and believe the front flap fiasco was just an error in someone else's judgment.

Bottom Line: Homeland Security's task is impossible, poorly executed to date, and along with the rest of the government, doesn't even begin to recognize the non-military economic dimensions of the "War on Terror." But, that's not Ridge's fault.

Although I am not Republican, I had been looking forward to this book. I am from PA and I had felt Tom Ridge was a good governor and a good and honest man. I still feel that way but I was disappointed in the simplistic style in which the book was written. I also became very concerned that he was in "way over his head" in the position he was thrust into. Being honest, well-meaning, and determined is not always enough. He did not have the background or the skills to pull it off. I cannot believe there weren't better people, more experienced people in the state department that could not have done a better job. I felt the book was not effective in getting his points across. I think he believes the American people are not smart enough to know the truth. And I think that came across in the book.

Tom Ridge tells us where we are and where we need to be. The nice thing about the book is that it gives us valuable glimpses into the decision-making of government. Ridge has had a spectacular career, serving as a Member of Congress, Governor and then Secretary.

It is interesting to read.

I would be lying if said I didn't approach this book with some excitement, simply based on the fact that Tom Ridge is a native of my own home town of Erie, Pennsylvania. But I would also mislead you if I said I was anxious to read "yet another one of those kiss and tell Washington politician books" that I was so vehemently expecting with this. Like it or not, here was another politician, out of office, telling it all. It was bound to be a typical story line of political gain, finger pointing and all out boring politics... right? Wrong!

Former Governor Ridge held two substantially attended "meet & greet" book signings locally & I knew it would be a plus to not only get my copy signed but somewhat of an honor to speak to the man again after having seen his actions and reactions to what happened to our country on September 11, 2001. His speech was heartfelt & dignified, just as expected, and his ability to be "real" with the crowd was inspiring.. but he was a politician after all.. isn't that what they're best at? However, this didn't mean the book still wasn't going to be one of those kiss & tell, boring, post Washington memoirs that politicians write to make their own quick mark in history; not that Tom Ridge needed to make any other real "mark" after being appointed the first Secretary of Homeland Security post 9/11. He has become somewhat of a household name without the book. I kept my expectations low & somewhat predetermined as to what to expect despite the wonderful appearance at the press releases/book signings locally.

I'm not a politically inclined person. I have my views, thoughts, ideas and perspectives on politics and those on politicians, but I'm not one to quickly get into a discussion of what they are or take on a battle of wits regarding political views. I'd be lying to say that my general view on "politicians" themselves is overly kind and loving either. I began the book with a slight predetermined idea that this was going to be a typical kiss and tell political memoir. How intriguing could it really be? How much could he "really" tell? I was surprised. I was pleasantly surprised.

Within the first 30 pages of the book I had a lump in my throat. It all came back to me like it was just yesterday... that day in history where it's one of the few times you can hear people say "I was doing this or that when I heard the news". I recalled, all too easily, that feeling of doom & fear that overtook me as a parent having to explain to two 9 year olds and a 12 year old what had just happened to our country. I recalled checking plane schedules where I worked, seeing who could or couldn't have been on any of the planes they had mentioned on the news. And I recalled people gathering around the televisions, radios, whatever means we had available, to simply get more information about what had just happened on our own soil. Within those first few pages, I had tears in my eyes and memories running rampant in my mind. I knew this was no ordinary book of memoirs. This was a book about something so BIG in the history of America that there was no way it could be "ordinary".

Tom Ridge was the Governor of Pennsylvania when 9/11 occurred. His book begins at that point, explaining how even he, as a Governor, was somewhat clueless as to what had happened, why and how. As he moves along the story line he introduces you to many different people and explains how each of these people at some point in his life have played very relevant parts in his becoming and acting as Secretary of Homeland Security - a post that was literally created for him out of need & desperation of our country's situation.

What I love most about the book is the honesty. The ability for Ridge to step up and say "I was not perfect. I was running blind and had to follow my instincts, my knowledge of what I was being told and later finding out that what I was being told wasn't always 100% correct." Ridge brings the human aspect into the situation and while he does comment on various factors which helped make his decisions, he rarely if ever takes a random stab at anyone to gain respect for the decisions he made during his reign as Secretary of Homeland Security. As he said, taking the job was probably regarded as "political suicide" by most; yet this proud, former soldier, felt not only honored but obligated to his country to take the position and try his best to make a difference.

Surprisingly, I didn't view the book as a stepping stone to gain fame & honor in hopes of someday being asked to run for President. Many have gossiped about the possibilities, some scoff at the idea, others cheer at the thought and yet there's nothing in the book to say "Hey, look what a great job I did here so now it's time to think about a 'higher position' for me maybe!" Ridge uses the opportunity to not only get information out there to the American public but by helping to get them informed, perhaps bring us to another level beyond fear & into a level of knowledge and understanding that will help us be prepared & willing to live our lives the way we now will see fit in order to remain safe on our own soil. He shows us that times have changed, people however really have not. We are a proud country, a country that bonds when needed and with education about what happened on 9/11 can perhaps prepare in a much better way to keep it from ever happening again. He somehow, in these 300 pages of memoirs, reminds us of who we are and who we must become in order to see another tomorrow as a nation.

The book is intriguing, taking the reader from the certain memories of his childhood and growing up here in Erie, PA to the days of pulling a stable life from under his family & literally moving them from all they knew... all based on his own need and desire to once again serve his country, this time in a position that nobody had a clue how to handle it or what was expected. It's not a "Republican book", it's not a "Bush Era book". It's a book of truth, honor & information. A book of honesty, something rare you will find in any politician if you ask me. I'll be honest, my roots to Erie intrigued me to want to read this book... but upon the first opening pages my role as an American encouraged me to continue to read & learn even more about this man & this country he so proudly served, in so many different "uniforms".

This is a book you not only should read, but will be thankful for reading. It will open your eyes to many things, many names, many personalities and most of all many ideas that we MUST continue to push forward in keeping our own soil safe for our fellow countrymen, ourselves, our families. It's not another "tell all" political gain memoir. It's unlike any "politician's memoirs" I've ever seen before and Tom Ridge can hold his head high in knowing that he created something that was not only unique in his "business" but honorable to his country.

As Homeland Security Secretary, Ridge observed a need for various emergency response teams to work better and perform better. He saw a need for regional offices, improving public education on terrorism, and avoiding politicizing national safety efforts.

Ridge sees this Cabinet position as a challenge. Sen. Joseph Lieberman called it "building an ark after the flood started". Ridge also saw power plays, which are common in government office politics, continue even in homeland security matters.

Ridge was Pennsylvania Governor on September 11, 2001 when one of the planes hijacked by terrorists crashed in Shanksville, Pa. He flew by helicopter to the crash site. He was touched by the knowledge that the passengers had likely overtaken the hijackers. He believes this provides people a sense of empowerment during crises rather than feeling hopeless.

For 1,200 years, Ridge notes, Christians and Jews live din safety in countries ruled by Muslims. Al Qaeda now calls for the destruction of Western civilization. Bernard Lewis argued Muslims had a growing sense of victimhood. Samuel Huntington blamed growing feelings of darkness emerging form people obsessed with the pack of power their religious views were providing. Sayyid Qutb tortured in prison after involvement in a failed assassination attempt of Egyptian President Gamal Abdul Nassar, gained a following. Qutb's devotes sought to attack Muslim leaders they felt were too attached to Western society. As Ridge notes, "the rest of torture in those Egyptians was, I think, predictable--a rage for revenge."

Ridge found the CIA and FBI willing to work together. Vice President Cheney was very involved on security issues. He also noted President Bush allowed others in meetings to speak as equals.

Local and state government agencies have to be a part of coordinate response efforts. Yet within the agencies is often found inadequate staff, training, and resources. They may not respond as the Federal government expects. Ridge wants to provide more equipment to local and state governments responding as they are the first on the scenes of most disasters.

Intelligence "is an art, not a science", according to Ridge. Speculation that Las Vegas or Hollywood could be targets made sense as this would be striking at symbols of what terrorist groups despise. Speculation that the Golden Gate Bridge could be a target made less sense due to the difficulty such an attack would require.

Ridge wanted a system that could provide urgent warnings to the nation. Only Israel was found to have such a system. From these investigations, a color alert system was created. Under orange, pubic events would be canceled. Under red, response teams would mobilize and public and private facilities would be closed. Ridge notes that critics such as Richard Cohen believed the public would eventually ignore the flow of warnings. Ridge notes the U.S. has responded by creating increased border inspections, airport inspections, increased infrastructure inspections, more intelligence sharing, and that $100 million in terrorist assets had been frozen.

Ridge notes it should not have been a surprise there would be public concern and criticism once it was disclosed the National Security Agency had been secretly authorized to expand operations without warrants, which would have previously been required. Ridge believes this needs to be reshaped towards its original intent, noting "under no circumstances can we voluntarily surrender a Constitutionally protected right."

Ridge notes how fellow Republican Saxby Chambliss in George defeated Max Cleland for reelection by trying to make Cleland appear unpatriotic. This was done by placing Cleland's face over Osama bin Laden's face in Chambliss ads. Ridge notes "it was an early and brutal example of paying the patriotism card, and set a new standard for low...The accusation that we were playing politics was something we dealt with often, and the George campaign gave those accusations a basis in fact."

The Bush Administration decided to invade Iraq. As Ridge notes, "freeing Iraq of a dictatorial government---and doing so with no American and few Iraq casualties---was an ambitious goal...I knew that Iraq was not at that point any kind of Al Qaeda stronghold." The war led to "fueling radicalism in the Middle East and elsewhere."

When a natural disaster hits, Ridge observes how important it is that communications be established with those affected. This was a mistake President Bush failed to take following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Ridge wanted the Homeland Security Department to work more closely with state and local governments. He wanted regional offices. He thought he had support from the Bush White House when funds were appropriated. Yet Ridge discovered that critics of his goals worked internally within the White House to undermine his work.

Ridge notes President Bush's approval ratings increased almost 5 Percentage points every time a terror alert was announced. Ridge knew he would lose trust if politics entered homeland security matters.

On October 29, 2004, an Osama bin Laden video aired on Al Jazerra. In America, the polls had Bush and Kerry tied. Homeland Security personnel internally concluded there was nothing in the video to increase the alert level. The level was increased and Bush won the election a few days later.

I liked Tom Ridge before he went on this book promo. I truly wanted to buy this book, but I am going to pass on it now. Not to go and bash a product that I have not road-tested completely yet, but from the excerpts I read and from what Ridge is talking about it on TV/Radio lately, it sounds like he himself is not sure what he is written on it. Ridge flatly says to not read the dust jacket, but "read the contents". As many reviewers outside has noted, once read, they reach the same conclusion as what is spelled out on the jacket. Which - I am going to assume was written by the editors to encapsulate the selling points of the contents of his book. And Ridge disagrees with that.

Am I to believe Ridge never saw or approved of the cover before it went to the presses? Basically he is making a dishonest argument, a sad contortion to rewrite what is already printed. Which is that Ridge foiled a plot to politicize the terrorism color coded alert charts during the 2004 elections. If true, a wonderful act. So either Ridge sensationalized and inflated a small nagging feeling he had about politics playing a part so he could sell more books, or he is realized that in speaking the truth, he is making enemies of his former mates. Either way, he is singing a different tune now.

And that just will not cut it for me. And to me this is not all that different from some of the other less than truthful biographical authors we know in our lifetime.

Someone needs to ask Tom Ridge if he saw the Dec 16, 2003 Senior Executive Intelligence Brief (SEIB) with the title, 'Terrorism Complexities Make Repeating September 11 Difficult'- as head of DHS, he certainly should have. This SEIB was issued just 5 days prior to a major terror alert that turned out to be based on false information:
[...]

May 10, 2005 Ridge said the following:
"More often than not we were the least inclined to raise it," says Ridge. "Sometimes we disagreed with the intelligence assessment. Sometimes we thought even if the intelligence was good, you don't necessarily put the country on [alert].... There were times when some people were really aggressive about raising it, and we said, for that?"
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Aug 20, 2009 - MSNBC - Ridge says he was pressured to raise terror alert: In book, ex-Homeland Security chief hints Bush aides wanted to sway vote
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