Politically conservative, I question the value of many government agencies and jobs. By their nature, every single government job consumes taxpayer funds. Not one of them produces a single dollar.
Certainly there are many jobs and roles that are required from government. It is the opinions along this line that significantly define our political differences. Some feel government is the answer to many of our problems, other do not. I am in the later.
Nevertheless, I have many acquaintances that earn their living by working security for the federal, state, country and local governments. I do not have any ill-feelings towards any of them. Some of these jobs are very interesting. But are they absolutely required?
I attended our local InfraGard meeting this week. A good group and a good meeting. We heard a presentation from Access Data on computer forensics, some excellent insights from a civilian security specialist from Hill AFB, and a presentation from a gentleman from DHS. This latter presentation got me thinking about the scope of the DHS. Has it quickly expanded beyond what is reasonable?
There is a role that one of the groups performs: an infrastructure survey. One or more federal employee will come to your site — any site — and do a 4-7 hour assessment of your physical security, preparedness, etc. The billing fee? Zero. Cost? Not free. Certainly a service like this is useful. Any security officer would be dumb to not take advantage of a service like this. Another set of eyes can only help. But it is the best use of taxpayer funds?
Just like cash for clunkers, it is great deal for those people who needed a new car (or security assessment), but a bad deal for those of use who were unable to take advantage of the offer (or who did our own either ourselves or paid for a third-party to do it for us). Those that did not need a new car (new assessment) at that time were forced to fund those that did.
If the Department of Labor was completely eliminated, would anyone besides the employees notice? What about the Departments of Education, Commerce or Housing & Urban Development? Does the DHS need a Science and Technology Directorate?
The problem with government in all nations is that it is too big. It does not matter which political party is in power, government grows. Most of the growth is well intended. But the value is very questionable.
In the security world, the powers that be, they justify their positions, programs and plans as necessary to protect us and our operations. Security people over-blow most situations. Without fear, uncertainly and doubt, they would be without a job. Politicians do the same: the other guy’s special interest is corrupt and not required but theirs is.
I appreciate the men and women that are trying to protect us. I just think there are too many of them in roles that do little to reduce or manage risk.