9-11 Caring Carolina

Homeland Defense

A New Branch of Government

            When President Bush created the new cabinet position of Homeland Defense, within days Governor Hodges selected Steve Siegfried to be South Carolina’s State Homeland Security Director.  As early as December 20, 2001, House Speaker David Wilkins pre-filed a homeland defense bill to address terrorism concerns.  Wilkins’s bill targets terrorism and requires schools to display the motto “In God We Trust” and adds “voluntary prayer” to a moment of silence in schools.

            On January 27, 2002, President Bush met with Republican leaders from Congress and called for the largest increase in defense spending in 20 years.  He wants Congress to double the money for homeland security promising to “spend what it takes to win the war against terrorism.”  Bush wants Congress to spend an extra 48 billion on US military and another 38 billion to go toward homeland security.

            On January 31, 2002, Governor Hodges expressed a need for stronger homeland security measures during his state of the state address.  Hodges says to be ready for the war on terrorism, “SC needs to provide its emergency personnel with anti-terrorism training, better law enforcement entities and an upgrade to the public health system.”

 A SC flag flies proudly at Ganci Air Base Base in Kyrgyzstan

    Friday, February 1, Governor Hodges Homeland Security Package was proposed.  It includes:          

·        Public Health – monitoring such things as microorganisms, fertilizers, and dangerous chemicals.  There will be more regulation of crop dusters.  Facilities that deal with dangerous chemicals and biological agents must register.

·       Aviation and Highways – tougher laws aimed at terrorist attacks on buses, planes and terminals and designated routes for trucks carrying hazardous material.  Screening criteria for anyone seeking flight training at private flight schools.

·       Wiretaps and Records – more authority, faster checks in emergency situations and greater wiretapping authority aimed at predicting terrorist activity.

·      Weapons and Bombs – strengthen current laws by increasing penalties specifically addressing terrorism, hoaxes, murder, injury and conspiracy.  Create a SC law making it illegal to make, possess or use weapons of mass destruction.

·      Computer Crimes – new subpoena powers for police to get to record and information faster. Greater access to databases, Internet service providers, and  e-mail, financial, phone, and hotel records. 

      To do our part, we must all be more alert and careful and report suspicious activity to authorities.  It does not make sense to cut money from National Guard armories and close 30 out of 78 at a time like this.  Also, it does not make sense in SC to have a terrorist prison at the Charleston Naval Brig.  As citizens of SC, we must all do our part and contact lawmakers to let them know we want all of SC to be safe.  That is what we must do as our part of the Homeland Defense.

  Contact your Legislator via SCIway!