Comments and Discussion:
Changing Homeland Security: What Should Homeland Security Leaders Be Talking About?

Dr. Bellavita suggests we are now in stage 5 (post-problem) of Anthony Downs, "Issue Attention Cycle." I would not disagree. But if it is any comfort, we are reflecting the laws of physics and thermodynamics, too.

As most of us learned in high school physics, a small particle suspended in fluid (gas or liquid – it doesn't matter which) will move chaotically as it is influenced by collisions with surrounding molecules. The intensity of this motion mirrors both the rise and fall of the fluid's temperature and the effects of friction within the fluid environment. This is called "Brownian Motion," after the man who identified it in 1827, and it is easily demonstrated by pouring cream into hot coffee. Even without stirring it, the cream will migrate throughout the solution, motion ceasing as the temperature cools and energy is further depleted by friction.

The homeland security environment, measured in tax dollars and ink spent post-9/11, is following a similar pattern. The world's attention being greatly animated by that tragic day's events, kinetic energy ratcheted up exponentially. We all saw it in early attempts at leadership and the desperate grab for solutions demonstrated by the open checkbook. But now the temperature has cooled, bureaucratic friction has eroded passion, and activity is slowing.

One of two catalysts will be required in order to reanimate the environment: (1) new leadership with a clearer, more pragmatic and therefore effective vision, or (2) another terrorist or Katrina-type event. One is internal and the other is external. Please let it be the first.

There is little that may be done about the public's attention span. But perhaps we may do something to lubricate interactions between government agencies at all levels as well as corporate interfaces, so that at least friction's effects may be better mitigated.

   - Mark Dankel - 08-02-06