Just curious: Does anybody still believe the nonsense that government officials keep spewing out about securing our homeland? The nation’s chief homelander, Michael Chertoff, was in town today announcing a new strategy for resuming port operations after a terrorist attack. The plan covers 130 pages and includes stuff like making damage assessments and prioritizing cargo and vessels based on public health, national security and economic concerns. All worthy goals. But Chertoff, who talked about making sure "we spend as little time as possible paralyzed by an attack," makes me very nervous. I just can't help it. Whenever I see him interviewed, he sounds remarkably ill-prepared and anxious - not what most of us are looking for in a homelander czar. Not that the port should be ignored – it’s just that ... er, do we have to rely on this guy? Oh well. (LAT)
More by Mark Lacter:
American-US Air settlement with DOJ includes small tweak at LAXSocal housing market going nowhere fast
Amazon keeps pushing for faster L.A. delivery
Another rugged quarter for Tribune Co. papers
How does Stanford compete with the big boys?
Those awful infographics that promise to explain and only distort
Best to low-ball today's employment report
Further fallout from airport shootings
Crazy opening for Twitter*
Should Twitter be valued at $18 billion?
Recent stories:
Letter from Down Under: Welcome to the HomogenoceneOne last Florida photo
Signs of Saturday: No refund
'I Am Woman,' hear them roar
Bobcat crossing
New at LA Observed
On the Politics Page
Go to Politics
Sign up for daily email from LA Observed