Response to Nathaniel Hayes

   There are different critical infrastructure sectors that are vital for the national security of the United States. While I concede all are very important, none is more important than the energy sector (i.e. the energy infrastructure). Energy is vital for the economy of the United States. Without energy there would be no massive transportation systems, there would be no power for households or business (or industries), and it would not be possible for financial services, healthcare services, or the government to function (McEntire, 2015). Enhanced security for the country’s energy infrastructure would involve collaborative (strategic) partnerships with private energy companies, periodic (and rigorous) risk assessments, and developing (and implementing) security programs: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8, NIV). It would be equally important to prioritize research and development; renewable and sustainable energy is critical for mitigating the adverse impacts of different types of disasters (e.g. natural disasters and climate events).

           In terms of securing the border, figures on illegal immigration and trafficking indicate that security is a major issue. This underlines the need for enhanced security for the country’s borders, particularly in the South. Borders are critically important; weak border security significantly increases the risk of terrorist attacks, not to mention potentially distortive impacts on the labor  market and society at large (e.g. due to illegal drugs and criminal activity). Addressing and resolving the problems with border security requires a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that calls for increased personnel, legal/regulatory changes that end lax policies facilitating and even incentivizing illegal immigration, and enhanced enforcement activities (Nemeth, 2016). Border protection requires more resources and personnel, but meaningful improvements will also require more rigorous policies and laws that empower law enforcement.

References

McEntire, D. A. (2015). Disaster response and recovery: strategies and tactics for resilience. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.

Nemeth, C. P. (2016). Homeland security: An introduction to principles and practices (3rd ed.). Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis.