Inept, Stupid

To the reasonable onlooker, given the gravity of the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and a nation re-mourning its dead, it ranks as the height of insensibility for the U.S. Coast Guard to plan a 'security exercise' in the very area, on the very day of the memorial ceremonies where the Pentagon was attacked in 2001. Such anniversaries always hold the dread promise of an attempted repeat attack.

People are on high alert, reminded by news coverage, by official commemorations, by memories of the horror of the events that unfolded that day in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, of their vulnerability despite the activities of their security and defence governmental arms of protection. Yet, despite the events that were taking place in Washington, with the President of the United States taking part in memorial services, a 'security exercise' proceeded.

That it would not have occurred to the executive elite of the U.S. Coast Guard that it would be needful to give advance warning to the Secret Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the local police, the presidential office, that such activities would be proceeding simultaneously to the remembrance ceremonies, speaks of gross negligence. Damage control after the fact by the Coast Guard chief of staff was acutely inadequate.

The families of the 9/11 victims, carrying out their gathering of shared grief and unhappy memories were affronted and understandably upset at the level of oblivious unconcern manifested by the plans to launch that exercise at that precise time and that particular place, on the Potomac River, so close to where they were themselves gathered.

When the news media became aware of the exercise, feeling with good cause that this might represent a real threat being apprehended by the Coast Guard, the slight information they had was broadcast, causing no little amount of panic from among their listeners. Yet White House spokespeople cast blame on CNN for creating alarm; for in effect, doing what news bureaus are expected to do; inform the public.

The eyes of the White House should have been turned to Vice Admiral John Currier instead, for a far more responsible explanation of the launching of the close-mouthed enterprise that understandably resulted in public panic, given the extenuating circumstances. Does blaming the news media, instead of holding the Coast Guard to account for their lack of concern make any good sense?

At a time, in mourning with the people about their loss, both of innocent lives, and trust in the ability of their government to protect them from violent attacks of such unimaginable dimensions - when the president assured Americans all must "renew our resolve against those who perpetrated this barbaric act and who plot against us still" - would that event instill other than a sense of ironic absurdity?

"In defense of our nation, we will never waver. In pursuit of al-Qaeda and its extremist allies, we will never falter." But those who are tasked with the monumental responsibility of protecting and supporting the well-being of Americans are not practical, sensible and intelligent enough to observe the first and elemental basics of co-ordination and communication?

How compellingly reassuring.