Matt A Mayer

Homeland Security and Federalism Matt A Mayer

Homeland Security and Federalism: Protecting America from Outside the Beltway uses the principle of federalism to present a compelling case that the best way to protect America from terrorists is to get power out of Washington and back in the hands of governors, mayors, and the countless men and women serving on the front lines in our communities. This second edition includes a short introduction detailing what has changed from when the book first came out in 2009 to today. The book takes the reader from the streets of Ismailia, Eygpt, in 1921 to New York City on September 11, 2001 and from America's Colonial period to the inner workings of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security to show what worked historically and why the approach taken after September 11 failed to heed the bright lessons of history on how best to protect our nation against this new threat. After asking where are today's federalists who will push back on Washington's power grab, the book develops a rational risk model to guide where our limited resources should be allocated that will lead to less pork and more protection. The book then systematically builds the case that states and localities are uniquely suited to lead our efforts on terrorism preparedness, disaster management, illegal immigration, counterterrorism, and community resiliency. Case studies throughout the book highlight best practices from outside the Beltway that once again vindicate the role of federalism in solving America's complex challenges.