Subject: National Continuity Policy

I don’t want to alarm you, but… no, wait. Yes, I do. For Immediate Release from the Office of the Press Secretary, on May 9, 2007: National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive

This “directive” essentially aims to enable the President to maintain the operation of all levels of government during a catastrophic national emergency. Which, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. And if the President were an honorable and trustworthy person, that wouldn’t be a problem. But we are talking about G.W. Bush, here. This directive effectively sets the framework to establish martial law in the event of a national emergency-- in the name of Homeland Security, to ensure the uninterrupted operation of government functions, and therefore preserve our constitutional democracy. In other words, to declare himself dictator. But wait… you’re telling me, and expecting me to believe, that the American government hasn’t had an operational backup plan in place until now?! And wait… couldn’t the President already assume command in a national emergency? So why do we need this new directive? I call bullshit on you, Bush! Significantly and ironically, not even once, in this document, is the word “Congress” anywhere to be found. However, it does inform us that: "This directive shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and the authorities of agencies, or heads of agencies, vested by law, and subject to the availability of appropriations." Whatever that means. Presumably, as the document assures us: "To preserve the constitutional framework under which the Nation is governed and the capability of all three branches of government to execute constitutional responsibilities and provide for orderly succession, appropriate transition of leadership, and interoperability and support of the National Essential Functions during a catastrophic emergency." Seriously?! The government not only had the gall to write and enact this protocol, but to shamelessly post it publicly, on the Whitehouse website! For your consideration, I’ll highlight a few more relevant phrases, exactly as they appear in the actual document signed by George W. Bush: "…in order to ensure a comprehensive and integrated national continuity program that will enhance the credibility of our national security posture and enable a more rapid and effective response to and recovery from a national emergency." "Catastrophic Emergency" means any incident, regardless of location, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the U.S. population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions;" "It is the policy of the United States to maintain a comprehensive and effective continuity capability composed of Continuity of Operations and Continuity of Government programs in order to ensure the preservation of our form of government under the Constitution and the continuing performance of National Essential Functions under all conditions." "Providing leadership visible to the Nation and the world and maintaining the trust and confidence of the American people;" "Defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and preventing or interdicting attacks against the United States or its people, property, or interests;" "Protecting against threats to the homeland and bringing to justice perpetrators of crimes or attacks against the United States or its people, property, or interests;" "The President shall lead the activities of the Federal Government for ensuring constitutional government. In order to advise and assist the President in that function, the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism (APHS/CT) is hereby designated as the National Continuity Coordinator. The National Continuity Coordinator, in coordination with the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), without exercising directive authority, shall coordinate the development and implementation of continuity policy for executive departments and agencies." "In order to provide a coordinated response to escalating threat levels or actual emergencies, the Continuity of Government Readiness Conditions (COGCON) system establishes executive branch continuity program readiness levels, focusing on possible threats to the National Capital Region. The President will determine and issue the COGCON Level." "Revocation. Presidential Decision Directive 67 of October 21, 1998 ("Enduring Constitutional Government and Continuity of Government Operations"), including all Annexes thereto, is hereby revoked." Awesome! (sarcasm) All this security is making me insecure about the future of this country. So nice, they named it twice: NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE/NSPD 51 HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE/HSPD-20 You can read the entire document here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070509-12.html