Why do we need a Dept of Homeland Security....isn't that the DEFENSE DEPT's job?

Question

Besides wasting MONEY...and getting the USA involved in no win wars...what does the DOD....do?????????

I do hope we lose the WAR...the USA deserves NOTHING but to be thrown out of all foriegn countries

Answer 1

I thought you hated the US military.

Let's look at one of your statements:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AsSWdfSDzWxocS2EXxGx6avty6IX?qid=20070620172353AAEstYn&show=7#profile-info-f9VoU1dUaa
"I do not have one ounce of sympathy for the troops or the politicians that sent them." Roscoe R, in expressing his desire that the US lose the war.

OK, ROSCOE, since you've now twice admitted your Anti-American sentiments, how about you do us both the favor of stating your evil desires any time you post in the military area, so we all know just what kind of traitor we're dealing with.

But to answer your question, though you already know, the US military does not conduct law enforcement operations on US soil.

I am totally amazed at how many people have NO CLUE what agency of the government does what!!!! I'd address it in my yahoo 360 blog, but it may be awhile before I get to it!

Answer 2

Most nations have separate departments for the military and internal security. The reason for this is two fold:

First, they carry out very different missions. The Defense Department is focused on military affairs while the Department of Homeland Security is focused on defending against threats internally and enforcing laws. DOD breaks things abroad so things do not get broken at home. DHS prevents things from being broken at home.

Second, two acts by Congress require the separation. The Posse Comatus Act and the Insurrection Act prohibit the military from carrying out law enforcement actions. This is why the President could not send in the military right after Katrina. These laws were a reaction to the Reconstruction era after the Civil War where the US Army was forced to carry out a law enforcement role in the south. This proved to be really ugly so Congress decided to prohibit the military from carrying out domestic law enforcement.

These groups have two different missions. One eliminates threats while the other deals with ones that have not been eliminated.

Most nations have this division:

US - DOD and DHS
UK - Defense ministry and the Home office
Canada - Defense and Public Safety
France and Germany - Defense and Interior

Answer 3

Lets say your local police represent the DoD and you represent Homeland Security.

You want to protect your home. Do you hire the police or buy a security system and maybe a guard dog?

The DoD and HLS serve two entirely different purposes. One takes security measures, the other enforces them.

Truth is like a bad tooth, it hurts when neglected.

Answer 4

Actually, it is supposed to be the job of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Security Agency (NSA).

The Department of Homeland Security was supposed to bring all of these together under one umbrella in order to promote a free-flow of imformation. Well, the results are apparent for all to see. It is an abject failure.

So, more money down the drain. Not to worry as there will be another president with another 'vision' of how things should be with yet another, you guessed it, agency.

Poet

Answer 5

No the military doesn't not take care of national security. The department was created to provide a clearing house for Intel and to manage risks. Prior to the dept. the nations law enforcement and intelligence agencies didn't even share information.

Answer 6

I think the Defense Department geared more towards Military force, while Homeland security is targeted at Terrorists.

Big difference in what to watch for, how to protect ourselves, areas of operations, and boundaries.

Would you have asked this same question after 9/11 or is this just some more Bush bashing propaganda?

Grow up.

Answer 7

1.Posse Comitatus

2. The DOD specializes in off shore events.

AS IN NOT HERE

Answer 8

Actually, it's the job of the NSA - National Security -
FINALLY, someone is bringing this out in the open, besides me! Thank you! Thank you!
We have been scammed, and too many people are simply believing the propaganda, AND, supporting the way in which our Rights are being eroded.

Answer 9

Why do we need an Administration of Central Intelligence? Isn't that the President's job? Oh wait....never mind...intelligence...


Exactly.

Answer 10

We don't need them.
According to the U.S. Constitution the USA is supposed to be guarded by the 'Militia' of the several states,ONLY!