US-Singapore Relations 2004
Ambassador Lavin's Introduction of Secretary Tom Ridge, Department of Homeland Security at the AMCHAM Breakfast
March 9, 2004
Tom Ridge has a distinguished career from a scholarship student at Harvard to a combat infantry sergeant in Vietnam, an assistant county prosecutor, a Member of Congress, and twice Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Now he takes up what might be hismightiest challenge – as the first Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. And it is in that capacity that we are glad towelcome him here today.
Secretary Ridge is here because he understands what some see as a paradox, that the defense of our country does not start – cannot start – at the borders of our country. Our front lines are overseas.
Just as our security policy in the Cold War required us to work with friends and allies around the world, our Homeland Security policy requires us to do the same in the 21st century.
There is a moral as well as a practical rationale for this international role.
We don’t want to abandon other countries around the world. We want them to enjoy the same blessings we enjoy.
And as a practical matter, America is safer when we work with our friends. We want our country to be free from terrorists, and we want no other country to offer them a haven, wittingly or unwittingly.
While the Department of Homeland Security grapples with international coordination, it must also deal with the other challenges of a new, vast, and multifaceted agency. This is all the more of a test when it has to be done while protecting our freedoms and our way of life.
Tom Ridge knows better than anyone in this room that proper security controls are not incompatible with the free flow of people and commerce. Indeed, if implemented correctly, upgraded security enhances those flows by providing assurance and predictability.
We all want to work to ensure America remains the most attractive destination in the world for tourists, for businesspeople, and for students.
Proper homeland security does not mean we all have to change our ways – it means the terrorists have to change their ways.
Mr. Secretary, we are glad you are here. Please join me in giving Secretary Ridge a warm welcome.