Every single administration in American political history has put cronies and pals and donors into political positions. But normally those people become the ambassador to Liechtenstein or the deputy undersecretary of commerce.

There isn't a single American city, in my estimation, that has sufficient plans for a nuclear terrorist event.

Every school should have well-rehearsed emergency response protocols covering a variety of possible scenarios, from fire to armed intruders. Schools should have good lines of communications with local emergency response officials and practice those relationships in drills and special exercises.

Even the best community organizations and faith-based initiatives and the extraordinary charity of Americans across the country can't carry the brunt of eliminating poverty.

Very large scale disasters, especially those that have occurred in the developing world, have very long recovery periods.

Seven million ship cargo containers come into the United States every year. Five to seven percent only are inspected - five to seven percent.