FIVE YEARS AFTER the attacks of September 11, 2001, we face many threats at home and abroad, yet our response has been mostly superficial and expedient. One is left to wonder: Are we serious about winning this fight?

So begins my latest piece at The Daily Standard. As one friend jokingly put it, “so this is your ‘coming out’ piece then?” in reference to this being an article that isn’t primarily focused on intelligence issues. While it is true that I lean in a certain direction I find it increasingly hard to talk about these issues without coming to play with a certain color jersey. I tried playing “skins” but if you don’t have a uniform someone will just assign you one, so I might as well show the colors. If that sounds like a half-hearted endorsement that’s not my intention. As I allude to in the piece, I don’t think this is a subject area that should be bantered about like highway funding.

Update: Claudia Rosett pens a similar sentiment (though she probably didn’t need a lot of editing).

Update II: As does Newt. Now, to find the campaign office. ;- )

About the Author

Michael Tanji

Michael Tanji spent nearly 20 years in the US intelligence community. Trained in both SIGINT and HUMINT disciplines he has worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the National Reconnaissance Office. At various points in his career he served as an expert in information warfare, computer network operations, computer forensics, and indications and warning. A veteran of the US Army, Michael has served in both strategic and tactical assignments in the Pacific Theater, the Balkans, and the Middle East.