Face The Nation Season 53 Episode 2 Five Years Later: Just How Safe Are We?

Five years ago, the United States experienced a tragic terrorist attack, leaving many to question the safety and security of the nation. In season 53 episode 2 of Face The Nation, host Margaret Brennan and a panel of experts gather to discuss the state of security measures in the country five years later.

The episode begins with a recap of the events that unfolded five years earlier, emphasizing the impact it had on the country. Brennan then introduces the panel of experts, which includes former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, and former CIA Director John Brennan.

The panel begins by discussing the measures that have been taken since the attack to increase security in the country. Johnson explains that the TSA has implemented new screening procedures, including pre-check and enhanced pat-downs, and has increased the number of air marshals on flights. However, he also notes that there are still vulnerabilities in the system, including potential threats to rail and bus transportation.

Yates emphasizes the importance of information sharing between government agencies, including the FBI, CIA, and NSA, to prevent future attacks. She also stresses the need to address the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty and discrimination, to prevent radicalization from occurring in the first place.

John Brennan highlights the role of intelligence gathering and analysis in preventing attacks. He explains that the intelligence community has become more focused on identifying and disrupting terrorist plots before they can be carried out. However, he also acknowledges that there is always the risk of a lone actor carrying out an attack, which can be difficult to detect through traditional intelligence methods.

The discussion then shifts to the rise of domestic terrorism and white supremacist violence in the country. Johnson notes that while the threat of foreign terrorism is still present, the rise of domestic terrorism is a growing concern. He explains that the government must address the root causes of this type of violence, including white supremacy and hate speech.

Yates adds that the government needs to take a more proactive approach to addressing the issue, including increased resources for law enforcement and stricter regulation of hate speech. John Brennan also highlights the need for social media companies to take responsibility for their role in spreading extremist views and enabling radicalization.

Throughout the episode, Brennan and the panel of experts provide insight into the state of national security in the United States five years after a tragic terrorist attack. They acknowledge the progress that has been made in increasing security measures and preventing future attacks, while also highlighting the vulnerabilities that still exist and the need for continued vigilance.