Power to the People

To start the final day of GovSec 2012, former Sen. George Mitchell took the stage to provide the keynote for attendees of the conference and FOSE.

A capacity crowd heard what I would call wisdom of the ages.

I’ve met a lot of influential people in my day, and introducing the senator to the crowd is one of those cool moments in my life.

Mitchell, it would seem to me, is cool under fire and has a wealth of knowledge we all would be benefactors of hearing and listening to. He opened with a personal story about his older brothers, all of whom were tenacious and dominant athletes in their hometown of Maine. Mitchell, it would seem, was the kid brother.

Not so much today as the former leader of the House of Representatives also has served as a federal judge in his home state of Maine. His address was simple and packed with good advice. Security is a personal responsibility and a worldwide threat.

Mitchell served as a special envoy of the U.S. government for Middle East peace and shared several insights about the peace process. One of the problems, it would seem, is the former leaders with Palestinian interests were unsuccessful in establishing a separate and free state for the Palestinians is their lack, or lack of ability, to compromise.

No compromise, no peace.

The senator also related his experiences during the IRA revolution in Northern Ireland. He said it was the willingness of different faction leaders’ ability to lay their personal interests aside and negotiate for the betterment of the British Isles.

This, according to Mitchell, is the mark of a true politician -- to be able to express leadership through compromise. Mitchell said that is a problem in today’s political arena, the lack of leadership, and the stepped up visceral underpinnings of campaign tones and pointed political attacks.

The political process, Mitchell pointed out, has never been without disagreement and discontent, but politicians today seem to desire a public forum rather than compromise. Mitchell said even the Founding Fathers disagreed on political messages but their tactic to reconciliation was diplomacy.

The government security message echoed his words of wisdom: compromise in a political discussion and prove political leadership without slinging stinging barbs at your opponent.

Mitchell’s delivery and response was everything you hope it would be from a man of wisdom, thus having political undertones, but a message an audience rarely hears. His advise and years of experience spoke volumes of peace and civility.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • 12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    Understanding crime statistics in your industry and area is crucial for making important decisions about your security budget. With so much information out there, how can you know which statistics to trust? Read Now

  • Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    In alignment with the state of Mississippi’s mission of “Empowering Mississippi citizens to stay connected and engaged with their government,” Salient's CompleteView VMS is being installed throughout more than 150 state boards, commissions and agencies in order to ensure safety for thousands of constituents who access state services daily. Read Now

  • Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    This year’s Live From GSX program was a rousing success! Again, we’d like to thank our partners, and IPVideo, for working with us and letting us broadcast their solutions to the industry. You can follow our Live From GSX 2023 page to keep up with post-show developments and announcements. And if you’re interested in working with us in 2024, please don’t hesitate to ask about our Live From programs for ISC West in March or next year’s GSX. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • People Say the Funniest Things

    People Say the Funniest Things

    By all accounts, GSX version 2023 was completely successful. Apparently, there were plenty of mix-ups with the airlines and getting aircraft from the East Coast into Big D. I am all ears when I am in a gathering of people. You never know when a nugget of information might flip out. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3