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

  • Return to Form

    My first security trade show was in 2021. At the time, I was awed by the sheer magnitude of the event and the spectacle of products on display. But this was the first major trade show coming out of the pandemic, and the only commentary I heard was how low the attendance was. Two representatives from one booth even spent the last morning playing catch in the aisle with their giveaway stress balls. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Live from ISC West: Day 1 Recap

    The first day of ISC West 2023 is in the books, and it’s safe to say that vendors have brought their A-game to Las Vegas. The booths of this year’s Live From partners—NAPCO Security, Alibi Security, Vistacom, RGB Spectrum, and DoorKing—were swamped all day long. Here’s a brief recap of just a few highlights from each partner’s presence at the show. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Turn on the AC, ISC West is Hot

    Nothing warm about the Las Vegas weather outside. It is cold, and it was raining after the opening day. No one seemed to care inside the convention center. The hall was packed with inquisitive security professionals. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Live From ISC West 2023: Day 1

    ISC West 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada, has officially begun! Make sure to keep an eye on Security Today’s ISCW Live 2023 page, as well as our associated Twitter accounts—@SecurToday and @CampusSecur—for the latest updates from the show floor at the Venetian Expo. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • PACE® Long Range Ethernet Solutions

    PACE® Long Range Ethernet Solutions

    Altronix introduces the newest addition to its portfolio of PACE® Long Range Ethernet Solutions. 3

  • Dahua 2-Wire IP Video Intercom System

    Dahua 2-Wire IP Video Intercom System

    Dahua Technology is introducing a new line of expandable 2-wire IP video intercom solutions for the North America market. The New 2-wire IP video intercom is more advanced, cost effective, and designed to help businesses increase their security. 3

  • Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo is the affordable, easy-to-install home security system designed for anyone who wants an added layer of peace of mind and protection. It has several products, ranging from the fan-favorite Doorbell Camera + Chime, to the more comprehensive Front Door Security Kit with Professional Monitoring. Regardless of the level of desired security, Kangaroo’s designed to move with consumers - wherever that next chapter may be. Motion sensors, keypads and additional features can be part of the package to any Kangaroo system in place, anytime. Additionally, Kangaroo offers scalable protection plans with a variety of benefits ranging from 24/7 professional monitoring to expanded cloud storage, coverage for damage and theft. 3