Tom Ridge
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Articles by Tom Ridge
25 years later, the anthrax threat not only has not gone away — it may be worse
Twenty-five years ago this month, America was still reeling from the attacks of Sept. 11 when another, quieter threat arrived in our mailboxes. Letters laced with anthrax spores were sent to news organizations and members of Congress. The weaponized anthrax in those letters killed five Americans and sickened 17.
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There are some days that never leave you. Sept. 11, 2001, is one of them.
'Never forget' Is a promise we must keep
There are some days that never leave you. Sept. 11, 2001, is one of them. We remember where we stood, who we called, the disbelief we felt, and the moment we realized that America would never be the same. kAmpD 8@G6C?@C @7 !6??DJ=G2?:2[ x DA6?E E92E 52J 4@?7C@?E:?8 6G6?ED E92E ?@ AF3=:4 D6CG2?E — @C[ 7C2?<=J[ 2?J p>6C:42? — 4@F=5 92G6 :>28:?65] {2E6 E92E 27E6C?@@?[ x DE@@5 :? 2 7:6=5 @FED:56 $92?<DG:==6 H96C6 &?:E65 p:C=:?6D u=:89E hb 925 4@>6 E@ C6DE 27E6C 2 G:@=6?E DECF88=6 36EH66?
Column by Tom Ridge: 'Never forget' is a promise we must keep
There are some days that never leave you. Sept. 11, 2001, is one of them. We remember where we stood, who we called, the disbelief we felt, and the moment we realized that America would never be the same. kAmpD 8@G6C?@C @7 !6??DJ=G2?:2[ x DA6?E E92E 52J 4@?7C@?E:?8 6G6?ED E92E ?@ AF3=:4 D6CG2?E – @C[ 7C2?<=J[ 2?J p>6C:42? – 4@F=5 92G6 :>28:?65]k^Am kAm{2E6 E92E 27E6C?@@?[ x DE@@5 :? 2 7:6=5 @FED:56 $92?<DG:==6 H96C6 &?:E65 p:C=:?6D u=:89E hb 925 4@>6 E@ C6DE 27E6C 2 G:@=6?E DECF88=6 36EH66?
Commentary: 'Never forget' Is a promise we must keep
There are some days that never leave you. Sept. 11, 2001, is one of them. We remember where we stood, who we called, the disbelief we felt, and the moment we realized that America would never be the same. kAmpD 8@G6C?@C @7 !6??DJ=G2?:2[ x DA6?E E92E 52J 4@?7C@?E:?8 6G6?ED E92E ?@ AF3=:4 D6CG2?E — @C[ 7C2?<=J[ 2?J p>6C:42? — 4@F=5 92G6 :>28:?65] {2E6 E92E 27E6C?@@?[ x DE@@5 :? 2 7:6=5 @FED:56 $92?<DG:==6 H96C6 &?:E65 p:C=:?6D u=:89E hb 925 4@>6 E@ C6DE 27E6C 2 G:@=6?E DECF88=6 36EH66?
Tom Ridge | 'Never forget' is a promise we must keep
There are some days that never leave you. Sept. 11, 2001, is one of them. We remember where we stood, who we called, the disbelief we felt, and the moment we realized that America would never be the same. kAmpD 8@G6C?@C @7 !6??DJ=G2?:2[ x DA6?E E92E 52J 4@?7C@?E:?8 6G6?ED E92E ?@ AF3=:4 D6CG2?E – @C[ 7C2?<=J[ 2?J p>6C:42? – 4@F=5 92G6 :>28:?65]k^Am kAm{2E6 E92E 27E6C?@@?[ x DE@@5 :? 2 7:6=5 @FED:56 $92?<DG:==6 H96C6 &?:E65 p:C=:?6D u=:89E hb 925 4@>6 E@ C6DE 27E6C 2 G:@=6?E DECF88=6 36EH66?
Tom Ridge | 'Never forget' is a promise we must keep
There are some days that never leave you. Sept. 11, 2001, is one of them. We remember where we stood, who we called, the disbelief we felt, and the moment we realized that America would never be the same. kAmpD 8@G6C?@C @7 !6??DJ=G2?:2[ x DA6?E E92E 52J 4@?7C@?E:?8 6G6?ED E92E ?@ AF3=:4 D6CG2?E – @C[ 7C2?<=J[ 2?J p>6C:42? – 4@F=5 92G6 :>28:?65]k^Am kAm{2E6 E92E 27E6C?@@?[ x DE@@5 :? 2 7:6=5 @FED:56 $92?<DG:==6 H96C6 &?:E65 p:C=:?6D u=:89E hb 925 4@>6 E@ C6DE 27E6C 2 G:@=6?E DECF88=6 36EH66?
Tom Ridge | 'Never forget' is a promise we must keep
There are some days that never leave you. Sept. 11, 2001, is one of them. We remember where we stood, who we called, the disbelief we felt, and the moment we realized that America would never be the same. kAmpD 8@G6C?@C @7 !6??DJ=G2?:2[ x DA6?E E92E 52J 4@?7C@?E:?8 6G6?ED E92E ?@ AF3=:4 D6CG2?E – @C[ 7C2?<=J[ 2?J p>6C:42? – 4@F=5 92G6 :>28:?65]k^Am kAm{2E6 E92E 27E6C?@@?[ x DE@@5 :? 2 7:6=5 @FED:56 $92?<DG:==6 H96C6 &?:E65 p:C=:?6D u=:89E hb 925 4@>6 E@ C6DE 27E6C 2 G:@=6?E DECF88=6 36EH66?
Tom Ridge | 'Never forget' is a promise we must keep
There are some days that never leave you. Sept. 11, 2001, is one of them. We remember where we stood, who we called, the disbelief we felt, and the moment we realized that America would never be the same. kAmpD 8@G6C?@C @7 !6??DJ=G2?:2[ x DA6?E E92E 52J 4@?7C@?E:?8 6G6?ED E92E ?@ AF3=:4 D6CG2?E – @C[ 7C2?<=J[ 2?J p>6C:42? – 4@F=5 92G6 :>28:?65]k^Am kAm{2E6 E92E 27E6C?@@?[ x DE@@5 :? 2 7:6=5 @FED:56 $92?<DG:==6 H96C6 &?:E65 p:C=:?6D u=:89E hb 925 4@>6 E@ C6DE 27E6C 2 G:@=6?E DECF88=6 36EH66?
OPINION: Pre-K is Progress We Can’t Afford to Lose
For more than two decades, Pennsylvania has been investing in our youngest learners. Year after year, budget after budget, across party lines and administrations, we’ve taken meaningful steps forward in growing access to Head Start and Pre-K Counts to help more children thrive in their earliest years and setting the stage for future success. To let that progress slip away now would be a big mistake. kAm#6D62C49 92D =@?8 D9@H? E96 :>A@CE2?46 @7 :?G6DE:?8 :? 9:89\BF2=:EJ AC6\< 65F42E:@?
Tom Ridge, Mark Schweiker, Ed Rendell, Tom Corbett, Tom Wolf: Pre-K is Progress We Can't Afford to Lose
For more than two decades, Pennsylvania has been investing in our youngest learners. Year after year, budget after budget, across party lines and administrations, we've taken meaningful steps forward in growing access to Head Start and Pre-K Counts to help more children thrive in their earliest years and set the stage for future success. To let that progress slip away now would be a big mistake.
White House reacts after South Park slams Donald Trump
The White House has responded after Wednesday night's South Park premiere dedicated the entire episode to attacking President Donald Trump. How did the White House React? Trump White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told Rolling Stone on Thursday morning, "The Left's hypocrisy truly has no end — for years they have come after South Park for what they labeled as 'offense' [sic] content, but suddenly they are praising the show.
Why Trump hasn't turned on Syria's new leader amid execution of US citizen
President Donald Trump's endorsement of Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa is being tested amid sectarian violence that has led to the execution-style murder of at least one U.S. citizen in the restive country's south.
Why you should consider a split, ergonomic keyboard
Early last year I made the switch back to an IC engineering role after about 3 years in management. Remembering the RSI I would get from regular coding, and as something of a present to myself, I invested in a split, ergonomic, mechanical, keyboard. What followed has been about a year of experimentation with a variety of different keyboards. I hope to help you sidestep all of that.
Mass-Gathering Events Like the Super Bowl Remind Us That Post-9/11 Security From Biological Attacks Still Lacking More Than 20 Years Later
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, changed our daily lives and the federal approach to security in ways that we still experience today. How we move through airports and tolerate more biometric and video surveillance across major cities are two examples.
Opinion: The Pennsylvania Society is needed - now, more than ever
One of us is a Democrat from Philadelphia; the other, a Republican from Erie. Aside from both of us having had the privilege to serve as twice-elected governors from Pennsylvania, it wouldn’t seem we have much else in common. Certainly, one also wouldn’t think we have much in common with legendary children’s TV host Fred Rogers, or astronaut Guy Bluford, or filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan.
We Are Not Prepared for Biological Attacks Resulting from the Escalating Israel-Hamas War
From the moment Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on October 7, the focus has rightly been on the human suffering. Thousands of civilians have been killed, hospitalized, injured, and traumatized, and about 200 people have been taken hostage, including several Americans. Israel has declared war in response to the Hamas terrorist attack, and the region is girding itself for a protracted battle. As that crisis continues with Hamas in Gaza, Israel is hardening its border with Lebanon.
New Manhattan Research Facility Will Save Lives - No, Not That Manhattan
Manhattan has been in the news quite a bit lately, especially when smoke from the Canadian wildfires turned the city dark and made the air difficult to breathe. Although it didn’t capture as many headlines, a different Manhattan should make the news, considering its potential to impact Americans for generations to come.
The West's moment of truth in Iran
OPINION: The surging tides of dissent in Iran, reminiscent of the seismic anti-monarchical revolution of 1979, beckon us to engage in a profound re-evaluation of Western policy. While some may be swayed by the siren call of engagement with the clerical regime, a growing chorus of dissenting voices resounds, urging us to adopt a more resolute approach.
Reflections, and regrets, 20 years after I opened the Department of Homeland Security
By Tom Ridge The Philadelphia Inquirer This was my second draft notice. The first came from Richard Nixon in 1969 and took me to Southeast Asia. More than 30 years later came notice number two, this time from George W. Bush. The president called me to leave my post as Pennsylvania’s governor to serve in the White House Office of Homeland Security. I accepted the call to duty, knowing full well the challenge that awaited. Some people had cautioned me not to take on the assignment.
Another View: Reflections, regrets 20 years after opening Department of Homeland Security
This was my second draft notice. The first came from Richard Nixon in 1969 and took me to Southeast Asia. More than 30 years later came notice No. 2, this time from George W. Bush. The president called me to leave my post as Pennsylvania’s governor to serve in the White House Office of Homeland Security. I accepted the call to duty, knowing full well the challenge that awaited. Some people had cautioned me not to take on the assignment. They warned it would be impossible to succeed.
Commentary: Reflections, and regrets, 20 years after I opened the Department of Homeland Security
This was my second draft notice. The first came from Richard Nixon in 1969 and took me to Southeast Asia. More than 30 years later came notice No. 2, this time from George W. Bush. The president called me to leave my post as Pennsylvania’s governor to serve in the White House Office of Homeland Security. I accepted the call to duty, knowing full well the challenge that awaited. Some people had cautioned me not to take on the assignment. They warned it would be impossible to succeed.
OPINION EXCHANGE | Tom Ridge: Reflections on 20 years of Homeland Security
Opinion editor's note: Star Tribune Opinion publishes a mix of national and local commentaries online and in print each day. To contribute, click here. ••• This was my second draft notice. The first came from Richard Nixon in 1969 and took me to Southeast Asia. More than 30 years later came notice number two, this time from George W. Bush. The president called me to leave my post as Pennsylvania's governor to serve in the White House Office of Homeland Security.
Reflections, and regrets, 20 years after I opened the Department of Homeland Security
This was my second draft notice. The first came from Richard Nixon in 1969 and took me to Southeast Asia. More than 30 years later came notice number two, this time from George W. Bush. The president called me to leave my post as Pennsylvania’s governor to serve in the White House Office of Homeland Security. I accepted the call to duty, knowing full well the challenge that awaited. Some people had cautioned me not to take on the assignment. They warned it would be impossible to succeed.
Tom Ridge and Ed Rendell share advice, insights with new Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro Original
Tom Ridge and Ed Rendell Your Turn Dear Governor-Elect Shapiro: As you prepare to take the oath of office and become the 48th governor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you do so well aware of the significant challenges that await. You and your staff will contend with difficult and complex policy decisions that will impact 13 million Pennsylvanians across 67 distinct counties.
The Case for a Pandemic Moonshot — The New Atlantis
The Covid-19 pandemic has killed an estimated fifteen million people around the world, ravaged health systems, and destroyed economies. It has also exposed destabilizing divisions at home and abroad, and revealed domestic and global weaknesses in biodefense. The United States alone has seen a million lives lost to the virus and an estimated $16 trillion in economic costs, making it the deadliest pandemic in our history and the costliest catastrophe since the Great Depression.
Out-innovating the next COVID-19 variant … and the next pandemic
In an ideal world, COVID-19 would be a thing of the past, and another pandemic would be a distant possibility. Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world, and there is no way to predict when the next dangerous COVID-19 variant or pandemic will emerge. Case in point: monkeypox. We need to be ready. Given the risks to the U.S. of another variant or pandemic, it is in the nation’s best interest to accelerate our research and development today.
Russia’s Ukrainian invasion raises specter of biological attack
By Joe Lieberman and Tom Ridge New York Daily News | Mar 22, 2022 at 7:30 AM As we watch innocent Ukrainians being attacked by brutal Russian invaders, we see how geopolitical events elsewhere in the world can quickly and dramatically impact our daily lives and national security. Certainly, the spike in gasoline prices is hurting everyone hard.
FAA must step up now on 5G
The challenges facing our nation as we struggle to emerge from the pandemic are enormous. The disruption of our lives is without precedent in the modern era. Cybersecurity challenges continue to grow, and the race with China for technological advantage has never been more acute. Just a few years ago, I joined a chorus of leaders in the United States who sounded the alarm bells regarding Huawei, a Chinese-owned company trying to dominate 5G deployment in the UK, Europe, and throughout the world.
Tom Ridge: The heroes of Flight 93 ran toward danger to save the lives of others
Twenty years have passed since the terror attacks of Sept. 11. It’s a milestone to be sure. But no amount of time can fade my memories of that day. What I remember most about 9/11 is stepping off the helicopter at Shanksville, Penn. – and being met by the brutal sound of silence. Emergency personnel searched the fields. Ambulances were at the ready. Rescue workers wanted someone to save. But the passengers and crew of Flight 93 – 40 heroes strong – were the first, first responders on the scene.
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge Moved To Rehab Facility After Suffering Stroke
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge is now in a rehabilitation facility after suffering a stroke earlier this month. Ridge, who also served as the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, was discharged from the hospital Sunday. He was immediately transferred to a rehab center in the Washington, D.C. area where he will continue his recovery.
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge In Critical Condition After Suffering Stroke
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge is in critical condition after suffering a stroke. A spokesperson says the 75-year-old suffered the stroke at his Maryland home this morning and was rushed to a Washington, D.C. hospital. We’re told he underwent a successful procedure to remove a blood clot. Ridge served as Pennsylvania’s 43rd governor and was also the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
Why biological attacks are a looming threat to U.S.: Daschle, Ridge
The effects of the ransomware attack that shut down the Colonial Pipeline and disrupted East Coast gasoline supplies have eased. But as frustrating as that cyberattack was to consumers and business operators, consider this: Much worse things could damage critical infrastructure. With terrorist groups and ill-meaning nation-states like Iran and Syria striving to disrupt our way of life, future attacks are likely to occur in more than one domain.
Tom Daschle, Tom Ridge: Pipeline hack reveals America's vulnerability to biological attack Original
The effects of the ransomware attack that shut down the Colonial Pipeline and disrupted East Coast gasoline supplies have eased. But as frustrating as that cyberattack was to consumers and business operators, consider this: Much worse things could damage critical infrastructure. With terrorist groups and ill-meaning nation-states like Iran and Syria striving to disrupt our way of life, future attacks are likely to occur in more than one domain.
The Facts Prove Iran Still Wants Nuclear Weapons
At least three European intelligence agencies have recently revealed that the Iranian regime engaged in procurement activities last year which could have advanced its progress toward developing weapons of mass destruction. Reports of these findings come at a sensitive time, as negotiations continue in Vienna over the potential restoration of a nuclear agreement that the United States pulled out of in 2018.
Federal government is neglecting needs of America's first responders
About a year into my first term as Pennsylvania governor, our state was slammed by the Blizzard of ‘96. I recall declaring a state of emergency and ordering my fellow Pennsylvanians to stay off the roads. Of course, our first responders were still out in the storm protecting the public. Isn’t that always the case? We stay safe inside while police, firefighters and paramedics risk their lives to protect ours.
A civil rights win: Why people with disabilities now have better chance of landing a job
A year after the pandemic began, people with disabilities finally can obtain the tools and assistance they need to earn a living and stay independent. The American Rescue Plan, recently passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden, allocates $12.7 billion for what's known as home and community-based services, or HCBS, through 2021. This is truly something to celebrate — finally dedicated funding to support people with disabilities who want to get back to work.
Engineering the Solution to Critical Infrastructure Cyber Sabotage
MAY: Hello, I’m Cliff May, FDD’s Founder and President. Thanks for joining us today. For those of you who may not be familiar with us, FDD is a non-partisan research institute focused on national security and foreign policy. I’m pleased to welcome you to today’s event on Consequence-Driven, Cyber-Informed Engineering hosted by FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation.
20 years after anthrax panic, America is still at risk for biological threats | Opinion
Nearly 20 years since letters laced with deadly anthrax spores caused a panic across the country, the United States finds itself with a national biodetection system that does not work. It’s alarming and unacceptable. Although people died and became seriously ill during the anthrax events of 2001, the biological threat is obviously still with us.
Tom Ridge: Federal government is neglecting needs of America's first responders
It is outrageous that 20 years after September 11 we continue to deprive first responders of the tools they need. About a year into my first term as Pennsylvania governor, our state was slammed by the Blizzard of ‘96. I recall declaring a state of emergency and ordering my fellow Pennsylvanians to stay off the roads. Of course, our first responders were still out in the storm protecting the public. Isn’t that always the case?
Tom Ridge: Federal government is neglecting needs of America's first responders
About a year into my first term as Pennsylvania governor, our state was slammed by the Blizzard of ‘96. I recall declaring a state of emergency and ordering my fellow Pennsylvanians to stay off the roads. Of course, our first responders were still out in the storm protecting the public. Isn’t that always the case? We stay safe inside while police, firefighters and paramedics risk their lives to protect ours.
Fixing the border, and the broader, broken immigration system
By Tom Ridge New York Daily News | Apr 01, 2021 at 5:00 AM Migrants from Central America, who arrived illegally from Mexico to the US cross the Rio Grande river wait to recieve instructions from border patrol agents after arriving at a makeshift processing center at the border city of Roma on March 29, 2021.
Bolstering America’s Cyber Diplomacy Capabilities
MAY: Hello, I’m Cliff May, FDD’s Founder and President. Thanks for joining us today. For those of you who are not familiar with us, FDD is a non-partisan 501c3 research institute focused on national security and foreign policy. I’m pleased to welcome you today to an event called, Bolstering America’s Cyber Diplomacy Capabilities, hosted by FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation.
A Strong Offense Can Decrease Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure
After years of malicious cyber activity targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, hackers linked to Russia recently infiltrated numerous American companies and federal government agencies, including the Departments of Homeland Security and Commerce, the Treasury and the Pentagon. This attack compromised national security and is costing business and the government untold millionsor billionsof dollars in damages.
A strong offense can decrease cyberattacks on critical infrastructure
© Getty A strong offense can decrease cyberattacks on critical infrastructure After years of malicious cyber activity targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, hackers linked to Russia recently infiltrated numerous American companies and federal government agencies, including the Departments of Homeland Security and Commerce, the Treasury and the Pentagon. This attack compromised national security and is costing business and the government untold millions or billions of dollars in damages.
Holding Iran's Regime Accountable for Terrorism
Tom Ridge Washington Times February 17, 2021 Shakespeare wrote in “The Merchant of Venice” that “The truth will out.” Last week, the truth did come out about the terrorist Iranian regime. For that, the world owes a debt of gratitude to the Belgian people and their law enforcement and judicial system. Read Full Article »
Time to hold the Iranian regime accountable for terrorism
ANALYSIS/OPINION: Shakespeare wrote in “The Merchant of Venice” that “The truth will out.” Last week, the truth did come out about the terrorist Iranian regime. For that, the world owes a debt of gratitude to the Belgian people and their law enforcement and judicial system. A Belgian court ruled on Thursday that the regime’s foiled bombing of a public gathering in the outskirts of Paris in June 2018 was conducted by a senior diplomat and approved at the highest state levels.
Tom Ridge: It's time to end subminimum wage for workers with disabilities
Among the millions of Americans who watched President Joe Biden’s Super Bowl interview on CBS were families touched by disability. One in five Americans has a disability, so it’s not an insignificant number. I have to believe many of those families listened with great interest to the president’s comments when it came to the federal minimum wage — and for reasons you might not expect.
Joe Lieberman, Tom Ridge: How America can end threat of future pandemics by 2030
America has a proud history of taking on grand technological challenges in times of need. The Manhattan Project to split the atom. The Interstate Highway System to connect the entire nation, and the Apollo Program to go to the moon. They share similarities in scale, ambition and necessity, and demonstrate our ability to engage in large-scale projects using cutting-edge technology to meet national needs.
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