Far from Homeland, Staff Employed in Iraq

New Department Aids Reconstruction

Some employees of the Department of Homeland Security are working pretty far from the homeland these days. About 6,200 miles away, actually -- in Iraq.

Since President Bush declared the end of major combat in May, workers from throughout the new department have been toiling on reconstruction tasks there. Officials in Washington insist the assignments -- from promoting aviation security at Baghdad International Airport to retrieving ancient artifacts looted from Iraqi museums -- are about protecting the U.S. homeland.

"We think helping to secure Iraq helps make the United States a more secure country," said Gordon Johndroe, a department spokesman. "Making sure that aviation travel out of Iraq is safe directly affects our homeland security. Making sure that goods and people are not smuggled into or out of Iraq helps our homeland security."

In recent weeks, some Democrats on Capitol Hill have complained that the Bush administration, absorbed with postwar problems in Iraq, has neglected the fight against terrorism. And not everyone is sure that lending out DHS personnel to help rebuild Iraq is the most appropriate use of the department's resources.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10733-2003Jul31.html

Has Tom Ridge bought his second home here, too?

And, "aviation security"? The last I heard the Baghdad Int'l. Airport was closed...being occupied by U.S. troops! It's most recent distinction: being the "temporary" morgue for the Hussein boys.

But, I'm so glad we're protecting America!

to help out with the Reconstruction...

They're next!...followed by the Cub Scouts and Brownies!