Our Own Worst Enemy: Asking the Right Questions About Security to Protect You, Your Family, and America

by Randall Larsen

Our Own Worst Enemy provides a solid, practical, logical approach to personal security for all Americans and explains why the government is not prepared to help us in a time of crisis (Katrina, 9/11, etc.). Leading homeland security expert Randall J. Larsen details what we must do as citizens to protect ourselves, our families and our assets. The key, Larsen argues, is finally asking the right questions about homeland security, such as:
"How do we prevent a terrorist organization from becoming a nuclear power?" The media frequently poses the question: "What can we do to ensure that al Qaeda does not smuggle a nuclear weapon into the U.S. through one of our ports?" But the right question should focus on prevention -- and the answer is far different from the discussion that dominates the debate and the spending priorities of the Bush Administration and Congress.
"Who should be in charge of logistics during a major disaster?" Larsen says that it's not the military. The fact is, no one is better at logistics than American businesses such as FedEx, UPS, and Target. Our Own Worst Enemy states that the government should encourage citizens and businesses to be active and learn to "posse up" while looking to the private sector to provide food, water, shelter, and transportation during a natural or man-made crisis.
Larsen offers a strong combination of practical advice (Did you know a $1 mask can save your life in the event of a dirty bomb?) and wise examination of such key issues as the economy, borders and immigration, national health care, personal security, and more.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this easy-to-read study of America’s homeland security system, Randall Larsen presents a laundry list of problems posed by inadequate organization. He argues for common sense solutions that include refocusing anti-terrorism efforts on preventing nuclear proliferation, preparing the country to respond to a biological attack, restructuring the National Guard, and expanding public awareness of and participation in security matters. Most new readers of this subject matter are likely to go away with an informed realization that the Department of Homeland Security is still leaving numerous security challenges unanswered. This book also serves as a wakeup call to the citizenry about individual responsibility; we must become better prepared and more self-reliant in the face of attacks and natural disasters. Though this work is nearly seven years old, the material remains highly relevant, as the problems posed by terrorism and our unfocused homeland security system have not gone away.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great guide too understanding the threats facing our nation and both how would should not react, as well as how we should react. Think of this as your initial preparedness guide to surviving man-made or natural disasters. Helpful tips abound from the federal, to state, to local governmental solutions, down to the ways that each individual can, and should prepare for the unknown, or more importantly, the likely.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real, necessary eye-opener. Larsen did a a great job of breaking down the very complex issue of national security into laymen's terms and better yet, what the layman can do to protect him/herself in the next terrorist attack. Yes, I said next, Larsen also makes an excellent case for planning for when, not if.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book, especially is you want to know just how easy it would be for terrorist to attack the U.S. Homeland. The book points out, rather directly, how we (as a country) are going about defending ourselves all wrong. The book them attempts to give a few suggestions on how to better prepare yourself/family for any potential terrorist attack.