Homeland Security director speaks in San Francisco

By KIM CURTIS
Associated Press Writer

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge boasted Wednesday about America's improved security to about 600 people inside a posh hotel, while about 200 protesters outside questioned whether Ridge's department should exist at all.

Ridge outlined a day in the life of his agency, formed shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, in his speech before the Commonwealth Club.

``It's been said that the most fatal illusion is the settled point of view,'' Ridge said. ``This is where danger finds easy sanctuary. This is why America's security must also be consistent with changing times. This is why the Department of Homeland Security was created.''

Ridge also reassured Americans that they are safer now than ever before.

``We are more aware of the threat and more vigilant about confronting it,'' Ridge said. ``All across this nation, we work hard to rise to a new level of security and readiness every single day.''

On Wednesday afternoon, Ridge checked out a series of radiation and biological detection devices during a tour of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory that he said would help in that preparedness.

The work being done at the national laboratories is ``one of the advantages we have in the war against terrorism,'' Ridge said. He also said that the deaths of Saddam Hussein's two sons will, in the long run, make the United States and the Middle East more secure.

Earlier, during his 25-minute speech inside the Mark Hopkins hotel, protesters rallied outside carrying signs such as: ``Dissent is Not a Terrorist Act.'' There were nearly as many police officers as protesters outside the hotel. No incidents or arrests were immediately reported.

``The department of homeland insecurity is unconstititional. It's not needed and it's a tremendous waste of money,'' said Edward Hammond, 55, a San Francisco artist. ``We're drifting toward a police state.''

Ridge spent about 35 minutes answering questions submitted in writing by audience members, including some expressing concern about the potential trampling of civil liberties.

Ridge said his agency employs a privacy officer and a civil liberties officer, both of whom make sure no one's rights are violated.

``Whenever we use technology and it's appropriate, we must make sure we don't step on the Constitution,'' he said.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)