ALREADY THE GOOD CHANGES – AT 9:15 A.M. ET:  A new Republican committee chairman, and a breath of fresh air.  From The Hill:

After a recess scare in which terrorists exposed a gaping homeland-security vulnerability, the ranking Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee is planning to hold a hearing on security procedures for U.S.-bound cargo as one of his first moves if he becomes chairman of the panel next year, as he hopes.

Rep. Pete King (R-N.Y.) told The Hill that when Republicans take control of the House next year, the Homeland Security panel will take a detailed look at the screening protocols the U.S. has in place for inbound cargo, in an attempt to eliminate weaknesses in the current system that could jeopardize national security. The move comes in the wake of the foiled package bombings two weeks ago.

"I intend to schedule a coordinated and detailed hearing on air cargo very early in the next Congress," said King, who added that Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) is still the chairman of the committee and in charge of its schedule.

King will make an excellent chairman.  He has never relented, in the time since the 9-11 attacks, in his concern for this nation's security.  I don't recall any contribution that Mr. Thompson has made.

We've been very lucky in thwarting terrorist attempts against the United States in recent years.  That luck won't last forever, and even greater vigilance is called for.

November 15, 2010