Terrorist Attacks on United States Change Mindset of Business

Evil Necessitates Security

Prior to September 11, most U.S. businesses perceived security as a necessary evil. Today, they see the converse: evil has necessitated security. Our generation is witnessing societal changes not experienced since December 7, 1941. Many other countries, victims of terrorist activities, have for decades adopted effective new models of safety and security. Still other cultures have known nothing but this cautious mindset. For Americans, long accustomed to a free and open society, the reality of threats and risks has prompted a new way of thinking, living and working. Airport security is already changing. However, Swailes & Company is still concerned with the "cosmetic" approach to a flawed system. Businesses should re-evaluate domestic and foreign operations and make determinations as to the efficacy of previous security measures. Government and infrastructure organizations also should seek specific means to mitigate their exposure to risk. It is instructive to note that a knee-jerk reaction would not be beneficial, and in fact, presents something far worse than no security at all: a false sense of security. As business transitions into this new mode of security, we should do so with rational minds, aided by carefully assessed risk models and innovative thinking. This much-needed shift will afford us the opportunity to continue as a free and democratic nation, while signifying our recognition that the evils of terrorism impact all free people, even those of us fortunate to be Americans.

Kevin C. Swailes
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Swailes & Company, Inc.

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