As was mentioned in the readings
during our first week of class, national security is the protection of what
Americans value. Currently, our cyber security is a value that has been
threatened. Hacks of Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Pokemon Go have all been
reported in the past year. The 2016 election hacks are still shrouded with some
amount of mystery, and a major concern is that this will become a recurring
problem. The executive branch has clearly had issues with cyber security in the
past, and they show no signs of stopping. Despite multiple requests for his
testimony, White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Rob Joyce has still not
testified on Capitol Hill. The White House has stated that he does not have to
testify because of his “executive privilege.” Because he has not appeared
before Congress, the Senate is considering subpoenaing him. Congressmen are
calling for transparency in our government. While transparency in the cyber
realm has not at all been evident during President Trump’s tenure so far, it is
necessary that the American people and government know whatever truth Mr. Joyce
may have to tell. The White House excused Mr. Joyce from Congress hearings
twice now. Obviously, it is questionable that Mr. Joyce has not testified
despite news of repeated hackings. The hearing’s topic was cyber security,
begging the question of why the President’s advisor on the matter would be
unable to attend. Other important American security institutions such as the
FBI and Homeland Security were present at the hearing. “The committee is going
to have to get together and decide whether we’re going to sit by and watch the
person in charge not appear before this committee. That’s not constitutional,”
Senator McCain said. As Americans should we allow our government to continue to
ignore the cyber security issue?
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