Truman Project Media

Training to overcome institutional racial bias in policing

staff — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:24:48 -0700

Police officers in America shoot and kill African-Americans four times more often than whites, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. That figure actually reflects progress from the 1970s, when the ratio was 8 to 1.

These stark numbers raise serious questions about bias in American law enforcement. George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch captain who shot and killed Trayvon Martin in Sanford, was not a sworn officer, but to understand the deeper racial implications of the case — and what the nation might learn from them — attention must shift to the police and their practices. The widespread hunger for justice generated by Martin's death has fueled a broader re-examination of race, racism and criminal justice in America. That examination ought to focus on the nature and extent of institutional bias in policing.

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The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Truman National Security Project or Educational Institute.

The Chilling Rise Of Anti-Immigrant, Anti-Muslim Bias

staff — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:20:35 -0700

Growing up I was always a country girl at heart. No one could tell me, despite all appearances to the contrary, that I wasn't an all-American gal.

When the Oak Ridge Boys sang "My Baby Is American Made," I was pretty sure they were talking about me. It wasn't until high school that I realized that the sexy long legs they crooned about (that came without a foreign name) were decidedly not mine.

Over time this point was reinforced in many ways: When I started representing clients in Immigration Court and was always asked, "Where is your attorney?" it was clear that I did not look like an American. And, then, after 9/11, my faith became reason enough to suspect my patriotism.

Read the entire article

The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Truman National Security Project or Educational Institute.

Mike Breen on RT The Big Picture

staff — Thu, 10 May 2012 06:46:29 -0700

Truman Project VP Michael Breen appeared on The Big Picture with Thom Hartmann to talk about the thwarted underwear bomb attack.

Fast forward to 38:12 to watch Breen.

Pay Attention to Energy Security

staff — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:14:55 -0700

In both my former role as an officer in the United States Army and my current one at Borrego Solar Systems helping the Department of Defense develop solar energy projects, I have always worked toward the same goal – to make America safer. So I was very pleased when U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta spoke out this week about his concern for America’s energy security as well as the impact that climate change will have on national security. His words were not widely reported, but they should certainly be heeded.

Our nation’s oil habit makes us vulnerable both overseas and at home and it funds countries that do not share our interests. Panetta is right to move the Department of Defense toward greater energy security. And as people well know, where goes DOD so goes the rest of the country.

Proposed Cuts to International Development Programs Shortsighted

staff — Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:41 -0700

Washington, DC – In response to the dangerous 14 percent cut to FY2013 foreign operations spending proposed by Congresswoman Kay Granger, Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations, Truman Project Vice President Mike Breen released the following statement:

"The cuts Rep. Granger has proposed to America's investments in international development would undermine America's global leadership and make the world a more dangerous place. Today’s enemies don’t all rally under a nation’s flag or wear the same uniforms. America relies on diplomacy, democracy, and development programs, along with military power, to keep modern threats like terrorism, pandemic disease, and criminal networks small and far away.

“After World War II, the Greatest Generation knew how important it was to give weakened nations the tools they need to stand on their own. They rebuilt Europe and Asia to make sure the world would be a safe and prosperous place, and to undermine those who would prey on poverty in the service of extremism and hatred. This principle remains the same, even as the threats we face have evolved. That's why senior military leaders have said time and again that international development is vital to our national security. I urge Members of Congress to heed the advice of our senior military leaders and restore international development funding to next year's budget."

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The Truman National Security Project is the country’s only progressive national security leadership institute. For more information, visit www.trumanproject.org.

Lugar's Loss Indicates Troubling Trend

staff — Wed, 09 May 2012 06:49:24 -0700

Alex Toma, Truman Fellow, spoke with Michael Castner from the Daily Wrap (WSJ Radio) about the impact that Sen. Richard Lugar's loss will have on America's national and nuclear security.

Click here and fast forward to 20:40 to listen to Alex's segment.

Truman Project Featured on Inside Scoop Radio

staff — Thu, 10 May 2012 08:40:34 -0700

Inside Scoop Radio interviewed three Truman Project members for a piece on Progressives in National Security.

During the third segment of the Sunday show, Mark Levine, a Truman Fellow, interviewed Hank Moon, Caitlin Howarth and Garrett Cathcart.

Click here to listen to the interview.

Truman Fellow Josh Lockman on KTLA-Los Angeles

staff — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:49:05 -0700

Watch Truman Fellow Josh Lockman on KTLA today talking about Obama's speech in Afghanistan and the war against Al Qaeda.

Click here to watch.

Mark Jacobson on BBC News

staff — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:56:24 -0700

Watch Truman Project Senior Fellow Mark Jacobson on BBC News as he reacts to the US-Afghanistan strategic partnership agreement signed by President Obama on May 1, 2012.

Click here to watch.

Now Available: The Security Briefing Book

staff — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 05:07:00 -0700

The Truman National Security Project is proud to launch the 2012 Truman Security Briefing Book, a comprehensive foreign policy and messaging guide on 21st century national security policy.

The Security Briefing Book is a one-of-a-kind tool for political practitioners, Capitol Hill staff, and the broader national security community. It outlines the 21st century solutions to America's national security and foreign policy challenges. Each chapter, designed to be easy to read and digestible, contains essential background, key facts, policy options, and message guidance. The Security Briefing Book was previously known as the National Security Manual and is published every two years.

Available online: Browse or Download the Book