“The primary near-term security concern” is the economic downturn. “The longer it takes for the recovery to begin, the greater the likelihood of serious damage to U.S. strategic interests.”

A New York Times article on Blair’s testimony had the headline “Global Economy Top Threat to U.S., Spy Chief Says.

The headline in the Washington Post was “Financial Crisis Called Top Security Threat to U.S.”

In USA Today it was “Intelligence chief ties security to economy.”

Here’s something more from the Times:

The assessment underscored concern inside America’s intelligence agencies not only about the fallout from the economic crisis around the globe, but also about long-term harm to America’s reputation. The crisis that began in American markets has already “increased questioning of U.S. stewardship of the global economy,” the intelligence chief, Dennis C. Blair, said in prepared testimony.

Mr. Blair’s comments were particularly striking because they were delivered as part of a threat assessment to Congress that has customarily focused on issues like terrorism and nuclear proliferation.

Economic instability is exacerbating problem situations in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other countries, according to Blair. So income security for all in the United States is even bigger than solving our economic difficulties and ending the recession rapidly, reliably, and responsibly. Stabilizing our economy may be necessary for our national security.

Equally important, perhaps, though more speculatively, we might consider directing foreign aid toward promoting income security for people in other countries. Suppose we use some portion of the money we’re spending in Iraq and Afghanistan to help those governments implement their own versions of income security for all. That would almost certainly be vastly more effective and less expensive than current policies.

More good reasons to help spread the word and promote these ideas. Thanks for your efforts in doing so.

Steven Shafarman