for professor washington

Peter Planner

Mrs. Snee

COLL 300

Analysis of Rhetorical Situation

Thesis Statement: Homeland security vulnerabilities are at the forefront of national defense policies, especially concerning seaport security in the United States. There is a solution to this issue, ensuring we leverage technology and finance the protection of our ports.

1. What is the goal in this paper? The goal of my paper is to provide a solution to the identified vulnerabilities currently affecting seaport security. In order to provide solutions to these vulnerabilities, I must identify them, show that the current mitigation strategies are not enough, and then provide viable solutions.

2. What do I already know about my topic? Since I am a homeland security major, I am very familiar with the vulnerabilities which affect our seaports. Additionally, through my research, I know the current mitigating strategies are not enough to secure our ports.

3. What do my readers already know? Most of the readers in this class, probably know that our seaports are vulnerable to a terrorist incident. They probably do not know what specific aspects of port security are specific vulnerabilities. Additionally, they may not know what the current United States mitigating strategies are for those vulnerabilities.

4. What do my readers need to know to understand my point? In order understand my solution, my readers must first understand the vulnerabilities facing port security. Also, my readers must be informed on the current mitigating strategies, what they are and to what degree they are effective. I will provide my readers with the four most important vulnerabilities facing seaport security. I will also provide some of the mitigation strategies currently being used by the Department of Homeland Security. Finally, I will provide my readers with supported solutions the current problems facing seaport security.

5. What information do I need to research and add to my paper? The information I need to research my paper includes the current mitigation strategies for seaport security. I must also research technological solutions which have not been implemented for seaport security.