i have no idea why he sought the responsibilities of public office

He had a difficult task at Homeland Security that was really a no-win situation. He ended up resigning without achieving many of the objective he wanted to accomplish at DHS. Essentially he was handed a large bureaucracy that took in many different government agencies, many of them with overlapping functions. Prior to taking this position, Ridge was governor of Pennsylvania, where he did a decent job, especially with regards to fiscal policy and technological investments. Ridge could have been a stronger administrator in both positions, but he did a passable job.

Very solid guy. Did well at DHS.

Has a pulse and brain waves which is more than a lot in DC.

Mr. Irrelevant

Probably a good man in a thankless job. Phony color-coded alerts have become a repeated the sky is falling scenario. There were specific threats against the GOP convention...was threat level changed?

Shove your phony terror alerts up your butt, Ridge. Americans know better now...you're just another tool of the Bush administration to keep the people in line and afraid.

As of 12:12 AM 7-4-04, just how many terrorist attacks have occured on US soil since 9-11? I rest my case. Pretty good governor of my state, an even better FIRST EVER SEC. of Homeland Security.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Motherland Security.... Big Brother is watching you.

Loves his own news conferences. Doesn't have a clue about what his job is. Wears nice suits though.

I really feel sorry for this pathetic creature. First, as governor of Pennsylvania, he left behind a state deficit totaling hundreds of millions of dollars when he bolted to join W's so-called "anti-terrorist initiative." Since then, he's been a minister without portfolio, with no real mandate, authority, staff or budget. Here it is, coming up to two years after 9/11 and there's still no cogent, reasoned, working anti-terrorism policy and appartus set up yet: so, Ridge is nothing more than a figurehead, and not a convincing one at that. The color codification of terrorism alerts was one of the most embarassing fiascos in the history of American public policy, and the country, despite all the lipservice the Bush Administration has puked out, is not essentially any more prepared to deal with the threat than it was two years ago. Now that's efficiency!!! Furthermore, New York City, which is still the most likely terrorist target, is now spending hundreds of millions of dollars per year for preventative measures, but was granted only something like $26 million by the Bush Administration in subsidies for this purpose. Ridge apparently did very little lobbying to secure the funds to further protect the city that already took it on the jaw for the rest of the country on 9/11. Thanks alot, Tom, you worthless piece of crap!!!

Like him.

I firmly believe Director Ridge was an excellent choice for the Chief spot in the Homeland Security Division. In conjunction with the other critical governmental security divisions, former Pennsylvania governor Ridge successfully rolled out a "Color coded" risk assessment plan, which is easily identifiable to all American citizens. In addition, his organization, with the help of the TSA and Department of the Navy, has greatly augmented security at our critical infrastructures, and has systematically identified and routed out key terrorist figures; and continues to do so. He should be commended for his vast achievements, in such a short period of time.

I appreciate what Tom Ridge and his Orwellian Department of Homeland Security is trying to do, but it's just a waste of money and time. The Department of Homeland Security is merely a myth that has been created to make Americans feel like the government is on top of things as far as terrorism goes. I am quite annoyed by the color-coded threat level system. As far as Tom Ridge himself goes, I have respect for him for his service to the State of Pennsylvania. Other than the bad road construction system, Pennsylvania seems to be a fun state to visit. He invested large amounts of funds in Pennsylvania's public education system and environmental security. He cut taxes every year that he was in office while Pennsylvania prospered. He seems like a good man in a silly spot.

Doesn't he look like the Shoney's Big Boy? Actually I'd trust the Big Boy more. Probably uses a Twister board to dial-a-color-scare, in order to prop up King George. Would you like fries with that?

Ridge is off to a bad start. He's not sharing info with the American people and I am afraid his 'Homeland Security' issue might chip away at a few personal freedoms and rights most Americans take for granted.

He's my former govenor, but that doesn't mean I have to like his useless color coded terrorist-o-meter. Whether it's blue, green or polka-dot, it won't effect the way I live my life. Ridge's job is to create the illusion that something is being done to make our country more secure.

He is doing a great job when one considers the lack of resources he has available.

In way over his head. They don't need a politician in that job. They need an intelligence or law enforcement person with political experience.

The original moderate/liberal Republican Dolt. Who can possible believe this man can dress or feed himself?

FANDAMNTASTIC JOB MR. RIDGE. A wonderful Director of Homeland Security and will do even better when the job becomes a cabinet position. Good job to Dubya for appointing him.

HI, 1882,{shorten name} do you really think or even believe that this new office with Mr Ridge at the helm is going to be different?????? The C.I.A. & the F.B.I. have never shared anything with their depts.{together} That's not counting all the other law offices that want the so called collars. This is just another part of big goverment while they spew words about cutting gov.costs & more bull. I would really like to think that JUST MAYBE it would work, but just watch. After a few mos. write me back & let me know how you feel . OK>>> PEACE, Shorts