The dawn of the new year and a new century brings optimism for the future.
Ongoing prosperity seems to open up unlimited opportunities.
However, with the arrests of suspected terrorists with explosives at the border crossings from Canada, we are reminded that the world is a hostile place and there are many who want to do harm to our country. This news also emphasizes the need for continual vigilance and preparedness. It is still important to have the best scientists and engineers working on behalf of our national security. Only a decade ago, we were similarly optimistic about the end of the Cold War. The United States and Russia began dismantling nuclear warheads and making plans for the disposition of the excess weapons material.