"But it is equally incontrovertible that if our intelligence gathering process is seriously flawed, we had better find out and find out fast if we are to avoid another Sept. 11"

Adam Schiff’s statement reflects a profound recognition of the gravity and urgency surrounding national security, particularly in the aftermath of catastrophic events such as September 11. At the heart of the argument lies the assertion that intelligence gathering serves as a foundational element of any nation's defense mechanism. Flaws in this process do not just represent bureaucratic missteps; they are dangerous liabilities that can translate into tragic consequences. The stakes, as Schiff suggests, are extraordinarily high, so high that complacency becomes an unacceptable risk.

He acknowledges two points as being beyond reasonable dispute: first, the necessity of robust intelligence; and second, the catastrophic results when that system fails. The phrase “seriously flawed” invokes a troubling scenario where lapses or inadequacies in information collection, analysis, or dissemination could leave the country vulnerable to further attacks. The emphasis on finding these flaws “fast” underscores the relentless pace of adversarial threats and technological evolution; time, in this context, is itself a matter of security.

Schiff’s words channel a sense of collective responsibility. Avoiding “another Sept. 11” is presented not as a mere aspiration, but as an imperative that demands vigilance, introspection, and decisive corrective action. It is an implicit criticism of any inertia or denial within the intelligence community or political leadership; the luxury of gradual reform or political infighting is swept away by the dire consequences of repeated failure.

There is also an ethical, almost moral undertone: leaders owe the public honest assessments of vulnerability and a duty to confront uncomfortable truths. Ultimately, the passage serves as both warning and call for action, pressing policymakers, intelligence officials, and the broader government apparatus to identify and rectify blind spots with urgency, transparency, and resolve. Only through this can the grim lessons of history become a safeguard, rather than a tombstone for the innocent.