Outgoing U.S. Homeland Security Chief Expresses His Views

Battling Terror, Chertoff Felt 'Invisible Burden' -- ABC News

With his tenure nearly over, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff now openly talks about the pressures that have come with his job keeping America safe from the world's terrorists -- and what he calls the "invisible burden" of being on edge at all times.

"I've never taken a vacation where I haven't held my breath waiting for the call to come," he said. "And I've never had a family event where I didn't half expect a tap on the shoulder to go outside and take an emergency phone call."

That's how he summed up the challenge at the center of the war on terror when ABC News asked him in an exclusive interview for any advice he has for Janet Napolitano, the Arizona governor who has been nominated to replace him.

In 11 days, Chertoff will leave a job that many believe is one of the more difficult and, perhaps, thankless in government.

Ironically, he said his worst moment had nothing to do with terrorism.

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My Comment: This is a thankless job, not worth the money and compensation paid for doing it.

But thank God someone is willing to do it.