Meaning: The quote "First, we did rank everybody by risk, and New York comes out number one" is attributed to Michael Chertoff, a prominent civil servant who served as the United States Secretary of Homeland Security from 2005 to 2009. This quote is significant in the context of risk assessment and security measures, particularly in relation to the prioritization of resources and strategies to address potential threats.

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the concept of risk assessment and management became increasingly crucial in the realm of national security. Chertoff's statement reflects the approach of assessing and ranking risks to determine the level of vulnerability and the need for protective measures. The emphasis on New York as "number one" in terms of risk underscores the city's status as a prominent and high-profile target for security concerns.

Chertoff's background as the head of the Department of Homeland Security lends weight to his statement, as he was responsible for overseeing the nation's efforts to protect against various threats, including terrorism, natural disasters, and other emergencies. His tenure coincided with a period of heightened focus on security measures and risk assessment, making his insights particularly relevant in understanding the prioritization of resources and strategies to address potential threats.

From a broader perspective, Chertoff's quote also underscores the complexities involved in risk assessment and the allocation of resources to mitigate potential threats. It highlights the need for strategic decision-making and the allocation of resources based on the level of risk posed by different scenarios. In the case of New York, a city with significant symbolic, economic, and strategic importance, the emphasis on its ranking as "number one" in terms of risk reflects the need for targeted and robust security measures to safeguard its population and infrastructure.

In the context of civil service and public administration, Chertoff's quote raises important questions about the role of risk assessment in informing policy decisions and resource allocation. It points to the inherent challenges faced by government officials and agencies in prioritizing competing demands for security measures and allocating resources effectively to address the most pressing risks.

Furthermore, the quote serves as a reminder of the ongoing nature of risk assessment and management in the context of evolving threats and vulnerabilities. Chertoff's emphasis on ranking everybody by risk suggests a systematic and comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing potential dangers, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness in the face of diverse security challenges.

In conclusion, Michael Chertoff's quote encapsulates the imperative of risk assessment and management in the realm of national security and public administration. It underscores the significance of prioritizing resources and strategies based on the level of risk posed by different scenarios, with New York's prominence as a high-risk target serving as a focal point for strategic security considerations. The quote resonates with the ongoing efforts to balance the complexities of risk assessment and resource allocation, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making and proactive measures to safeguard against potential threats.