Posted on 02/21/2006 12:32:20 PM PST by Brian Mosely
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — President Bush says the deal allowing an Arab company to take over six major U.S. seaports should go forward and he will veto any bill that would stop it.
I have to say I don't know if this is a big deal or not, but I thought both Tony Snow and Rush Limbaugh had a good take on this issue this AM. Security is not being outsourced, the ports are NOT being sold and will remain the property of the NY Port Authority, NJ, etc. This seems to be yet another BIG story for the far liberal left and some Repub are piling on. A UK company already owns this operation. Seems like UAE is one of our more trusted allies in the region - we have sold them hi tech F-16 fighters - so is it a big deal? I don't believe so. Much to do about nothing, just another rabble rousing by LIBS Documents Detail Clinton Commerce Role in Fighter Jet Sale to the United Arab Emirates
I think in the Bush League no actual money changes hands. Instead, for generations to come, favors are granted.
Sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations in association with the Canadian Council of Chief Executives and the Consejo Mexicano de Asuntos Internacionales.
North America is vulnerable on several fronts: the region faces terrorist and criminal security threats, increased economic competition from abroad, and uneven economic development at home. In response to these challenges, a trinational, Independent Task Force on the Future of North America has developed a roadmap to promote North American security and advance the well-being of citizens of all three countries.
When the leaders of Canada, Mexico, and the United States met in Texas recently they underscored the deep ties and shared principles of the three countries. The Council-sponsored Task Force applauds the announced "Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America," but proposes a more ambitious vision of a new community by 2010 and specific recommendations on how to achieve it.
You know, I think W's poll numbers reflect the fact that unlike the 'Rats, conservatives don't fall into a blind, robotic allegiance to a Republican prez like the Dems do when their guy is in. He'll probably change his mind and not allow the port deal to go on, but only after taking a pounding from everyone; very reminiscent of the Meirs fiasco.
That won't be too difficult, Mr. President. The other country was Britain, our staunchest and closest ally in the world. Dubai, on the other hand, openly supports some of our worst enemies, (the Taliban and Iraqi insurgents). How's that for a start, Mr President?
How is it any different from the overseas ports that DB world already manages? Don't you get it? It's moot once they are loaded on the ships. All you have to do is get a nuclear bomb loaded into a container. It can be detonated on the ship in port before it's even offloaded for inspection.
Unless something prevents the transfer, it is already set for March 2nd.
First , a guarantee from me is worth less than Simpsons sparrow fart in a Typhoon but I believe if anything the adherence to safety and security will be greater because of their hypersensitivity to protecting the massive investment. ALL proceedures must meet OUR criteria and are subject to Federal review and consent. Upper management will change middle mgmt and grunts will not.
You have effectively articulated the ONLY possible defense.
I don't know enough about the UAE to be sure, however. I thought they had a monarch?
They also are going to do business with Hamas.
I supported WAITING until the hearings before passing judgment on Harriet Miers. I was right. By waiting, it became clear with real EVIDENCE that she wasn't ready, and she withdrew her nomination, rather than being forced out by conservatives worried that her personal philosophy might be different from theirs.
I opposed the prescription drug plan. When it passed and the energy bill failed, I wished it was the other way around.
I can't support Bush's "amnesty" because he doesn't have an "amnesty" plan to support. I support the concept of a guest worker program, and think we could work out a good one if we weren't so busy sloganeering.
I opposed selling an oil reserve to China -- that was of course another private deal which had to be approved by the government, but since it was a US company being sold the law actually ALLOWED the administration more leeway, and it was a real security issue, unlike this deal.
I would not be at all surprised though that republicans who support Bush no matter what in fact did support all those things that BUsh supported (which drops amnesty which isn't his plan and the oil deal which wasn't decided one way and changed, it was argued over, analysed, and decided correctly albeit with a lot of help from conservatives).
"They will own, not operate, the ports."
Backwards.
This from DU:
nonconformist Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Tue Feb-21-06 03:47 PM
Response to Original message
15. Outrageous. IMPEACH NOW!
It should be crystal clear to everyone now that Bush does NOT care about the security of America and does NOT care about the will of the people. It's all about money, bottom line. IMPEACH NOW!
Frankly, I don't think we know enough about these deals to be passing judgment. What, if anything, will the new company actually own in terms of property at the ports? What all does operatorship encompass?
We know it doesn't encompass port security. That remains with the Coast Guard and Harbor Police. We know that Customs remains a DHS function.
Is it just inventory management, scheduling, and telling boats where to park to unload?
This company operates a port in Australia, and the Aussies have all the same concerns that we do about muslims. How do they like the job that's being done?
We don't know those things at this forum, but it sure hasn't prevented everyone from hyperventilating.
We should not strike Iran until they hit France, or another EU country. The Turks are the only ones that could pull off an occupation in Iraq. I refuse, as a conservative, to authorize a pointless occupation of Iran. Let them starve, for all I care.
"Mr Sanborn, a graduate of The United States Merchant Maritime Academy, joined DP World in 2005. He previously held senior roles with shipping lines CMA-CGM (Americas), APL Ltd and Sea-Land and has been based, besides the US, in Brazil, Europe, Hong Kong and Dubai during his career. He has also served in the US Naval Reserve."
Manchurian Candidate. How about a game of solitaire?
Oh, I see - you didn't like NAFTA either - too bad you didn't have a terrorist canard way back then to scare people with.
OK I'll sit back and watch. Boy this thread is really hot. I've been on it since the beginning and I'm at least 100 posts behind. Smokin'
Did Kim Peterson say anything about whether any of the employees of the Dubai company will be informed of classified security alerts issued by the DHS, FBI, CIA or Interpol on terror threats to our ports? Or will they remain in the dark about the threats?
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