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.
Soooo...THIS brings out the Veto pen...but the Out-Of-Control Spending and OTHER bills Conservatives and Americans have been upset over...that's OK?!?!
"Ahead Sell-Out Factor 10, Mr. Chertoff!"
Everyone needs to calm down. This company outbid everyone else on this deal. Security will not change one iota whether it's the old British owned company or this one. The Dubai company has a huge economic stake in keeping things kosher ie 6.2 billion dollar investment. The more I know about this the more comfortable I feel that there is nothing to be concerned about.
I would however suggest that Bush allow a 45 day review period so all the "bedwetters" can get up to speed.
Yes, since the British are our allies in the WoT, and the UAE are not.
Saw it announced on CNBC about 10-15 minutes ago.
"That's hit BUTT WIPE hand George!"
Go for it Mr. President, after all Roosevelt let the Japs handle our ports on the West Coast during World War II, and who could forget that lucrative contract with the Russians for handling our Atlantic ports approved by Truman as the Cold War got underway?
Be sure to spray some WD-40 on that veto pen before you pull it out of that dusty pocket protector, ok?
Is this entire thread going to become a casting call for the latest Conservative Drama Queens?
PENCE ON THE PORT DEAL [Kathryn Jean Lopez]
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN), chairman of the House Republican Study Committee, urged the Bush Administration to put a hold on a port contract that would shift control of port operations in six U.S. ports to a company owned by the United Arab Emirates.
"During ordinary times normal procedures for reviewing port security contracts might be appropriate, but these are not ordinary times," said Pence. "We are a nation at war, and to ensure the security of our nation's major ports the president should put a hold on this contract until it can be investigated."
The British-based Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. (P&O) approved the company's acquisition by Thunder FZE, a subsidiary of Dubai-based Dubai Ports World. P & O directs commercial operations at the six U.S. ports. The takeover by Dubai Ports World means that it will be in charge of those operations.
Under federal law, the president has until March 2 to overrule approval grant by the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States for DP World to purchase the London-based Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation, which has been running the commercial operations at ports in New York, New Jersey, New Orleans, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Miami.
And from now on I'll only tell you when someone is defending the port deal. Because that would be news.
BOEHNER ON PORTS [Kathryn Jean Lopez]
WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement regarding the proposed deal that would allow a company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to manage port operations in six U.S. cities:
"Congress has an essential oversight role that should and will be exercised with regards to this transaction. Our national security is of vital interest and concern when it comes to the operation of our nation's ports and borders.
"We will take immediate steps to work with the congressional committees of jurisdiction to ensure there is thorough oversight and procedural review of the pending transaction."
I think maybe we need to ask what he knows that we don't know.
I am on record against this. But who the heck am I and what do I know about this on anything other than an appearance level?
Nothing.
So my next question ishere is a guy whose every waking breath is spent in protecting the American people within the confines of the law and practical application...and he is absolutely intent on making this happen.
Why?
It would be an easy enough thing to back off on. He believes in this. There has to be a reason, something broader that is not known.
Absolutely stupid decision by Bush. Bad for US security, bad for the Republicans, bad for Bush. If this sale goes through and any terrorist action is ever associated with any transaction through these ports, Bush will deserve the impeachment the kooks are calling for.
It's off the WIRE...no link that I have found on the web yet.
It would have been nice to see him have the same attitude toward the McCain-Finegold monstrosity.
I don't understand why he's risking the rest of his political life on this issue. If Congress overrides the veto then he's toast.
Go ahead and veto, I hope we override it.
UAE could be a staging area for airstrikes and special forces operations against Iran.
Now,...that is something to ponder, for a second.....okay I'm done,...sorry not can do on the ports. :)
You might have hit on something here. We shall see.
The veto pen isn't in his pocket, it's wrapped up new in the box in the back of one of his desk drawers.
WTH?
Man, what is going on?
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