[MJY1288]

What is so terribly wrong about this whole debate is the fact that all DWP would control is the terminal activities. Not a single say in how the Port is run, or how Security measures are implimented, or any command of anything at all at the Port. No say in who works there, no say on what goes in or out, and no say on a single aspect of the day to day operations. All they are bidding on is the ability to collect the funds for loading and unloading the containers on the ships.

IMHO this is all to do about nothing

[Miss Marple]

I agree. There is lots of ignorance and hysteria around here tonight.

I am not going to waste my time arguing with most of them, as they are the types who only show up when there is a good Bush-bash going on.

[snugs]

I agree Mike, I have worked in a shipping related job for 25 years and I know what security checks on cargo there is worldwide and how it has increased dramatically. Air from early 1990s after Locerbie and sea after 9/11.

IMHO the Republicans in Congress are fearing that due to ignorance the American people will be worried about port security and that could affect their re-election in November. The DemoRATS are just using it as a way to bash the President and therefore indirectorarily the Republican Party and therefore see it as an advantage for the November elections.

[NordP]

I'm starting to feel more comfortable about this. Mark Ginsberg offered some personal experiences regarding this country/deal. Also, I found out that China/Singapore was up for this purchase, too. That could be much worse, and not something W could say out loud. The other thing is that UAE looks to be truly trying to be more like us--even giving money to Katrina disaster. It would be detrimental to progress and add to the "why should we change?" factor for Arab-lite.

Rush was just saying that in addition to the Dems trying to use this issue to further their appearance as tough on terror, the Dems are choosing the road of profiling as their vehicle to do so. (Rush's point--my way of capsulizing it.)