Posted on 02/21/2006 11:41:27 PM PST by KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle
here's a really relevent article exerpt from MM: (and MUST READ also Kathleen Parker's most recent 'death wish' analysis of GB)here's Michelle Malkin:
"Make no mistake. I stand with critics on both sides of the aisle who want to stop the secretive deal transferring operations of our ports to the UAE a Middle Eastern government with a spotty record of fighting terrorist plots and terrorist financing. The issue is not whether day-to-day, on-the-ground conditions at the ports would change. The issues are whether we should grant the demonstrably unreliable UAE access to sensitive information and management plans about our key U.S ports, which are plenty insecure enough without adding new risks, and whether the decision process was thorough and free from conflicts of interest.
From every angle political, safety, and sovereignty-wise--Dubai Ports World's business transaction (made possible by an unprecedented $3.5 billion Islamic financing instrument called a "sukuk" that upholds sharia law) looks bad and smells worse."
And they would do this because...?
They have purchased the British company that already has the contract for the 6 ports. I, too would vote for Haliburton.
Because the contracts are OWNED by a British firm and no American company wanted the contracts at their sale price?
Yep.
I guess the same FReepers who were against Federalizing the airport now want us to Federalize the ports.
Yes, it is interesting that so many don't seem to know that it is owned by a British company now... That is hasn't been under American ownership. The simple fact is, no American company wanted it for the asking price.
And they would do this because...?
Same "reason" as last time out, most likely.
You haven't read yet that no American company bid for the business?
Sorry but I will trust the judgement of a President who has killed more islamofascists than all Presidents combined, than a keyboard commando who imagines he kills them with keyboard strokes.
I am sensing that many/most responsible Americans of both political parties, and many FReepers, are looking closely at this proposed "deal" and finding it wanting for whatever reason. I really believe that most Americans want NOT to "federalize" the six ports, but to Americanize them.
However, please take a look at the post by pickrell at 9:45 on the 21st(last evening). It might well be relevant.
(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")
Hooboy.
Who ever thought that Hillary's political Tin Ear was communicible?
President Bush MAY be absolutely right on this, or maybe it is another strategery that is beyond my grasp... But given the entire political and social situation in the USA, it was a totally foolish move, at least the way it was done. WORSE than Harriet Miers.
Generally, (other than border security) I WANT to give President Bush the benefit of the doubt... But the fact that Jimmy Carter is about the only other person 'with a name' who thinks that it is a good idea should send up warning flags to everyone who has any more than half a functioning brain cell.
And the fact that President Bush, who NEVER has felt the need to veto any bill that has been sent to him, finds this the only thing important enough to veto really bothers me too. Why is this more important than something like Constitutional issues like the stifled 'free speech' through McCain Finegold?
I can see just about everyones points on this; except that I don't see this as racism. That they are Arabs doesn't bother me. That they (from the CEO down to the janitor) MAY be Muslims who believe literally and totally in a Quran which demands that people be converted or subjugated to mohammedism or killed violently DOES worry me.
Even if no one in the UAE company will be directly involved in port security, they will still be briefed or be able to closely observe security operations. And even if they personally are good guys, no telling who they will talk to; They will have family back in sandy places who may be threatened if they don't cooperate with terrorists.
All I know for sure is that this is a funny thing for President Bush to 'draw a line in the sand' over.
I'm against it, barring further information... If it is some sort of grand strategery that will benefit Americans, well, I guess that I and the other reasonable people who oppose it will have to be embarassed by failing to trust President Bush's grand plan.
But in the mean time, better safe than sorry, I say.
And if it is strategery that can't be made public, then President Bush has to 'toss the dice' and suffer the short term political fallout if it is the right thing to do, and hope that we don't have any real fallout in either the short term or the long them because of it.
... ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... yeah. Yeah. That's what Lileks was claiming, all right.
Yooouuuuuuuuuuuuu betcha.
Just a question for all the naysaying "know it all" pundits such as lileks and malkin.
How many islamofascists have they killed pontificating from behind their keyboards.
read this:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1583271/posts
also, I agree with the blog you referred in one sense: I don't think that the Arabs should be involved in transportation either. We have out-sourced our own security, and the Arabs haven't been sleeping as we have. They've been plotting for years, putting all the pieces in place, and are a very patient people. We're idiots.
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
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