[FFIGHTER]

The politicos, pundits and the MSM are spouting off opinions, not based on fact or knowledge of the deal in question, and in the bigger picture, shipping operations, port operations, port and cargo security. Second, they know little or nothing about the company in question, other than the location of its headquarters.

They would be surprised to learn that the company in question works and has a longstanding relationship with Israeli shipping interests and handles a good portion of their operations. Second, the company is the front line cargo transit operator for our military in the region, that is responsible for cargo and supplies heading to and from our troops in the field. The UAE has served as both an operation center and is complete with air facilities, port facilities and numerous mini bases from which our military operates command and control functions and work integrally with our intelligence units located there. They supply minor repairs, fuel and supplies for our naval assets in the region and other support functions, water, mail, sewage, lightering, harbor services,etc.

These port related functions provided to our military in particular the Navy are provided by this company. They work closely with them and are a important link in the logistic operations in the region.

Last, terminal operators and cargo handlers, are not responsible for port security, cargo security, cargo inspections and other security related procedures, operations. Ultimately these functions fall on the Port Authority, Port Police, USDA, Customs Service, INS and the U.S.C.G.

[austinaero]

I think the information you provide here in a couple of paragraphs is more helpful in 'selling' this to the American people than the rhetorical shuffling coming out of the Bush administration. I think the world of "W", but the defense of the WH position on this has been, 'we looked at it, it's ok.' So, why can't they do what you do and try to bring some perspective to the situation? I don't think it helps anyone to go off the deep end and freak out about the decision but it sure would be helpful to have more info. We all know what happens when info is missing,,,it gets filled in from various places and then the problem just gets bigger and takes on a life of it's own. I think we are watching that happen here.

[Soul Seeker]

They would be surprised to learn that the company in question works and has a longstanding relationship with Israeli shipping interests and handles a good portion of their operations.

That is the single most important fact I've heard stated. The administration should advance this immediately. It would be hard for anyone to believe Israeli's are willfully turning their security interests over to folks that are plotting their massacre.

[katiedidit1]

Thank you for printing some facts conveniently omitted by the MSM. One big fiasco after another and why oh why do the republicans panic BEFORE they know the facts!!!

[Tarantulas]

Thanks for your reasonable and logical post. It's amazing to me that so many people decided to go the knee-jerk route on this issue rather than find out some facts about it.

It's funny that the Democrats cried for more security yet started whining that there should be no racial profiling. Now, many of them who want to appear strong on security in an election year are shouting to keep the A-rabs from owing the contract to operate the ports. And some Republicans who can't be bothered to learn more about the issue are jumping right on the bandwagon with them. I guess in some cases even we Republicans eat our own young.

[mjaneangels@aolcom]

Thank you for your response. I was under the impression that this kind of information was "out there" somewhere and have been looking for it so I could make an informed decision.

[daybreakcoming]

Your post is worthy of it's own thread. Not enough people have looked beyond the pundits kneejerks.