It's easier than defending an indefensible position. It's one nasty habit that a few freepers have picked up from the left over the years: "You disagree with THIS? You must be an idiot, buffoon, racist, homophobe, [insert-your-favorite-perjorative]."
The notion that there's no difference between a U.S. port being owned by the UK (our staunchest ally) and the UAE is a notion that falls flat on its face after even a cursory examination. As for the defense that "Saudis already own U.S. port operations," that's no defense. That too is unconscionable, and if this UAE issue shines more light upon it, good.
MM
Correct you are.
"Lesson One of Portgate: Scream "Islamophobia/xenophobia" often enough, and people will start to back down.
Lesson Two of Portgate: Mislead and mischaracterize your critics often enough, and people will start to back down." (Michelle Malkin)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1584401/posts
Same Liberal debate tactics used by the OBL here on FR for years.