Dubai Ports Deal: A Pitchfork Moment

Human Events ^ | February.24, 2006 | Pat Buchanan

[unseen]

Why does the free traders always paint that picture. That we either have free trade or all trade stops. It is always an either or with them. Why should we treat our enemies the same way we treat our friends. Why should China a nation that frowns on human rights be given the same treatment as say Great Britain? Why does Mexico a country that freely imports drugs that destroy our children get the same treatment as say Canada that does not. I learned in kindergarten to not tell kids that didn't like me stuff they they could use against me and I learned that if you want someone to play by the rules you have to enforce the rules or they become meaningless.

[Echo Talon]

If we want to tighten up security, inspect more cargo impose more rules fine, I don't have problem with that, what i have a problem with is alienating the people who we need in the WOT.

[mojojockey]

Who should determine if America engages in Free Trade?

[Echo Talon]

Why does the free traders always paint that picture. That we either have free trade or all trade stops. It is always an either or with them.

Because we do not have 1 American company doing the job that P & O does. Until then its either you want imports & exports or you dont .

[aligncare]

We may not agree on this issue - but, you do make some cogent points on this post. Congratulations!

[Cedar]

Here is the UAE's desired plan for the US and other UN member states:


"UN member states, particularly nuclear powers should also cease their technical , financial, scientific and nuclear-related assistance to Israel, she said."


for more info go to this link:

http://www.libertypost.org/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=113831

[Greenpees]

Long before Sept 11, I was of the mind that we needed, as a country, to do something dramatic to curb the ability of so many dictatorial islamic regimes to deflect the anger and unhappiness of their own populations toward the United States, instead of at their own corrupt governemnts.

After September 11th, I knew that we were faced with only two choices. We would have to (1) Kill a billion muslims, or (2) Try to fundemantally change them by changing their forms of government, and thus at least some of their ideology.

UAE is not what any of us would really consider to be a "freindly" nation, no matter what business they already do here in America, and no matter how much money they gave to Katrina victims. If this was Norway, we wouldn't be having this discussion.

That said, we haven't decided that it's time to kill them all either. DPW is a business. I am a believer that international business ties make the world a safer place. After all, what business would want to destroy thier own cash cows, unless they are all truly insane?

We have to ask ourselves, do we, as a nation, beleive that ALL muslims are terrorists? If the answer is no, not all, then we should support this transaction. Otherwise, we are doing an injustice to the free market, and a majority of the UAE, who are most likely just people trying to make a buck. If the answer is "yes", then pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan and spark up the nukes! Because, we're just wasting time and strategic advantage.

But, I don't believe that. I couldn't support Bush, or the idea that spreading democracy was at all a practical solution if I did.

Therefore, I fully support the idea of tighter security requirements on DPW, and more Homeland Security involvement at the ports. To do otherwise would be criminally negligent. But, the deal should happen.

[kalee]

ping

[Reagan Man]

With all due respect, the UAE shoudln't be given special treatment in the area of US homeland interests. Special considerations over there, fine, not over here. We can offer the UAE sweetheart deals all the time. Just not on US soil. The federal bureaucracy is out of control. The right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. Come on, Red China managing US ports of entry. Islamic UAE managing US ports of entry. This is the type of status quo that undermines our security and our sovereignty. It needs to stopped ASAP!

[unseen]

Hmmmm. let's see the Constitution says that:

Section 8 - Powers of Congress

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

and then the President has the power to:

He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors

So it would appear that since the port issue deals with commerce to a foreign country the congress and not some faceless and unRepresentative council (cIFUS) should be in charge of this transaction.


As far as free trade the president has the power to propose alliances but the congress (Senate) now elected by the people has the finally say and a super majority at that is needed. How the Congress gave up this power to the President with his fast track power is beyond me. So has an answer to your question the people through their elected repersenatives should determine if AMerica engages in Free Trade not the Corporate world that buys our elected leaders votes.

[Echo Talon]

You need to settle down, China nor the UAE are managing our "port of entry" US Coast Guard does that. And I have no idea what your talking about when you say the UAE is getting special treatment, we are treating them like anyone else.

[aligncare]

All good points.

It's after 4 am. I'll come out swinging in the next round. G'night all.

[Cedar]

Since you brought up managing ports--port security--you might want to read this on the weakness of it all:

"Port Security Still A House of Cards"

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1584982/posts

[unseen]

But this can't be the proponents for this deal state that the workers the longshoreman will not be affected. So the imports and exports will continue to flow until that is they go on strike... All joking aside.... Are you trying to tell me the greatest Nation on Earth could not operate a seaport if it had too in very quick order. From what I read all the work is done by the Americans anyhow. It is only the management that id forgien owned.

[Reagan Man]

Another reasonable post. Thanks for it.

After 9-11 we had many options open to us. Not just two. We don't have to wipe out a million Muslims. I supported PresBush`s efforts in the WOT, first in Afghanistan and then Iraq. I believe the US military should keep a base of operations somewhere in Iraq and Afghanistan on a long term basis. But I'm of the opinion that trying to force western democracy on the Islamic world, is an effort in futility. Other then our great friend and ally Israel, half of the ME hates America and everything we stand for. The other half isn't too thrilled with us either. Jihadists and Islamofascists want to destroy western civlization. These people are barbarians, who have no humanity. They don't care about mankinds future. They care only about their fundamentalist religion and radical spread of terrorism.

[Echo Talon]

who would want to trade with us after kicking the whole world
out? They would see us as the Soviet Union only worse, a Soviet Union with no equal!

[unseen]

"I am a believer that international business ties make the world a safer place. After all, what business would want to destroy their own cash cows, unless they are all truly insane? "


You do understand you are talking about people that blow THEMSELVES up everyday for the greater glory of Allah right? If a person can blow themselves up there is NOTHING they would not do. Money interests come a very very second place in that worldview. And not to paint with a big brush but with WMD all it takes is one cell looking for 72 virgins...

[gleeaikin]

#26 I like that typo, pious rattlesnakes, kinda like pious Islamic terrorists.

On a more serious note. Tonight's news pointed out that one port in Texas they would take over is a predominantly military supplies shipping point. I think they said Beumont? The question was raised as to whether we want any Arab country to be able to keep track of the type and timing of our military equipment movements. Is this a valid concern? Perhaps we could go ahead with the others and handle this one separately.

[unseen]

Anyone that wants to trade in the greatest market in the world. Using your logic if New York City says only taxi cabs with back seat air bags can work in NYC then all taxi cab drivers will go to Newark. But in reality most taxi cabs would install the air bags and do whatever else it takes to operate in the city because that is where the money is.

[Echo Talon]

you can be an isolationist thats fine.