Posted on 02/26/2006 3:02:39 PM PST by WestVirginiaRebel
Sen. John McCain said Sunday that the reaction to a Dubai-based company's proposed takeover of several U.S. shipping terminals has reached the point of "near-hysteria," singling out Sen. Hillary Clinton for criticism.
"The near-hysteria about this is not warranted, particularly in light of the other major crisis that we're facing throughout the world," McCain told ABC's "This Week."
The Arizona Republican criticized Mrs. Clinton for urging that all foreign opereation of U.S. ports be banned, warning that if she gets her way, "We've got a lot of disinvestment to do."
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
Ok, call me stupid...but I have read alot about these port deals and I cannot see how this is good. I am very willing to learn from any of you.
I have always backed the President --almost to a fault, but this makes no sense to me. How is this deal good?
It's not a bad deal. Foreign company's have managed American ports for years, it's certainly nothing new. The Saudis are managing 9 American ports and have since early in the Clinton administration. These company's are motivated by profit as any business is. It is unquestionably in their best interest to insure that operations proceed in a proper and secure manner. They are risking billions in the endeavor and will do what is neccessary to protect their investment.
By not allowing the deal to go through we are punishing very possibly our best mid eastern ally in the war on terror. An ally that allows are Navy to dock in their ports, our planes to land on their airfields and fly over their territory unimpeded. Most of this furor is generated by political opportunism and ignorance of the facts.
Research the matter, the more you know the better you will feel about it.
After a double take ... is the name of that ship a reflection of the person in the picture? (LOL!)
This particular company is controlled by the UAE government. Profit may not be so primary a concern.
McCain, the arrogant pr*ck, obviously believes this to be a wedge issue ticket to the WH...
Political bluster signifying nothing. Cats and dogs are known to fight.
The Boston Herald has a short story on the port thing today; the only illustration was a picture of protesting dock workers and the longshoremen's union. I wondered if the improvements British P&O didn't want to pay for -- and Dubai is willing to -- might reduce the union workforce needed. (And I hear Dubai is reputed to be anti-union, but I can't source it.)
What percentage of air cargo gets inspected by customs? How does that compare to the percentage of ocean cargo?
LOL! So now McCain is in your dog house?
McCain has stood tall on this ports' issue. Good for him!
The same McCain that said "Bush has earned our trust"? LOL!!
I think you might be on to something; and I don't think UAE looks kindly on "pilfering" from shipments, which I understand is a big problem with the unions.
I did, and Newsmax is correct in what McCain said.
Easy. McCain would earn my vote.
"I think you might be on to something; and I don't think UAE looks kindly on "pilfering" from shipments, which I understand is a big problem with the unions."
I'm 100% sure why this dust up got started in Miami. Pilfering and smuggling is a way of life and the local pols know it. UAE would be much more secure than what we have now - a cesspit of corruption.
MinuteGal said that the union guys were out in Florida last week!
"What percentage of air cargo gets inspected by customs? How does that compare to the percentage of ocean cargo?"
It does not matter. For a few bucks you can slip anything through Miami. And usually there is an inside connection.
I hadn't heard about that, but I do know that PSA Singapore doesn't like to tango with unions and opted out of the P&O sale.
I find this story really pathetic. Freepers are soooo clueless. There is no Port security in Florida. All you need is the name of an arriving passenger ship and a fake ID and you can drive right into Port Everglades. There is NO SECURITY whatsoever on the way out. None, zip, nada.
I saw on FOX5 in New York over the weekend there was a small protest on the Jersey side of the NY/NJ ports on Sunday.
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