[hedgetrimmer]

but the only way smaller companies will be able to compete will be if they cut costs (employees) and instead go mechanical

And you would prevent them?

They don't want to increase the Coast Guards budget

Yes it is the point. The "free traders" have been screaming... don't worry about the UAE, the Coast Guard has our back. Well, frankly they don't, they are being cut back even more. National security is not JOB 1 with this administration, not in anyone's wildest fantasy.

[McGavin999]

I don't agree with that. Remember, congress controls the purse strings. Bush sends up a budget and then the congress critters cut things he wants and add things THEY want. The only way he gets around it is by supplimentals for the war. Do you want to short change the guys who are over there in direct combat?

I realize how important the Coast Guard is, maybe we should make sure congress realizes it as well. It's about time someone educates them about how the ports work.

And no, I wouldn't stop the companies from mechanizing. I just seriously doubt they will have the capital to do it AND purchase the contracts. The outcome will be to attempt to meet the obligations on the cheap. We all know what the results of that will be.