Posted on 02/24/2006 12:20:23 PM PST by Jim Robinson
FR Poll: After a few days of fact finding and debate, do you now support or oppose the Dubai Ports deal?
Support
Oppose
Undecided
Support!!! Isn't that what free enterprise and being a free country is all about?
Support.
Even if it is good policy, and even if there are no security concerns--it is bad politics, period. Remember, most people can't even name their own senator--so to think that the average American will get the facts, and/or research the issue, and think things out (the way that most on FR do) is short-sighted and naive.
Anything that allows Hilllary, Chuckie, Howie or the Democratic Party to bolster their already minimal/questionable/non-existent national security credentials (regardless of whether they are right or wrong)--only serves to harm the President and the Republican Party.
FWIW, I agree with Charles Krauthammer. We HAVE to do it now, but let's add some security to the ports.
As long as the Emeritii leave the Brits alone...if the Brits get sacked and are replaced with a bunch of Haji's...they're out.
Sometimes doing the right thing is bad politically.
I was undecided at first until I learned more about the facts of the case. I have definitely decided to SUPPORT the President in this case. As long as security is maintained by the U.S. I get a kick at how many democrats and MSM are saying we are "selling" our ports to foreign countries - we need to get all the facts out. Thank You for this thread. Shirley
I am not undecided. I have decided to be ambivalent. I really could care less. I do not have all these security concerns, but then I would have preferred the contract go to Halliburton.
I guess if there are only two choices - I support.
From the beginning I held my fire unlike some. I'd still like to know more about what all this new owner can actually do and can't do. So I'm still in a Port 101 learning mode.
Hillary LOL. I really can't wait for '08!
The way I understand it Jim the ports 'are' run by Americans. They are run by the state's Port Authorities. The PO's lease space to different companies, such as P&O or whoever.
Unfortunately, 'politics' is what gets Republicans elected and/or defeated. Sadly, discretion is sometimes the better part of valor.
If their help is in any way contingent on them managing our ports...then that should raise some red flags right there.
Here's some more fact finding.
Washington Post UAE terminal takeover extends to 21 ports
United Press International - 8 hours ago
By PAMELA HESS. WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- A United Arab Emirates government-owned company is poised to take over port terminal ...
UAE Terminal Takeover Extends To 21 Ports Post Chronicle
UAE terminal takeover extends to 21 ports World Peace Herald
all 184 related »
http://www.upi.com/SecurityTerrorism/view.php?StoryID=20060223-051657-4981r
We can never "win" the war on terror militarily. We must change the culture over there, and this is one of many ways to do it.
I agree with that (although I guess I support the deal on the basis its a business deal between 2 companies, and barring any added security risks than already exist, who am I to stop that?) but you can't make a company do the work.
Support
Oppose. Data gathering has only reinforced my position.
"people in the u.s. need jobs"
The one thing that you are forgetting is that you have to have legal residency in this country. This will not affect the Longshoremen, nor U.S. people from keeping their jobs. The ownership will change, yes. However, it is no different than the Japanese Car factories in the U.S. Our people are the employees, not foreign workers.
True, nobody is always wrong.
Still, if you had no information but that Jimmy Carter supported a position, and your life depended on getting it right, don't go with Jimmy.
The man makes me ashamed to be a Baptist and a Southerner, or even an earthling.
After initial opposition I now support it....still the PR aspect of this deal was blown big time by the Bush Admininstration.
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