[Riverman94610]

"They are trying to be a mecca of industry and capitalism"
True,but is it REALLY capitalism as I understand capitalism to be defined when the GOVERNMENT controls the means of production.Since World Ports is state of Dubai owned,isn't that the the same thing as if the Federal Govt. here ran Apple,GM or Walmart?

[KOZ.]

I think you've got a point.

The fact is that a national government has more money and leverage then a private company. we can essentially sell every major port/airport/manufacturing facility to foriegn governments because they can afford it.

It makes sense strategically for them, because they will make money off of the US, and own a vital commercial vein.

Thats why China owns stuff on the western shore etc.

I'm skeptical of any government ownership of anything, whether its the government run schools, tollways, or ports.
Whether it's our government or someone elses.

[P-40]

True,but is it REALLY capitalism as I understand capitalism to be defined when the GOVERNMENT controls the means of production.


Dubai is setting up shop to attract a lot of private industry; the seed money is from the state but much of the commerce will be private. A lot of financial firms are opening up an extention there now, for example.

For whatever reason, the sultan does not feel that the oil money will last forever and is trying to do something for the future. Smart.