BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: freda underhill
Date: 20 Feb 06 - 11:55 PM

meanwhile..


Two Republican governors on Monday questioned a Bush administration decision allowing an Arab-owned company to operate six major U. S. ports, saying they may try to cancel lease arrangements at ports in their states. New York Gov. George Pataki and Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich voiced doubts about the acquisition of a British company that has been running the U.S. ports by Dubai Ports World, a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates.

'Ensuring the security of New York's port operations is paramount and I am very concerned with the purchase of Peninsular & Oriental Steam by Dubai Ports World,' Pataki said in a news release. 'I have directed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to explore all legal options that may be available to them in regards to this transaction,' said the New York governor, who is still in the hospital recovering from an appendectomy.

Ehrlich, concerned about security at the Port of Baltimore, said Monday he is 'very troubled' that Maryland officials got no advance notice before the Bush administration approved an Arab company's takeover of the operations at the six ports. The state of Maryland is considering its options, up to and including voiding the contract for the Port of Baltimore, Ehrlich said, adding: 'We have a lot of discretion in the contract.'

Pataki is also asking the federal government to 'share all critical relevant information made available to the Council on Foreign Investment during the course of the review of the purchase,' a reference to the federal panel that approved the deal. New York's legal options could include canceling the lease for operation, effectively shutting out Dubai Ports World from port activities. P&O signed a 30-year lease with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in 2000 to operate the Port Newark Container Terminal.

The governors are the latest elected officials from both parties to complain about the deal. House Homeland Security chairman Peter King, R-N.Y., has been one of the most vocal, saying secret assurances obtained by the government don't go far enough to protect the nation's seaports.

Democratic New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez joined the chorus of complaints on Monday. Menendez said he and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., will introduce legislation prohibiting the sale of port operations to foreign governments.

Bush administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, have defended the decision. Critics have cited the UAE's history as an operational and financial base for the hijackers who carried out the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. In addition, they contend the UAE was an important transfer point for shipments of smuggled nuclear components sent to Iran, North Korea and Libya by a Pakistani scientist.

During a campaign stop in Bladensburg, Md., Monday, Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley was adamant that the operations of his city's port not be turned over to the Arab-owned company. 'I believe that President's Bush's decision to turn over the operations of any American port is reckless,' said O'Malley, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to oppose Ehrlich in the Maryland governor's race. 'We are not going to turn over the Port of Baltimore to a foreign government.'

Free Trade or Gambling with American Freedom?
Associated Press, The UAE Port Controversy, February 20, 2006

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Feb 06 - 11:58 PM

From Ebbie's link above: "Opponents of the deal also argue that the FBI found that the UAE's banking system filtered much of the money used for the operational planning before the Sept. 11 attacks, and many of the hijackers traveled to the United States through the UAE. On top of that, the UAE was an important transfer point for shipments of smuggled nuclear components sent to Iran, North Korea and Libya by a Pakistani scientist."

This company is owned by the UAE and the UAE was only formed in 1971. Considering that it has only a 36 year history, I'd say it doesn't have a great track record.

I can find very little about the social conditions in the UAE, but something tells me its probably a few, very rich emirs and alot of very poor Muslims. I'd also like to know more about the early formation of the UAE. Its called a federation but its hardly a democracy if its head of state is an emir.

Whatever happened to bringing democracy to the Middle East?

I think what the U.S.A. had in mind was opening the Middle East to the neo-con agenda and a new world order.

Oh well, I guess everything will be fine as long as Bush and his cronies continue to profit from their business dealings while tax payers go further and further into national debt.

I am no longer angry at Bush but I'd like to rip the face off anyone who voted for him. How naive can the voting public be? I guess that in the end, ignorance and/or apathy bites you in the ass. If you don't protect democracy, you lose it.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: GUEST,Q as guest.
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 12:16 AM

Thanks, Ebbie, for explaining the sale. I doubt that many of the posters here had any idea that our major ports were under foreign management.
The security, if any, is in the hands of the U. S.; it is the port management that has been sold. The U. S. got out of port management years ago.
Incidentally, who controls the Suez Canal now? I think it is Egyptian, but haven't thought about it for a long time.

Incidentally- how would it ever be possible to check every container coming into a port? Except for spot checks, we depend on every exporter and shipping company for this service, regardless of ownership or location.

Echoing Bobert, who is Ann Colter? I guess I get my news from the wrong sources (BBC, PBS, CBS, NY Times, Washington Post- she doesn't seem to get play in these). CNN, especially Lou Dobbs (brains of old Dobbin), is good for a laugh occasionally.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: michaelr
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 12:23 AM

Ann Coulter is one of the most strident right-wing voices shrieking today. She wrote a book with the premise that all liberals are traitors and should be imprisoned, shot, or worse. A neo-fascist of the worst stripe.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Teribus
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 12:32 AM

Little Hawk - 20 Feb 06 - 03:08 PM

"Teribus is one of the most notable automatic responders, Ebbie. ;-)"

So says you LH, so exactly what did I respond to? On examination I think you will find that it is more in line with - now how did you put it?

"I am just recommending a little self-observance rather than an automatic gleeful rush to the standard opinion of one's choice around here, which is either "I hate Bush. He's an idiot." or "you people who hate Bush are all idiots"."

What I agreed with was Bunnahabhain's view, that all this is, is a business deal, no more, no less. If this deal goes through the security of the United States of America will not be affected in the least. Companies who operate the Port are responsible for the security measures enforced at those ports, those are defined by an international standard that all ports are audited on by the Certifying Authority, if Port Security is not handled in compliance of the IMO ISPS Code, your trade tends to suffer rather badly.

So in short, in effect, you will have Company B running your ports instead of Company A (Neither of which was ever American). Port Security will remain the same and will be organised, operated and enforced in accordance with an internationally recognised, agreed, approved IMO Standard as it has been for a few years now. So what is the big change that everybody should get excited about? The press seem to think that we should all be dashing about like "headless chickens" over the issue - I on the other hand don't, it would also appear that Bunnahabhain and Artbrooks are of a like mind.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: GUEST,dianavan
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 12:50 AM

The point is not that the ports are run by 'foreigners' but that the UAE's banks were involved with financing Al Qaeda operations and that they facillitated the smuggling of nuclear components.

With friends like that, who needs enemies?

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Once Famous
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 08:02 AM

Amos, I will answer this slightly modified.

Ann Coulter is a female genitalia. I do care to discuss or debate you why for much debate here is a complete waste of time, especially with some.

I will just say I do not respect her. That is my opinion, and you can read it, ignore it, dwell on it all you want. I have zero need to debate my opinion in many cases. But my opinion is hereby posted.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: artbrooks
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 08:29 AM

Let me say first that I think this is a bad idea, just on general principles.

Let's argue the issue, which I think is the specific one of should one nation's economic infrastructure be controlled by another nation?, rather than throwing out irrelevant factoids. And that, by the way, includes the fact that, IMHO, the US shouldn't have that kind of control elsewhere, either.

Were the UAE's banks involved in financing Al Qaeda operations? One of the hijackers was receiving funds from a bank in Qatar (one of the Emirates that make up the UAE). So what? The UAE is the Switzerland of the Near East, and has a lot of very closed-nouthed bankers. Didn't several of them have accounts with Bank of America? (Invented factoid, BTW) My brother lives in the UAE (and can't wait until his contract ends in June) and dislikes the locals intensely. Like Saudi (where he used to work), the Emeratis hire people from elsewhere to do just about everything while they "manage". Are there a "lot of poor muslems" there? Yeah, but they are all from the Philippines and Pakistan.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: artbrooks
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 08:50 AM

{sorry...'puter picking on me}

My point is that private companies must comply with the laws of the country or countries in which which they operate. They have no reason not to, since their basic goal is to make money for their owners or stockholders. On the other hand, the basic purpose of companies that are owned or controlled by governments or extra-national organizations (such as Al Qaeda) is to carry out political (or other) policies. I would have less of a problem with this entire issue if the company involved was privately owned rather than owned by the government.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 09:06 AM

Well, on the heels of the cartoon assault against those of Islamic Faith, I can see that this could be percieved as just Round 2 in an escalating war against Islam... And I'm now wondering if Bush didn't do this just to create more division and unrest- two of his favorites the "divide and conquer" scheme that Karl Rove has drawn up fir the boy...

Again, I am more disappointed because of the loss of jobs to Americans than I am of the inner workings of a more global economy... I'm sure that no administration would award such a contratc without a good amount of oversight...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Ebbie
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 12:07 PM

"So in short, in effect, you will have Company B running your ports instead of Company A (Neither of which was ever American).Port Security will remain the same and will be organised, operated and enforced in accordance with an internationally recognised, agreed, approved IMO Standard as it has been for a few years now." teribus

That begins to explain why containers are not inspected. Our ports are so full of security holes that it is absolutely inevitable that a man-made disaster will eventually begin there.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Little Hawk
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 12:58 PM

Sounds reasonable, teribus.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Teribus
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 02:00 PM

Ebbie - 21 Feb 06 - 12:07 PM

"That begins to explain why containers are not inspected."

Really Ebbie? How do you know that? Have you read through the IMO ISPS Codes (International Maritime Organisation, a UN organisation, International Ship and Port Security). It is part of a vessel's SOLAS Certification, if the ship does not have that certificate it cannot be insured, if not insured it cannot trade. Ports are registered too, the days have long gone since you could just shove any old thing on any old scow and send it to wherever the fancy took you. You ship only from ports registered under the ISPS system, all cargoes, containers, etc, are inspected and sealed at point of departure, the port areas themselves are sealed off and patrolled. The security situation within the part of the world where the port is located is constantly checked, as are those from which ships arrive from. Ships must report at least 24hrs prior to arrival and their trading profile and manifests are checked. Might not seem much, might not be all that visible, but it is thorough and it is seen through and checked.

All an American idea, came to somebody in the US Administration very shortly after 911.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Barry Finn
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 02:07 PM

While we're out-sourcing, I think it would be fine to hand over Homeland Security to the Saudi government, give their folks the job.
Maybe even send over the VP & P.

Why won't American companies partake in the open bidings for these contracts? THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.

We'll bail out the airlines & give them wings to fly, hell, we even bailed out Chrysler. Aren't our ports at the least just as important, if not far more important?

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Ebbie
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 06:03 PM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060221/ap_on_go_pr_wh/ports_security

Amazing. Both sides of the aisle are in an uproar over this. Hard to fathom Bush and his fellow enthusiasts being able to triumph.

Teribus, that ain't what I hear. And it isn't what others are told either. Our containers are only minimally inspected- even Homeland Security has noted that. Why are you so sure that the dictum is being followed?

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: GUEST,robomatic
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 06:17 PM

I'm finding it hard to get excited about the proposed deal. It seems to be a standard business deal involving organizational services. If we really truly believe that it is a minority of Arabs/ Muslims that are fanatical, it stands to reason we can do business with those that aren't. They may even be better than us at ferreting out potential problems.

As to the argument that UAE banks were involved with 'financing' the 9/11 terrorists, I believe it was American flight instructors who taught them all how to run large planes without emphasizing take off or landing. It was American security, (FBI) who didn't make the necessary connections towards catching 'em. So what's your point?

Other arguments, such as our overall security and the way the present US Administration has chosen to apportion its resources, I'm not happy about. But this is low on the list.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 06:34 PM

Ya know, there are a lot of so called progressives here who may be falling into an anti-Islam trap???

Why, all of a sudden, is everything about embarassing folks of Islamic Faith if not for the rumblings of yet another war against Arabs...

Something stinks here...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Ebbie
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 07:25 PM

I don't agree that it is Arab bashing, Beaubear, but rather a pragmatic view that points out that in a dark haired crowd, a blonde stands out; conversely, when everyone in the crowd is dark haired, another dark haired one doesn't stand out at all.

My contention is that if the preponderance of workers is Arab, there will be SOME Islamists who will perceive it as a potential entrance.

If, however, there is a normal mix of races and nationalities I don't see it as much of a problem. As I said, in Oregon the usual Japanese-owned company (usually small, in my experience) employs almost exclusively local people.

I can't say loudly enough though: Just knowing that our president and his advisors say that there is no problem doesn't reassure me an iota. They ain't hardly been right, yet.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Don Firth
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 07:25 PM

There are times when Bush makes me want to SCREAM!!!

Sorry, Teribus, but you're full of it. Living in a port city as I do (containers are off-loaded at docks directly adjacent to the downtown area), I have heard a fair number of discussions on both radio and local television about port security. One of the worrisome things that many city officials invariably mention is the fact that only about 4% of containers coming into American ports are actually inspected. The manifest does not necessarily itemize what is really in the container. For example, people being smuggled into the country in containers. A substantial problem for INS. If a couple dozen people can be smuggled into the country in a cargo container without being detected, why not a nuclear bomb?

I'm practicing something I learned in school some decades back: Duck and cover!

As to Ann Coulter, a clue to her mental makeup is that matters such as birth control and the option of legal abortion, things she would deny others, do not concern her personally. She eats her young.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 07:46 PM

Couldn't agree with you more, Ebbie... I'd love to see this contract go to an American firm that employs American folks who come in all flavors and sizes...

It's the continued out-sourcin' that bugs me more than anything...

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Don Firth
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 08:07 PM

Well, I dunno, Bobert. Considering that there are a number of countries on this planet that are run reasonably well, have managed to stay out of a fair number of wars, and are strongly dedicated to the well-being of their citizens, perhaps we should out-source the government.

Just a thought. . . .

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: freda underhill
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 08:38 PM

That's a great idea, Don. It would benefit all Australians, whose own government is following closely behind Dubya, or following Dubya's behind closely. Maybe the NZ govt would be a good outsourcer - we need some out-sorcery to fix up this tragic mess.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 08:44 PM

Hell yes, Don... Count me in...

I'd be more than happy to turn our governemnt over to Norway to run...

Tell ya what.... I bet 10 *dead* Norwegians would do a better job than the 600 or so Congressfolk and the couple hundred White Housers...

Great idea....

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Don Firth
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 08:53 PM

I'm not familiar with New Zealand's governmental set-up, but Norway's good. "Out-sorcery." I like that!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: freda underhill
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 09:08 PM

not only does NZ have beautiful landscapes and a moderate government, it is rumoured to be the home of middle earth...

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Once Famous
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 09:15 PM

"Something stinks here..."

Well, it could be the inside of your nose.

C'mon all you defenders of Arabs on so many other threads. Bush wants to help them. Maybe the money from the UAE will get to Palestine and that will make you happy.

I'm just going to sit back and watch some continue to talk out of two sides of their mouth.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Don Firth
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 09:17 PM

Ah, yes. I'm tempted to emigrate. Do you suppose I could rent a hobbit-hole? Small, perhaps, but they look sorta cozy.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: freda underhill
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 09:35 PM

How about one of these, Don?

Hobbit holes, going cheap to short bidder


ps, I stayed in a genuine hobbit hole recently in Gundaroo, a little village in the southern tablelands on nsw, oz. Grassy roof, chimney & all!

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Ebbie
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 09:36 PM

"C'mon all you defenders of Arabs on so many other threads. Bush wants to help them. Maybe the money from the UAE will get to Palestine and that will make you happy.

I'm just going to sit back and watch some continue to talk out of two sides of their mouth. " Martin

The process is called "thinking", Martin.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: freda underhill
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 09:39 PM

here's another attempt, Don!

deluxe hobbit homes, up for grabs

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Barry Finn
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 10:00 PM

It's not just the out-sourcing. We're out-sourcing matters of national security to a business owned by a foreign government. So that business & its representatives are technically agents representing a foreign nation & not one that has been historically had our good interests in mind, mind you either. Wouldn't there be some built in laws about this? I'm sure they wouldn't be hiring our Air-America to be flying their diplomats & packages of their national security. Maybe this well get Egypt to hire Air-American to fly as their Air Coast Guard, you know, manage & protect their Airports? I don't think so. Although I'm sure that Air America wouldn't even think of accepting a job offer like this, for any amount of money nor would they let their curiosity lead them to peek into the packages. No temptation here in this deal, might as well police it with Libyan agents, the ones that of course can pass a screening. Even from my sometimes extreme left of liberal view point this is a dead reckoning course for a disaster.

Extra, extra; new but not yet true bulletin:

Grand Central Station as well as a few other mega transportation centers are going to managed by a Saudi government owned management company. DC international & some of our other international airports are to be managed by an Israeli government owned security force or maybe an Iraqi led mod squad. At this point maybe Capitol Hill should be given control to the monks of Shangri-La.

Does all this sound to ridiculous? Far fetched? Yes, right from the beginning, starting with our Ports Of whose Authority!

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Once Famous
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 10:02 PM

No, ebbie. That process is called jumping on whatever bandwagon is hot that particular day. It requires very little thought, actually.

Actually, this is all very hilarious from my view. So, here is the liberals warning about those evil Arabs. And look! Here's an article currently on Yahoo that's calling the ones who don't want the Arabs in their bigots!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060221/us_nm/ports_bias_dc

Ya got love this. Shumer, Chillary, the rest of them denouncing Arab ownership in this port thing are bigots!

This is the biggest bipartisan event of the year!

""I find some of the rhetoric being used against this deal shameful and irresponsible. There is bigotry coming out here," said James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute.

Hey, maybe this Zogby is a closet Mudcat member!

What a riot!

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Don Firth
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 10:10 PM

I love it, Freda! I'll take it!
('Course it looks like I'd have to mow the roof every now and then.)

But back on topic:
"What the hell is Bush thinking of?" he asked naively.
"Thinking?" came the answer. "What does thinking have to do with anything Bush does?"

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: freda underhill
Date: 21 Feb 06 - 11:20 PM

Martin, you need to read Isaiah 5:20.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: tarheel
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 07:56 AM

STOP THE WORLD!!!!...I WANNA GET OFF!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: freda underhill
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 08:08 AM

no tarheel, what you need is something even stranger than a hobbit hole..

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Gervase
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 08:12 AM

Funny really. If the thread had been titled "Bush gives US xxx to Jews" there would have been an outcry. And rightly, because it would have smacked of anti-semitism. Yet supposedly intelligent, rational people here are banging on about security because the ports could be run by an Arab-run company.
Looks like Bush really has got you all running around like chicken-licken, screaming that the sky is going to fall any minute and looking for enemies everywhere. Chalk up another victory in "The Long War"!

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 10:55 AM

"The Daily News has learned that lawmakers also want to know if a detailed 45-day probe should have been conducted instead of one that lasted no more than 25 days.
    "According to a 1993 congressional measure, the longer review is mandated when the company is owned by a foreign government and the purchase "could result in control of a person engaged in interstate commerce in the U.S. that could affect the national security of the U.S."
    "Congressional sources said the President has until March 2 to trigger that harder look.
    ""The most important thing is for someone to explain how this is consistent with our national security," Fossella said."

The Debate Goes On

There's a whole lot I don't understand - why is it that a foreign country (Britain) was guarding and managing our ports in the first place? Is it a specialized activity and skill that only a few countries have expertise in? Why doesn't each country manage its own ports? Is this kind of thing standard all over the world?

Eb

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Teribus
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 10:57 AM

Don Firth - 21 Feb 06 - 07:25 PM

"Sorry, Teribus, but you're full of it."

How nice of you to say so - now go and read my post one more time - better still go and acquaint yourself with IMO ISPS.

"Living in a port city as I do (containers are off-loaded at docks directly adjacent to the downtown area), I have heard a fair number of discussions on both radio and local television about port security."

Means absolutely nothing if, like you, those doing the talking know nothing about the subject.

"One of the worrisome things that many city officials invariably mention is the fact that only about 4% of containers coming into American ports are actually inspected."

Well I actually heard that it was 5% inspected on arrival in a US Port. Now go back and read my post and read up on ISPS Code.

"You ship only from ports registered under the ISPS system, all cargoes, containers, etc, are inspected and sealed at point of departure, the port areas themselves are sealed off and patrolled."

The commonsense approach, you see Don is to stop your bomb, or whatever, before it gets onboard the ship. Taking your advice just as your work-weary customs/security staff in Baltimore Docks opens the container what they are about to inspect goes "BOOM" - Too late game over - TRUE?


Barry Finn - 06 - 10:00 PM

"We're out-sourcing matters of national security to a business owned by a foreign government."

No you most definitely are not. The US Coast Guard and the State and Federal Security Agencies have not delegated their responsibilities with regard to security to Dubai World Ports Ltd in any way, shape or form. Dubai World Ports has negotiated a take over of the British Company P&O Ports to MANAGE the ports, they do not own them, they are not in sole charge or custody of those Ports. In terms of security NOTHING will change.

"So that business & its representatives are technically agents representing a foreign nation"

No they are not, that business is a seperate entity under law and it's employees work for and are responsible for the efficient running of that entity. They do not in any way, shape or form represent any 'foreign nation'. Question Barry, who do you think DWP will employ to manage the six US Ports? I'll give you a little prediction - the same people that are doing so now, today, the same people as have been running them for years. Do you know why, because that is what makes most sense, they know the place, they know how it works and what makes it work.

One point you did mention though Barry, if - "DC international & some of our other international airports are to be managed by an Israeli government owned security force" - 911 would not have even been attempted.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Wolfgang
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 11:09 AM

For a couple of posts I thought all of the usual posters were being ironic, but I was wrong.

I still can hardly believe that Mudcat's left posters can be so xenophobic and jingoistic as they come over here.

With this type of argumentation you could turn down any job application by a Muslim and/or Arab. She wants to be a kindergarden teacher? Better not, she might be the one who lets the suicide bomber slip in. He wants to join the police force? Better not, he may be the one who turns his eyes away at a control post. He wants to join the Army? Maybe he only wants to throw a grenade on his comrades at night.

Or is it only because every thing Bush does must be wrong and you only have to contemplate why you think it is wrong.

"Germans, only buy in German shops" (a line from the 1930s)

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 11:16 AM

I still would like an answer to my questions regarding why ports are managed by foreign entities?

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: MMario
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 11:29 AM

And people are neglecting the fact that the ports were already being managed by a foriegn based company. Probably for quite some time. There is also the fact that I doubt US approval was required for the sale of the company - though possibly it was to continue their contracts.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Kaleea
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 11:36 AM

The giant sucking sound was not about south of the USA border, but about sending our jobs and with them our livlihoods to foreign shores. Now the security of our nation's ports is parted out. My Grandad owned an auto salvage. I know what an automobile looks like after it has been parted out to the max for top dollar. That is what our economy-and our national security-look like in the USA: the remains of a carcass.
can you spell trickle down bushanomics?

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: MMario
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 12:00 PM

I'd like to know for how long and under what administration it first occurred.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 12:11 PM

My Bush W captions for today...

"If we don't sell control of our ports to Arabs, then the terrorists have already won."

"If you are not for everything I'm paid to do, you are against everything the United States stands for!"

"You see, this is why we need more secrecy. I could be golfing right now instead of explaining the obvious to you people!"



(comon you guys I really do rely on your feedback for upcoming cartoons :)

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 12:42 PM

Support the sale of Walmart to Saudi Arabia.

Sounds crazy doesn't it, actually China would be the more likely buyer.
When there is growing inflation, selling a business is an attractive proposition, like when we sold dozens of US steel plants to China during the "stagflation" days.

perhaps...

ITS TIME TO OUTSOURCE ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING
Lets outsource the US Presidency.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 01:11 PM

BIG NEWS

Scott McClellan just said that President Bush knew nothing about the port transaction until it was covered by CNN.

If that is true he sure was quick on the trigger to threaten a veto if Congress tries to interfere !!



WOO HOO - All a journalist has do now is uncover a white house memo that George was informed prior to this week.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Greg F.
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 01:29 PM

Or is it only because every thing Bush does must be wrong...

No, its because the BuShites have got where they are precisely by beating the drum that each and every EH-rab, Muslim, towel-headed, sonofabitch terrorist "hates freedom" and is out to destroy the United States and that anyone who speaks kindly and rationally about the Muslim faith or Arabs in general is an "Enemy Of America" - - - - -

And then they go and do this.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Alba
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 01:33 PM

...and another way to view the deal...


"While House spokesman Scott McClellan dismissed any connection between the deal and David Sanborn of Virginia, a former senior DP World executive whom the White House appointed last month to be the new administrator of the Maritime Administration of the Transportation Department. Sanborn worked as DP World's director of operations for Europe and Latin America."

"My understanding is that he has assured us that he was not involved in the negotiations to purchase this British company," McClellan added.

"In terms of David Sanborn, he was nominated to run the Maritime Administration because of his experience and expertise," the spokesman said. Sanborn is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He is an operations professional."
Full article.

No doubt more info to come.
J

Subject: RE: BS: Bush Gives US Port Security to Arabs!
From: Alba
Date: 22 Feb 06 - 01:34 PM

100:)