Excellent! "Democrats plan bill to block Dubai-US port deal"

[npincus]

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsarticle.aspx?type=politicsNews&storyid=2006-02-17T154012Z_01_N17197464_RTRUKOC_0_US-SECURITY-CONGRESS-PORTS.xml&rpc=22

Way to go!

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two U.S. Democratic senators said on Friday they would introduce legislation aimed at blocking Dubai Ports World from buying a company that operates several U.S. shipping ports because of security concerns.

Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Hillary Clinton of New York said they would offer a measure to ban companies owned or controlled by foreign governments from acquiring U.S. port operations.

"We wouldn't turn the border patrol or the customs service over to a foreign government, and we can't afford to turn our ports over to one either," Menendez said in a statement.

P&O, the company Dubai Ports World plans to buy for $6.8 billion, is already foreign-owned but the concern is that the purchaser is backed by the United Arab Emirates government.

[jsamuel]

1. Democrats are strong on National Security!

:patriot:

[Coexist]

23. Democrats are strong on National Security

EVERYBODY NOW!!!

[Uncle Joe]

26. Democrats are strong on National Security!

Republicans are strong on greed, corruption and incompetence!

[rpgamerd00d]

31. Democrats are strong on National Security!

[brainshrub]

47. Democrats are strong on National Security!

:thumbsup:

[stlsaxman]

102. Democrats are strong on National Security!

:kick:

[AntiFascist]

70. Democrats are strong on National Security, and besides,

the Bush admin is compromised by its secretive, tight dealings with those who have more to lose from terrorism.

[smtpgirl]

83. YEP

That thar is what it is

[smtpgirl]

84. YEP

That thar is what it is

[upi402]

99. yessiree!

[orleans]

95. Democrats are strong on National Security

and way stronger than those fu*kin republicans who couldn't manage to prevent 9/11 in spite of the pdb & a tape not translated until the next day. and look at the way they keep catching osama! Ha!

dems are strong on national security
repukes are strongly full of shit!

[Hobarticus]

25. Strong on security....or show basic common sense?

Seems National Security 101 to me: don't let companies of nations that recognize the Taliban as a legit govt. operate your ports.

Ta me.

Still, this is terrific. Amazed that it would take a bill to oppose it, at all. We live in some effed-up times.

[mzmolly]

53. Both.

:hi:

[Hobarticus]

57. It's the simplicity that makes it soooo beautiful. n/t

[mzmolly]

58. And, it's going to be an issue in the coming House/Senate elections.

Remember Mehlman's lame strategy is "Republicans are tough on national security!" :eyes:

[mzmolly]

51. Democrats are strong on National Security!

:hi:

[smtpgirl]

82. So was * trying to sell what is left?

this has been coming for sometime now, but now, why are we selling the port security to the ME (highest bidder) anyway?

Answer me that?

[MrMickeysMom]

90. Yes, I agree, but...

The reason the Senate comes to the front with this issue is that both Dems and Repugs stand closer on this issue, and as we all know, them Senators want to be Senators again in another 6 years, and another 6 years, and another... and another election. Cause they're sold-up-the-river whores!

[LeftNYC]

2. This is important...nt

[havocmom]

3. Frist is gonna piss a lot of people off if he blocks this from the floor

heh heh heh :evilgrin:

[LittleClarkie]

27. On the left AND the right

Bush is alienating EVERYONE on this one. Excellent.

[ClintonTyree]

43. Really......

even the freepers have to be happy about this, being so scared of terrorists and so fond of isolationism. This is down-right patriotic, and by Democrats no less! :wow: Now, if THEIR party had THEIR way, we'd be turning control of our ports over to foreign governments with ties to "radical Islam". :eyes: Oh, the irony of it all!

[FatDave]

52. Exactly right

There's no way anyone can oppose this bill without looking weak on terror. I hope they try. I hope Bush promises to veto or something. It would be a stupid move, but not like that's stopped them before. But I don't see how they could spin that positive.

Now allow me to join the chorus... DEMOCRATS ARE STRONG ON NATIONAL SECURITY!

[kentuck]

4. Why would they do that??

That makes too much sense... <sarcasm off>

[Webster Green]

5. Have they managed to stop anything yet?

I can't remember anything they've stopped.

[Clark2008]

9. LOL!!!

I've found my newest wallpaper.

That's funny!

:rofl:

[TheDebbieDee]

15. No, but they still gotta TRY!

[autorank]

20. Damn, that "Elmer" guy iis scary...

And, yes, we long ago passed the "tipping point" for fascism.

But this is good. This issue should just kick ass. As far as I'm concerned, approval means mandatory impeachment for the Pres and VP and summary dismissal for all who approved it, up the chain to their Cabineet superiors.

Send old Elmer along to help with the cause...and tell him their's a damn bird on his hat.

[IronLionZion]

46. Social Security privatization, ANWR drilling nt

[Clark2008]

6. Good deal!

But... shhhhhh... Hillary, hon, you're still not gonna be president.

Not with the ammo against you, your lack of support in purple states and Diebold.

That said, I'm glad Democrats are putting out a plan. More things I can point to when some wingnut says the Dems have no proposals.

[lancdem]

71. No Dem can beat Diebold, period

[The Backlash Cometh]

7. Yeah! That's what I'm talking about!

[KharmaTrain]

8. Great Move!! Achillies Heel

Seems this regime can't avoid making a buck for itself or its benefactors. The good thing is this pissed off the wingnuts more than it got any attention here. This also took the Al Gore speech in Saudi Arabia off their radars.

Ya gotta think the G Man and the other wingnuts who were screaming about this the other day must be shitting all over themselves to think they're now aligned with Hillary Clinton. :rofl:

[MoonRiver]

12. Two names side by side:

The Backlash Cometh and KharmaTrain. I think you both foreshadow the Repukes' future! :D

[janx]

10. They can't stop anything.

Not until next year, anyway.

[catabryna]

11. Perhaps, not by themselves

But, it appears that there is much anger on the other side of the aisle as well... this issue has really chapped some freeper ass, so it might just get some bipartisan support.

[MindPilot]

13. They still don't dare call it treason

Handing over control of our ports to a foreign government in a time of (supposed) war, and not just any foreign government but one with known ties to the enemy is nothing short of treason. Those ports should be guarded not by a commercial enterprise--even an American one--but by the National Guard and the Coast Guard. Unfortunately half of our Coast Guard and most of our National Guard is in Iraq. Which is another action that proves this administration holds its allegiance not the the USA and her Constitution, but to the Middle East.

"Introducing a bill" is not good enough.

Edited because I'm too pissed off to type. :grr:

[High Plains]

34. A government "with known ties to our enemy"?

What do you mean?

Does the UAE have diplomatic relations with Al Qaeda? Are there some links between the Dubai capitalists and Al Qaeda that I don't recall?

Or do you simply mean the UAE is a Middle Eastern country? And "the enemy" is the Moslem or Arab world?

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

38. This thread might have some answers for you.

the UAE is one of three Arab countries to officially recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate government.

www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x453502

And a good chunk of money laundering for Al-Qaeda goes through the UAE.

[High Plains]

60. Thanks for the link, but the connection seems pretty tenuous.

The UAE recognized the Taliban. Okay. The Taliban is out of power now, and the UAE has, I believe, recognized the current government of Afghanistan.

And it has loose gold markets. Okay. That's a ways from linking the UAE to Al Qaeda. I would wager that a good chunk of Al Qaeda money-laundering moves through the rest of the international banking system as well.

And anyway, is it the government of the UAE that owns this company? Or is it a company that is based in the UAE? Are we to blame private companies for the sins of their host governments?

Again, this looks more like xenophobia masquerading as "tough on security." I'm disappointed the Democrats will stoop to trying to score points on this.

[AntiFascist]

67. It has always been hypocritical of our government...

to identify countries as our enemy because of false connections to 9/11, when the nations that have the real connections continue to receive our support over and above the security interests of the U.S.

[arcane1]

69. this company has more connections to terrorism than Iraq did

[awoke_in_2003]

91. I have been meaning

to ask you, who is that getting attacked by the cat in your sig line?

[arcane1]

111. it's Georgie!

:D

[awoke_in_2003]

120. Thought so

but is that a real picture (thus a very smart and good kitty) or a photoshop?

[arcane1]

129. it's real as far as I know

I just added the text

[whathappened]

80. wait a minute

our ports should be guarded by the usa and not some world order company , me thinks we owe so much money to these fools in the middle east dumb nuts is selling off america

[AntiFascist]

66. No, but the UAE is the "Switzerland" of the Middle East...

and frankly there seem to be money-laundering ties to Switzerland as well. Arabian ports are known for illegal drug and arms trafficking, and also the minister of finance of the UAE ran a bank (Dubai Islamic Bank) that facilitated transfers to Osama bin Ladin's networks.

[EuroObserver]

115. Seems, no problem having US ports run by Brits, though

- the original US enemy (thanks a lot!) - and having most of the US in debt to the rest of the world.

C'mon, you guys all know that there is little-to-no reaonable terrorist or military threat against the USA, at least in no way comparable to the threat the US constantly, and increasingly, presents to the rest of the world.

These are your pigeons coming home to roost.

[AntiFascist]

117. um, you need to read up on Strauss....

why would we possibly be spending $trillions on war if we weren't damn well serious about stirring things up, even domestically? And your "poodle" hasn't helped matters! Independence was a nice idea, while it lasted. Now we have to start all over again.

[EuroObserver]

124. Yeah, there's always plenty of reading pending...

;-) My poodle, our poodle? I thought it was your poodle, or at least your master's poodle!

I always much preferred working border collies myself.

[AntiFascist]

127. LOL

well can we at least put the American Revolution behind us? :)

And the Brits would probably be good at protecting the boarders, being know for the anal retentiveness.

[Coastie for Truth]

14. This more important theh most of Bush's, Cheney's, and Chertoff's Bull

We are talking about the container terminals, the container cranes, the interfaces to the highways and rail lines, the yard security and access. A bit more serious then nail clippers in a carry on bag.

<>
<>
<>
<>

[npincus]

16. I wonder what "St. Rudy of 9-11" will say?

Since he is reaping piles of moola as a security consultant in the private sector, whoring for the GOP candidates off his 9-11 fame, reaping enormous speaking fees for his pearls of wisdom on national security and fighting the "war on terror". Since he has become a GOP lapdog, and the leading prospective GOP nominee (beats McCain in a poll televised yesterday) who MAY face Hillary if she becomes our nominee...

Will he support the Dems effort lead by Hillary and Menendez to block the port sale against the Chimp's wishes?

[wordpix2]

107. uh, St. Rudy will have a hard choice to make: security or keep whoring

[xiamiam]

17. this is too important to allow the congress to just push it thru..

like everything else...this is horrendous..every city...every state...every citizen should be outraged...absolute bullshit...this is worth movement...and organizing..this is nuts...

[autorank]

18. THIS IS THE BEST!!!! Finally, a killer issue and we're acting blodly.

Lets support this 100%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Menendez :yourock: (of course you do, you're from NJ)

[FreedomAngel82]

19. Good!

I'm surprised Hillary is on board. YAY!

[lancdem]

72. Why the surprise?

She represents New York, and Menendez New Jersey. Makes common sense.

[progressoid]

21. This is a winning issue for Dems - lets give them some support.

[KatieW]

32. Totally agree. This is great. Keep this up and the Dems will get others to

realize there are the party of national security. So glad to see this happeing.

[juajen]

89. Ok, call me picky, just call me!

"they're the party of national security", not "there are the party of national security"

My pet peeve. They're is a contraction, like we're. Please forgive.

[sadiesworld]

22. kick

[Dora]

24. DEMOCRATS ARE STRONG ON NATIONAL SECURITY.

[Wilms]

28. K&R n/t

[mirandapriestly]

29. Bernie Saunders was talking about it on T. Hartmann

said he has no idea why bush(ler) would do such a thing, but it's absolutely insane. He said he and others were going to fight it.

[centristo]

30. I saw some posts about this at FR

and they are all pissed. Guess what losers, your boys are selling this country out. About time you started to figure it out.

[arcane1]

40. and NOW they get to "ditto" Hillary Clinton!

I love it! :evilgrin:

[emulatorloo]

33. Kick n/t

[High Plains]

35. Democrats are strong on xenophobia!

Really, this just seems like stereotype-driven pandering to me. "Ooh, the scary Arabs!"

Or maybe I'm missing something: Can anyone show me a link between this company and Al Qaeda?

[AntiFascist]

68. Doesn't the UAE government have an interest in the company? n/t

[dansolo]

92. That is bullshit and you know it

I wouldn't want the port security being run by *any* private company, especially one that is foreign held. Personally I hate most of the privatization that is going on with sensitive security areas.

[Coastie for Truth]

110. The Commandant, US Coast Guard, has asked me to reply to your append

This presents an increased risk of "Category Contraband" entering the US, and will require additional major Port Security efforts.

I have been a port security officer in a busy port - it used to be called New Orleans.

<>


US COAST GUARD PORT SECURITY COP BADGE-
I EARNED IT
I WORE IT
IN THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS, LA

Coastie,
Lieutenant, United States Coast Guard (Honorably Discharged)
by direction of Thad Allen, Commandant Designate

[myrna minx]

36. WooHoo.

:woohoo:

[pauldp]

37. This issue is SO KEY. It gets to the heart of the hypocrisy

of this mis administration and it hits them in their strength - 911

[thereismore]

39. Excellent!!11! If repugs block it, adieu. n/t

[Politicub]

41. Love it!

Dems are strong on national security. The GOP wants to sell our security to the highest bidder -- and in this case, it's a middle eastern country.

I hope the GOP does form a bloc to support dear leader's wish to outsource our national security. Let's just see how much support they get from the people then.

[Trevelyan]

42. "Democrats" lie. Only THREE (3) real Democrats voted against the "Patriot

Act" today and Boxer and Kennedy were not among them. Sen. Feingold stood alone in filibustering this finishing touches on the American police state.

Please Sign Sen. Feingold's petition to INVESTIGATE NSA and to HOLD BUSH ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS ILLEGAL ACTIONS AGAINST THE CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Sign his petition And make a contribution

http://www.progressivepatriotsfund.com/

Sen. Feingold also has a petition at the above URL to BRING OUR TROOPS HOME before December 2006.

FEINGOLD BLASTS FAILURE TO INVESTIGATE DOMESTIC SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM
Feingold: “The Intelligence Committee Has Abandoned Its Oversight Role.”
February 16, 2006

Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Russ Feingold released the following statement this afternoon following the Intelligence Committee Meeting.

“The Intelligence Committee’s failure today to begin an investigation of the administration’s illegal domestic surveillance program is inexcusable. The Senate Committee charged with conducting oversight of intelligence matters has a responsibility to look more deeply into the President’s illegal secret wiretapping of Americans. The President has broken the law and Congress needs to hold him accountable.”

Statement of Senator Russ Feingold On the Latest on the Patriot Act
February 16, 2006

"The Majority Leader's concession to put off final votes on the Patriot Act deal for almost two weeks gives the Senate time to consider whether this deal is good for the country, and allows the American people their chance to be heard. Contrary to an erroneous news report, I will continue to oppose this flawed deal, insist that the Senate jump through every procedural hoop, and demand the right to offer amendments to improve it. As Chairman Specter noted, the deal makes only "cosmetic" changes to the Patriot Act. No amount of cosmetics can disguise the fact that it fails to protect the rights and freedoms of law-abiding Americans."

===What explanation do the Democrats have for voting in favor of the Patriot Act?

GET RID OF MIA REID AND REPLACE THIS USELESS **** WITH FEINGOLD!!!

[BlueCollar]

44. the airlines are also proposed for foreign ownership

restriction relaxations. Apparantly, bush* et al are working on relaxing current restrictions of domestic carrier operations by foreign owners....


http://www.ttd.org/News/StopGiveAway_of_US_AirlineJobs.htm


edit: to add link

[Ecumenist]

45. That's frigging ridiculous!!

They talk about how we WILL HAVE ANOTHER ATTACK,(if one buys the story that the first one was as a result of foreign "terrorists"). Why in hell would you make it easy as sliding down a greased pole for another "attack" to happen? The people that we laughingly refer to as American citizens who support this bunch of idiots need to wake the fcuk up. Why don't they just stop pretending and underwrite the people who they claim are determined to attack our country instead of pretending all's well and this is being done in the name of capitalism? I was born at night but it wasn't last night. They don't seem to care anymore about putting on a masque of faux patriotism for the faithful.... pitiful, just pitiful....:banghead:

[BlueCollar]

93. no problem

just take a happy pill if you have any insurance to pay for it. If not, sign up for a short tour to the desert paradise of Iraq/Afghanistan and Uncle Sam will pay for the pill...:-)

[canichelouis]

48. Good to get this out now, loud and clear

Just had the car radio on and tuned into the right radio program here in Pittsburgh, the Fred Honsberger? show, and guess who is coming on soon. Yes, tricky Rick Santorum, who they say is the first to come out questioning this. The right is hearing about it and pissed. A caller said, Where are the Dems on this, nowhere!

[Catherine Vincent]

49. I keep reading the articles but they never say which six ports.

[Mutley]

103. New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Miami, and New Orleans.

[HiSee]

50. This just made me curious.

Dubai, 24 January 2006: - Global ports operator DP World today welcomed news that one of its senior executives, Dave Sanborn, has been nominated by US President George W. Bush to serve as Maritime Administrator a key transportation appointment reporting directly to Norman Mineta the Secretary of Transportation and Cabinet Member.

The White House has issued a statement from Washington DC announcing the nomination. The confirmation process will begin in February.

Mr Sanborn currently holds the position of Director of Operations for Europe and Latin America for the Dubai-based company.
I don't really know how to research any of this. Just thought it was odd.

[npincus]

55. Congrats on post #1 and welcome to DU!

great catch- can you post the link to this article?

[HiSee]

59. dpworld.com

[High Plains]

63. Sounds like a real Arab terrorist alright.

[Laurab]

87. Arab Terrorist or not

I still think the U.S. should provide their own security at its ports - why in the world would we outsource something as important as THAT?

[LuCifer]

54. DEMS: DO NOT WUSS OUT ON THIS!!!!!!!!!!

Or you are just ASKING for America to get a NUCLEAR OPTION, and that is NOT AN OPTION!

If the repukes threaten NUKE OPTION on this, then GROW A SPINE (or a pair of nuts, or preferably BOTH) and FOR ONCE, say to them: WELL BRING IT ON MOTHERFUCKER!!!!!!!!!! WE CANNOT LET A FORIEGN COMPANY, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT IS KNOW FOR TERRORISM, TO RUN EVEN ONE SINGLE AMERICAN PORT!!!!!!!!!!

Lu Cifer, I swear, the next person who say "I'd rather hunt with Dick than ride with Ted" gets my steel-toes boot up their bootyhole!!!!!!

[Rainscents]

56. What the hell is wrong with GOP?

I can't believe, these assholes are trying to sell out the National Security to another country. This is sick! GOP don't give a shit about America!

[madmark]

61. thank god

[tjwash]

62. Yes!! K & R

[Beelzebud]

64. Now if they can just make it through the weekend without apologizing!

[yorkiemommie1]

65. good!

n/t

[ClayZ]

73. K and R

:kick:

[Nothing Without Hope]

74. Excellent! Earlier posts on the Dubai port operation issue - LINKS:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2454971
thread title (2-12-06 GD-P): 911 Bankers to Run SIX Major U.S. Ports—Dubai(UAE). IMPEACH NOW!!!
Comment/excerpt: “Six ports will be run and protected by a Dubai based port management company (DP World): New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans, Miami and Philadelphia. The deal was approved by a “U.S. government panel coordinated out of the White House. Just prior to the deal, David C. Sanborn of Virginia was appointed as administrator of the Maritime Administration of the Transportation Department. Sanborn worked as DP World's director of operations for Europe and Latin America.…. A company in the United Arab Emirates is poised to take over significant operations at six American ports as part of a corporate sale, leaving a country with ties to the Sept. 11 hijackers with influence over a maritime industry considered vulnerable to terrorism.“

Even the freepers are upset about this outrage:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x446111
thread title (2-16-06 GD): Freepers JUST AS MAD About the Port Control Issue... Common Ground?
Comment/excerpt: Free Republic posts expressing concern/outrage over Dubai operating 6 major US ports.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2113537
thread title (2-16-06 LBN): White House Defends Port Operations Sale
Comment/excerpt: Yahoo News/AP. “The Bush administration on Thursday rebuffed criticism about potential security risks of a $6.8 billion sale that gives a company in the United Arab Emirates control over significant operations at six major American ports. Lawmakers asked the White House to reconsider the deal. The sale to state-owned Dubai Ports World was ‘rigorously reviewed’ by a U.S. committee that considers security threats when foreign companies seek to buy or invest in American industry, National Security Council spokesman Frederick Jones said….”

[Nothing Without Hope]

75. Hillary is calculating that this will up her ratings with GOPs & Dems

but I don't care WHO is leading this protest against the UAE controlling our ports, it must be done.

[chefgirl]

I'll believe it when I see it

TWO Democrats are going to introduce legislation, and then what?? All the rest of them vote against it??

Sorry, but they have REALLY lost my respect.

Not filibustering Alito was bad enough. Now they've approved the Patriot Act. And those are just the two most recent examples of Democrats bending over for these neocon pigs.

Why bother bitching about who the little idiot wants to sell us out to if they're just going to roll over and vote to approve everything he does anyway??

If I had the opportunity, even as a private citizen, to oppose this little fascist fucker in even the smallest way, you better believe I would take it and run with it...even if its only just to piss him off.

I grant you, the men and women in Congress have to behave in a more statesmanlike manner than I would, but do they HAVE to smile and beg for more EVERY TIME he screws them over??

-chef-

[VP505]

81. I feel your

frustration, sometimes I think "to hell with it", but then I realize that by doing that we send a message that nobody cares. I sent my DINO senator a FAX that really blasts him over his not supporting the Feingold amendment to the USA Fascist Act. We have to treat these people like a bad cold, you can't cure them you have to outlive them.

[dalloway]

76. BRAVO menendez! I'm glad to see the junior senator from NJ

jumping right into the issues that matter.

[mod mom]

77. Lou Dobbs covered this and he was SOOOO pissed @ * Administration

Report said he wan't concerned about action in congress because he has veto power. It's a done deal. UFB!

[McCamy Taylor]

79. W. will veto bill that keeps ports American? He doesnt have the balls.

[McCamy Taylor]

78. What was in W.'s kool aid?

[pinto]

85. Kudos to Menendez and Clinton! n/t

[proud patriot]

86. Democrats are Strong on National Security

[AspenRose]

88. Democrats are strong on National Security!

Hell, yeah.

What we do actually makes SENSE....for the good of the COUNTRY.

[Brain In Vat]

94. Good

This is exactly what we need. The democrats are showing some backbone.

[Bluebear]

96. Democrats are STRONG on National Security!

[leftstreet]

97. So Hillary doesn't consider the British "foreigners?"

:shrug:
from the link:
"I will be working with Senator Menendez to introduce legislation that will prohibit the sale of ports to foreign governments," Clinton said in a statement.

http://today.reuters.com/investing/financeArticle.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=URI:urn:newsml:reuters.com:20060217:MTFH92070_2006-02-17_17-39-34_N17277829:1

P&O (PO.L: Quote, Profile, Research), the company Dubai Ports World plans to buy for $6.8 billion, is already foreign-owned, by the British, but the concern is that the purchaser is backed by the United Arab Emirates government.

:eyes:
And so starts the Clinton campaign for two Presidential Libraries.

[muriel_volestrangler]

101. Strictly speaking, she could get away with it

because she's saying "foreign governments", not "foreign companies". P&O is a publicly-owned and traded company. I'd like to hear a Democratic justification for why anonymous shareholders are more trustworthy than governments in good standing with the US government, though.

[AntiFascist]

114. It's the foreign government aspect that is the most chilling....

especially when the Minister of Finance has been linked to money-laundering for al Qaeda. This could really "seal the deal" for the Bush Cabal, in a very, very bad way. Keep in mind that UAE ports are reported to be involved in aiding the transfer of nuclear components for AQ Khan....and what is it that Valerie Plame may have been investigating for the CIA???

[cry baby]

98. Repubs are weak on National Security!

They have no plan, no vision, and this move sends the message that they are weak on National Security.

[fearnobush]

100. Bush will put our ports in the hands of TERRORISTS!!!!!

He must be stopped!!!!

[Swamp Rat]

104. THEY GODDAMN BETTER DO IT!!!

I am NOT letting terrorists control the port in my city!!! :mad:

[PaulaFarrell]

105. so you'd prefer singapore then?

one way or another, P & O is being sold off to the highest bidder. I find it strange that people are choosing to get upset about these ports being sold off long after the fact. I am an ex-P & O employee (and shareholder) and I voted against the sale becasue I don't believe national assets like these (I'm talking the ferry company by the way) should be foreign-owned - but people here are getting upset based entirely on the national identity of the buyer. I think the time to get upset was several years ago. This is just a business as usual sale of a struggling coimpany to the highest bidder.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

106. Gee, yet another bogeyman to fear. The mighty UAE.

And, more posing politicians to wave the flag and talk tough.

[wordpix2]

108. why don't you read the articles about the sale to learnwhy this is an

important security issue?

The web is a wealth of articles; use keyword phrase: UAE port sale, you'll get lots of articles. Happy reading

[blue cat]

109. This proves Michael Moore was right

and the freepers should have been listening if they weren't bush bots.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

112. Uh-huh. Try this bit of reading.

"The committee action followed concerns expressed by a Miami-based company, Eller & Co., according to Eller's lawyer, Michael Kreitzer. Eller is a business partner with the British shipping giant but was not in the running to buy the ports company."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/11/AR2006021101112.html

"Follow the Money", always seems to work when some politician starts posturing.

[Nikki Stone 1]

113. kick

:kick:

[xiamiam]

116. TWO us senators...AMERICA should be up and on its feet over this one...nt

[Coexist]

118. kick

[PhilipShore]

119. CBS News/AP: Firm Sues to Block Foreign Port Takeover

CBS News/AP
Firm Sues to Block Foreign Port Takeover
Feb. 19, 2006

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/19/ap/business/mainD8FRT6F00.shtml

(AP) A company at the Port of Miami has sued to block the takeover of shipping operations there by a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates. It is the first American courtroom effort to capsize a $6.8 billion sale already embroiled in a national debate over security risks at six major U.S. ports affected by the deal.

The Miami subsidiary, Continental Stevedoring & Terminals Inc., said the sale to Dubai was prohibited under its partnership agreement with the British firm and "may endanger the national security of the United States."...

[Deja Q]

121. Is the UAE linked to Al Qaeda?

Still, the US giving up its own ports like this shows the downfall this country is heading into.

[Coexist]

122. "There are several 9-11 connections to the United Arab Emirates

"There are several 9-11 connections to the United Arab Emirates. Many of the hijackers entered the U.S. via UAE, much of the attack's planning was done there, and the FBI says money for the operation was transferred to the hijackers primarily through the UAE's banking system."

from this thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=463914&mesg_id=463914

[Avalux]

123. Too many questions to not be concerned

"After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S., the UAE was identified as a major financial center used by al-Qaeda in transferring money to the hijackers. The nation immediately cooperated with the U.S., freezing accounts tied to suspected terrorists and strongly clamping down on money laundering. The U.S. stationed troops in the UAE during the 2003 Iraq war."

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108074.html

[paineinthearse]

125. self-delete

[PhilipShore]

126. CNN/AP--Congressman: Port deal lacks sufficient security

CNN
Congressman: Port deal lacks sufficient security
Associated Press
Feb. 19, 2006

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/02/19/port.security.ap /

(AP) U.S. terms for approving an Arab company's takeover of operations at six major American ports are insufficient to guard against terrorist infiltration, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee said Sunday.

"I'm aware of the conditions and they relate entirely to how the company carries out its procedures, but it doesn't go to who they hire, or how they hire people," Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., told The Associated Press.

[helderheid]

128. is there a chance of stopping the sale?

[mac56]

130. God help the Repug who votes against this measure.

God help the Pretzeldent who vetoes it.