Washington Times: Republican chairman vows to kill ports deal

[PhilipShore]

Washington Times
Lawmaker vows to kill ports deal
March 3, 2006

http://washingtontimes.com/national/20060303-122020-2647r.htm

The Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee yesterday said he'll push legislation that would not only kill a Dubai-owned company's bid to operate in U.S. ports, but would kick out any foreign-owned company that owns U.S. terminals or other key infrastructure.

His bill would require 100 percent inspection of all incoming cargo and would mandate that, over time, all ports and other critical U.S. infrastructure, such as power plants that are owned by foreign entities be sold back to Americans.

Many legislators have concerns with allowing a government in the United Arab Emirates, a country with ties to terror leader Osama bin Laden, to run terminals in U.S. ports. Mr. Hunter said those concerns are justified, noting that in 2003 -- despite U.S. protests -- United Arab Emirates customs officials allowed sixty-six American high-speed electrical switches, used for detonating nuclear weapons, to go to a Pakistani businessman with ties to the Pakistani military.

He also pointed to a report that 70 tons of heavy water, a component of nuclear reactors, were sent from China to India and Argentina via Dubai.

[castiron]

1. All part of the "reform from within" Repub tactic

Which will probably win them another election. Republican Amerika will make sure of it.

[still_one]

2. I disagree with you on this one

bush and company want this deal to go through because it is big money for them and their friends. There are repukes who are really against this deal, and * and company are NOT happy about it

It will be interesting if * is able to threaten or brib them to change their votes

It will also be interesting to see if the democrats stand united on this one

[depakid]

6. Yep- they'll coopt the issue

and twist it around against the Dems in 2006.

Smart move.

[PhilipShore]

3. WorldNetDaily - Don't buy Dubai

WorldNetDaily
Don't buy Dubai
March 3, 2006

http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=49092

The idea of turning U.S. port operations over to a company owned by a foreign tyranny with close links to Islamic terrorism has shocked the nation.

The polls show the decision to turn over port operations to the United Arab Emirates company, Dubai Ports World, is extremely unpopular. The latest survey by McLaughlin & Associates shows seven of 10 Republicans oppose it.

What will this mean if the deal sails through?

It means big trouble for the Republican Party in this year's mid-term congressional elections.

[PhilipShore]

4. WorldNetDaily: The People vs. Dubya & Dubai

WorldNetDaily
The People vs. Dubya & Dubai
March 3, 2006

http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=49089

The Dubai debacle has all the attractions of Brer Rabbit's tar baby. Unfortunately, the political foxes of the deal that will transfer the operation of six or more U.S. terminals to Dubai Ports World have decided to ensnare the American people in their sticky mess.

For their objection to the transaction – only 17 percent of Americans approve – neoconservatives, joined by some libertarians, have been tarnishing security conscious Americans as anti-Arab racists, Islamophobes, and A-list ignoramuses.

Despite being pilloried, ordinary Americans have refused to do gut override when it comes to Dubya's decree that the operation of port facilities in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Miami, New Orleans, Newark, N.J, Louisiana, Portland, and Texas be turned over to DPW, a company owned by one of seven emirates that form the federation known as the United Arab Emirates.

If nothing else, the deal provided a panorama of Bush's off-putting character and barren brain. No sooner had he found out about the transaction than he assumed the eff-off position, daring Congress to stop or stall the transfer.

[Dover]

5. Can't be TOO worried about their political careers. They just passed the

PATRIOT ACT, and we all know how popular that one was too.

I guess maintaining the fear trumps political brownie points...particularly since they've got the voting machine 'problem' figured out.