Feb 27 2006
Congressional Republicans Roll Over on National Security
Scratch what I said last week about bipartisan cooperation to kill the deal that would hand America’s biggest seaports to a county with a history of terrorism sponsorship. Karl Rove must have made a few calls to dissident Republicans in Congress and whipped them back into line because as of yesterday, the whole deal is just oky-doky with Congressional Republicans.
The announcement by Dubai Ports World, brokered by the White House and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), appears to satisfy the demands of many members of Congress, who had threatened to force a security review if the administration would not conduct one. The deal also offered pledges to reassure the United States that the ports deal would not pose any threats to American safety and security. - Washington Post
What a difference a week makes! Next time I’ll hold off at least two news cycles before praising Republicans who show a spine.
Maybe a new logo for the GOP heading into this election cycle should be something like, “Today’s GOP… Undermining National Security so the President can save face.“
It is “oky Doky” with congressional republicans because the Bush administration in conjunction with Dubai Ports World decided to go ahead with the additional 45-day review, which is not required if no problem areas are discovered under the mandatory 30 day review. Basically, congress is has been appeased by an additional security measure. We are asking that the Dubai Ports Authority follow additional security measures which are not required by international law. They are going along with it because 1) this is a really good business venture for the UAE, and 2) The government of the UAE wants to demonstrate a willingness to cooperate.
What I hate about democrats these days is the willingness to simply disagree with something, even if it is contradictory to their fundamentals, because god forbid they agree with Bush. If we had told the UAE no on this port deal, even though they had met standards, democrats would be saying how unfair it is that a qualified business who has met all of the standards should be barred from conducting business.
On top of all of this, we aren’t handing over security of these ports to the UAE. Remember, the Coast Guard and U.S. Customs are still there–they are the ones who bust people for illegal shipment under any circumstances.
Maybe the Demorcats’ motto for this election year should be “just disagree all of the time.” I’m so glad that the Democrats are organized like a herd of cats. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have dropped the ball by focusing on Alito, who was going to get nominated, when they could have capitalized on Abramoff, or wouldn’t keep pandering to the liberal blogosphere (you) and keep pushing away the majority of this country who isn’t ultra-liberal like you.
Give credit where credit is due. What would you have really done in Bush’s position? Rejected the UAE’s legitimate bid, and face a massive international lawsuit, which would embarrass you as president and sour the relations we have with one of the few arab nations who is not hostile to America, who happens to be not only the most similar to the United States in the Middle East, but is also fabulously wealthy? No, I didn’t think you would. But of course, if Bush says it, it must be bad, right? You democrats’ hot headed hatred of Bush is going to keep you from winning the House in ‘06.
I agree, it sounds bad on the surface that a Middle Eastern nation will be our Port Security. But that is the trouble with you Dems lately–you aren’t looking past the surface like you guys used to do so well. Thank god for that.
“Remember, the Coast Guard and U.S. Customs are still there”
While the U.S. Customs does have a role in inspecting cargo coming in to the U.S., they aren’t as efficient or as good as you might think. One of the things that keeps shipping and inspection companies in line is the threat of fines and penalties. Since companies are motivated by profit, it’s in their best interest to adhere to the rules. However, DPW is a state-owned corporation. As little as I trust companies, I trust countries a lot less. Should the incredibly unthinkable happen, like a citizen of their country (especially one with family ties) who has a grudge with the US get a job on the receiving end, he could quickly figure out how to slip one past the customs agents. Not really that hard, mark a radiation dispersal device as a medical shipment and coat the outside of the package with a cesium isotope. That will fool the technology. I know, I’ve used the exact same reading equipment.
As far as the Coast Guard is concerned, they don’t really have a role. As long as a vessel is properly registered and not acting suspicious or breaking laws, the Coast Guard won’t do anything to check it. Far too busy dealing with actual crimes.
“who happens to be not only the most similar to the United States in the Middle East”
How are they anything like us? Their government is led by a 7 person good old boys club (royalty, technically), with their “president” serving a de facto life term. In addition to the whole royalty aspect (and until you’ve seen this first-hand, it’s hard to understand), women there are treated like property. Although they are making progress, only about 1 in 6 women are allowed to work. That’s allowed. The husband still holds dominion.
Finally, if you don’t think this whole deal reaks of corruption, cronyism, and bribery, then you haven’t been using your brain. While talk show and CNN banter is nice to recite and type down, it’s a far cry from actually sitting down and THINKING about what is happening. Why do I view everything Bush does with a sense of distrust? Because he’s given me every reason to.
Well said Jonathon.