Port Whine

The story about the middle eastern company taking over port operations has hit the news with a bang. President Bush even called a press conference to voice his support of the deal. Politicians from both sides have jumped on this issue making for some very strange bedfellows. Hillary Clinton and Bill Frist are both against it, while Jimmy Carter and Bush are for it. The fact that Carter is on board scares the beejeebus out of me, but I also can't help but wonder how much of Clinton's and Frist's concern has to do with 2008. I really don't understand that much about the port situation, so I'm going to remain on the fence for a while (scoot over Kerry). But the way I think I understand it is this company (Dubai Ports World) will own the operation of the ports (not the real estate), just as the London-based Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. has owned the operations for years. The security will still be under U.S. control and the U.S. labor unions will control the work force. I think these new owners will just be signing the paychecks. I really can't foresee them moving a bunch terrorists into the longshoremen's union without somebody pitching a fit. I heard somebody say that this is much the same as racial profiling of middle eastern looking men in airport lines. Although I understand the theory behind this practice, I never thought that it was such a good idea either. I mean, based on racial profiling, people who look like Ted Bundy or Timothy McViegh can still get on a plane easier than almost anybody with dark skin or a beard. And if your 2 years old and have the same name (or even close) as a suspected terrorist, your mom had better have brought along extra diapers. And it's not like port security has been good until now. Just a small percent of containers are even checked as they come into the states from all over the world. So maybe the extra money from these fat cats in Dubai could be used to beef up security where it will really do us some good. I guess we'll all find out how this one turns out later. I just pray it all works out for the best for America. Michelle Malkin has more in depth coverage. Links: La Shawn Barber's Corner Sensible Mom