Democrats close gap on national security

[sabra]

http://www.knoxstudio.com/shns/story.cfm?pk=SECURITY-05-30-06&cat=WW

Democrats close gap on national security

WASHINGTON - For the first time since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, national security is no longer President Bush's trump card.

With violence grinding on in Iraq, a majority of Americans have been telling pollsters in recent weeks that they trust Democrats as much or more than Bush or his Republican allies in Congress to protect the country, combat terrorism and run a sound foreign policy.

"The advantage the president has had on national security is either much smaller now or is perhaps gone," said pollster Scott Rasmussen. "What has been new in the last few months is a decline in support among the Republican base. Republicans are beginning to have doubts about the connection between Iraq and the larger war on terror. And they are less confident that we are doing well in the war on terror."

...

Influential GOP political consultants agree that the turmoil in Iraq is by far the main reason for Bush's drop-off on national security. Beyond Iraq, they cite the current immigration debate and Bush's decision in February to allow Dubai Ports World, a United Arab Emirates firm, to manage six U.S. ports.

[Kagemusha]

1. Now this is a headline that'll inspire fear in Washington.

And about time, too!

[Tippy]

2. Long over due...but

I still can not figure out why so many believed, for so long....

[Historic NY]

3. Not much of a ripple with this story........

of course its been buried.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/28/washington/28dubai.html?ei=5070&en=878e8641f2721d97&ex=1149134400&pagewanted=print

April 28, 2006
Bush Set to Approve Takeover of 9 Military Plants by Dubai
By JIM RUTENBERG and DAVID E. SANGER
WASHINGTON, April 27 — President Bush is expected on Friday to announce his approval of a deal under which a Dubai-owned company would take control of nine plants in the United States that manufacture parts for American military vehicles and aircraft, say two administration officials familiar with the terms of the deal.

The officials, who were granted anonymity so they could speak freely about something the president had not yet announced, said that the final details had not yet been set and that Mr. Bush might put conditions on the transaction to keep military technology in the United States.

<snip>

Because the plants make turbine blades for tanks and aircraft, the deal was reviewed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which sent it on to Mr. Bush himself for a decision, a step used only when the potential security risks or political considerations are particularly acute.

<snip>

One official who was briefed on the Doncasters transaction said there would be provisions in the agreement protecting American military secrets. But it was unclear whether that would satisfy Congressional objections. With nine Doncasters plants in Georgia and Connecticut making parts for American military contractors, the prospect of a takeover by the Dubai company has already caused nervousness among some lawmakers.

Representative John Barrow, Democrat of Georgia, likened the Doncasters deal to "outsourcing" part of the nation's industrial-military complex.

[Kagemusha]

4. It's a cumulative effect. Look what Bush had to do to squander goodwill

gained from 9/11 and from the respect for the institution of the Presidency in a time of, if not war, then it's fair to say, conflict.

[DeepModem Mom]

5. K&R