ABC News on U.S. Port Takeover: "Xenophobia or Security Concern?"

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

U.S. Port Takeover: Xenophobia or Security Concern?
House Homeland Security Chairman Challenges Arab Company Buyout

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/US/story?id=1640734&page=1

Feb. 20, 2006 — Democrats and Republicans are challenging the Bush administration's plan to give a company based in the United Arab Emirates significant control over the nation's biggest ports — including New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Jersey, New Orleans, Miami and Philadelphia.

The Bush administration has approved the sale of British firm P&O, according to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. The administration refuses to release specifics about the selection process but reiterates that Dubai Ports World was carefully vetted and poses no threat.

"We make sure there are assurances in place in general sufficient to satisfy us the deal is appropriate from a national security standpoint," Chertoff said Sunday on ABC News' "This Week with George Stephanopoulos."

But critics remain. "I strongly disagree with Mike Chertoff on this," Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said today on ABC's "Good Morning America." "The fact is, this was a very compressed investigation — at most 20 to 25 days, and only a few days was spent looking at the security aspects." King believes that aside from looking if there was anything flagrant in the company's file, there is "no reason to say this is safe," King said.

[rodeodance]

1. growl--is this a new RW talking point?

[Mme. Defarge]

2. Xenophobia?

Is this how they are going to spin it? Damn you George Orwell!

[MadisonProgressive]

3. If this deal is based on 'assurances' then it's a nonstarter

What if they decide not to live up to their 'assurances'???

[global1]

4. Does Anybody Trust Michael Chertoff On Anything Since.....

Katrina and New Orleans?

[tinfoilinfor2005]

6. What are the initials for New Orleans, again? n/t

[populistdriven]

5. US Port Security = Xenophobia & Bomb Iraq to Stone Age = Homeland Security

:wtf:

THIS REEKS OF CIA / NSA PROPAGANDA

[Totally Committed]

7. Why is it when we have concerns like this, they label it "xenophobia"?

But when some whacko wingnut proposes building a wall across our border, or banishing all illegal aliens from this country, the "x" word is NEVER used?

This is why the "base" of the other side will never leave them... we are negatively branded by the media even before the Republicans have their turn at bat.

TC

[Dignity]

8. U.S. Port Takeover

At what point does incompetence and corruption become outright treason? This reckless plan to further endanger U.S. security proves that the "War on Terror" is a complete fraud. The only other reasonable conclusion I can draw is that the Bush administration is playing for the dark side. One wonders if they meant to keep this scheme secret and if some patriot came forward to expose this information.

"Pleased to meet you. Hope you guess my name."
Sympathy for the Devil--Jagger, Richards

[proud patriot]

9. Welcome Underground Dignity

:hi: I hope you enjoy DU like I do :hi: