Could the port thing be fraudulent; a setup to show "independent thinking?

[Faygo Kid]

Frist and Hastert jumped on this so very quickly, so as to slam the administration, yet Bush comes out again backing it today. We agree with the FReepers? Sean Hannity today criticized the administration (Mr. Rove's ventriloquist dummy objects)? We agree with Hannity? Frist??? Let's temper our joy. I predict Bush will make a formalistic mea culpa, providing cover for Republicans who must demonstrate their "independence" from this administration in an election year. And, like the Bush Administration's insertion of privatized Social Security into the budget proposal, or his signing of the anti-torture bill, while reserving the right to torture, Bush will magnanimously back off, and under the table deals will take place achieving the same thing, while the media moves on, and the GOP candidates run on an "independent" stance. Of course I could just be cynical about this Administration, and Karl Rove's thinking and strategies. No reason, of course, to be cynical. But, looks like good timing for something like this to me. Remember: This administration is never what it seems.

[bluerum]

1. It does seem to be a big diversion,,, doesn't it? But for what? eo?

[Faygo Kid]

5. Not merely a diversion, although it is that; cover for an unhappy GOP

An ultimately "harmless" way for GOP candidates to demonstrate independence. I don't claim this is what's happening. I just want to restrain the kisses and hugs between us and the FReepers, Hannity, et al. Let's think before we jump into their arms, my friends!

[bluerum]

13. Not to worry about jumping into those arms - never happen. I

see this whole thing as a diversion and cover for something. Yes, maybe to give give the gop candidates wanting to re-up this november some cover, but I think something smells like dirty laundry in the middle east.

Huge amounts of money and materials can flow through these ports, and security operations will keep them secret. The UAE will turn a blind eye and the people of the US and the world will never know anything about how much men, money and material are being laundered through these ports to US corporations in the middle east.

:tinfoilhat: :rant: :tinfoilhat: :rant:

[ProSense]

2. Frist and Hastert are crooks and helped to create the dictator. n/t

[katty]

3. alotta trouble for Indie Thinking strategy

[liveoaktx]

4. No fecking way-there is NO WAY Bush would allow himself to look

like such a buffoon just to help Republicans. Plus, you remember how Rove salivated over how manly Bush looked in his bomber jacket-he wouldn't recommend that as a tactic.

[vanboggie]

6. Bush is just a tool now

The theory that this port thing is a diversion was the first thing I thought of when Frist jumped in to oppose. It is some game - like Dimwit's sudden interest in energy conservation.

[Faygo Kid]

8. So you find my lack of faith disturbing?

Methinks you underestimate how confident, after five plus years, this Administration is in its power. This is way too obvious; if Bill O'Reilly criticizes this decision tonight, then I know I am right.

[liveoaktx]

10. No, not disturbing, I just don't believe that Bush is the kind of person

who wants to be ridiculed. Look at the lengths he goes to to make himself appear not to be a wimp, including how he walks and how carefully he dresses. He's willing to make fun of himself for being a C student but it's always coupled with a shot that takes down how the person he's talking to is just a shmuck compared to him.

[TruthStream_dot_org]

7. I agree

that is why I think we have to turn it on him a little - turn this into an issue he didnt expect - not national security (that traps us in an anti-arab argument) - make it an outsourcing issue!! This is another example of this administrations willingness to outsource large contracts and massive amounts of jobs to other countries - jobs that should stay here ( my ealier post on this: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x484043 )

[TruthStream_dot_org]

9. and not really a diversion...

...its just that they dont care anymore. They are simply setting up the next 9/11 - I mean hell, first he nominates the guy from this company as the Maritime director or whatever, then the whole company takes over our ports. They dont care anymore. Why should he? After the next attack he will become King with unitary executive.

[Career Prole]

11. If shrub backs down and they all start spreading the meme

"See? We still have checks and balances!" then I'll be convinced it's a set-up.

[Junkdrawer]

12. It is a bizarre set of circumstances...and it does provide many with...

a fig leaf of "Independence".

With a little more than two years to go and approval ratings in the toilet, it would make sense to sacrifice the remainder of Bush's political capital to create the next "fearless leader". But who? :shrug: