Homeland Security Initially Objected to Ports Deal

[kpete]

Feb 25, 10:37 AM EST

Homeland Security objected to ports deal

By TED BRIDIS
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Homeland Security Department objected at first to a United Arab Emirates company's taking over significant operations at six U.S. ports. It was the lone protest among members of the government committee that eventually approved the deal without dissent.

The department's early objections were settled later in the government's review of the $6.8 billion deal after Dubai-owned DP World agreed to a series of security restrictions.

The company indefinitely has postponed its takeover to give President Bush time to convince Congress that the deal does not pose any increased risks to the U.S. from terrorism.

Some lawmakers have pressed for a new and intensive review. Despite persistent criticism from Republicans and Democrats, the president has defended his administration's approval of the ports deal and threatened to veto any measures in Congress that would block it. Hearings are to continue this week.

A DP World executive said the company would agree to tougher security restrictions to win congressional support only if the same restrictions applied to all U.S. port operators. The company earlier had struck a more conciliatory stance, saying it would do whatever Bush asked to salvage the agreement.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/PORTS_SECURITY?SITE=FLROC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[salin]

1. Yet another story to suggest to the public

that "security issues were dealt with/vetted" ala concerns were raised, then dismissed; and another suggestion that "see, the bush admin IS concerned - its just that its all okay after all".

Why does the REM song "Happy Shiney People" chorus come to mind... as if we are all supposed to be happy and smiley with this news.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. the Bushbots I know

have a different take on this-they say that the concerns were eased with money. Unless we hear differently, I don't plan to disagree with them.

[salin]

3. heh

that must make them a tad bit queasy. But once their confidence in bushco turns to derision (as believing it was all about the money) then a whole lot of other questioning/rethinking is not far behind.

[liveoaktx]

5. I tried calling AP this morning and will again on Monday to ask

about WHY the URL has PR_WH in it?

[cliss]

4. Then why did Chertoff say he didn't know anything

about this Ports deal? Why are they all such chronic liars that we've beome like Pravda? Or Tass? You can't rely on anything they say any more.

[Me.]

6. 100 Mil

Can change a lot of minds.