This had to be one of those Internet rumors that would quickly turn out to be false: The Bush administration has given a contract to provide security and oversee other operations at six American ports to a state-owned business of the United Arab Emirates. But it's no rumor -- and Bush administration representatives even say it was a wise decision.
Who cares if the United Arab Emirates had been a base of operations and a financial haven for terrorists who attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001? Who cares if the UAE continues to allow terrorists to thrive?
I have a four-word response for the Bushies: What are you thinking?
This not only doesn't make sense from a security point of view, it's bad politics from an administration already reeling from its mishandling of Hurricane Katrina, the Medicare prescription drug mess, the CIA leak case and the recklessness of Vice President Dick Cheney.
But it seems that nothing has really changed since 9/11, at least when it comes to handing out government contracts. They'll outsource anything.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff doesn't see a problem, according to the Associated Press. Of course, Chertoff also oversaw the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina. Maybe it's time to put Britney Spears in charge of homeland security. At least we'd know what we're getting. Britney couldn't be any more out of touch than Chertoff.
Call me silly, but I'm very concerned about the six ports whose operations are being outsourced by the Bush administration. Those ports are in New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Orleans, Miami and Philadelphia. Can't the administration find someone in this country to run these ports?
Please say this is a joke!
I guess they thought nobody would notice.
Is there anything to info about Secretary Snow having a business relationship with this Dubai company?
Clearly this administration didn't foresee this publicity problem and thought it would slip by like so many other things that are in their financial interest or in the interest of their friends.
I am mostly amazed at the lack of political skill for folks like Carl Rove who have been almost legendary in their foreseight and, yes, viciousness. One of the great games to watch now, equal to the winter Olympics, will be to see W. backpedal his way out of this.
Will it be: "I was betrayed by my subordinates?" Or, "I only just heard of this!"
I disagree; it's much better than the Winter Olympics.