My Way News: "WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republican Leader Bill Frist called Tuesday for the Bush administration to stop a deal permitting a United Arab Emirates company to take over six major U.S. seaports, upping the ante on a fight that several congressmen, governors and mayors are waging with the White House.I don't really know what to think on this honestly. Our DOD is one of the most hawkish in history so I am inclined to take their word that the sale of these ports will not endanger national security. But then we have people like Bill Frist coming out going "HOOOOOLD ON", and demanding "inquiries" and such.
'The decision to finalize this deal should be put on hold until the administration conducts a more extensive review of this matter,' said Frist. 'If the administration cannot delay this process, I plan on introducing legislation to ensure that the deal is placed on hold until this decision gets a more thorough review.'
But at the Pentagon, the UAE was praised as an important strategic military partner by both Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Rumsfeld told that a process was in place and 'the process worked.'
'Nothing changes with respect to security under the contract. The Coast Guard is in charge of security, not the corporation,' Rumsfeld said."
This smacks of the Harriet Miers nomination except that it strikes right at the heart of the Bush Administrations support base.
This needs to get fixed right away. Bush needs to come out and explain why this is a good deal, in language that everyone can understand. He needs to use the bully pulpit and not try to push through the MSM filters. I admit that I don't know enough about the situation to have an opinion on this deal. But I do know that this is one thing that Bush needs to be very clear on. Because it would be very easy to take this deal the wrong way.
One interesting thing to note is that Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer have come out vehemently against this deal. Interesting coming from two of the most liberal Democrats. The liberal line has been that the USA is the problem. That we have created terrorists by being mean and alienating to places like the UAE. And that we should all bedn over backwards to be nice to them so we won't be accused of Muslim hating. But now that the Bush administration has decided to put some trust in a secular Muslim country they condemn it. I am so glad these people aren't running the country.
Linked to Don Surber, Basil's Blog, Rightwingnation.com, and Joe's Cafe.
