Jimmy Carter also supports the sale. As I said, this issue is more complex than the conservative/liberal opponents are pretending.

Dugger

So, is this a war against Islamic Fascism, or is it a war against Arabs? Were I to listen to Senator Schumer or Senatrix Clinton, I’d have to assume it’s a war against Arabs.

Just trust Bush…….again.

It is just a bad idea, politically, and, from most recent non-scientific polls on web sites…ABC, MSNBC, the votes are running 10 to 1 against this. So far as having Haliburton do the same job, I have even less faith in them than in the UAE company.

Fear of all Muslims and all Arabs and non-Arab muslims is the fault of Bin Laden and not the everyday follower of Islam. BUt, in a world of seemingly instant terrorism, the actions of the most vocal…the insanity of the mobs…makes Americans fear all Muslims as irrational beings driven by incomprehensible anger.

Anna, how do you think Muslims would react if Enron bought a piece of Saudi Arabia? Can you hold Americans to a higher standard?

So far as the Bush adminstration vetting this sale….are you kidding me? That is no guarantee. I guess Dana doesnt read news that contradicts his devoutly held beliefs.

FOr this Administration, the GOP, Wall Street, the US CHamber of COmmerce, it is all about money and it is not about safety, security or America.

Oh, yeah…how much did Abramoff get paid for this gem?

I can’t tell which side this argument is intended to support. The Bushies vetted Haliburton, Enron, and Custer Battles.

It’s not “anti-Arab” for me; I don’t think our ports should be controlled by any foreign country or company. I’d object if it were the Norwegians.

Seriously. You have no compunction about the tendency to violence
as a first option, rather than peacful demonstrations by Muslims
worldwide?

And, face it Annie, the cartoon riots make Muslim look like real, I dont know..is lunatic a racist word? How about goof ball?

America has the right to secure its ports however they wish. HOw long before some faction within the company sees another cartoon and goes ballistic? Even the slight possibility of sabotage will only add paranoia and anti Arab sentiment.

Realistically and economically, it probably is not a bad idea. IN another time and another place, perhaps.

BUt politically, it is incredibly stupid. And Americans are insular? …have you been watching the Middle East on TV Lately? IN INdonesia and Pakistan, the Cartoon Muslims are attacking Aid workers there to help with the aftermath of the Tsunami and the earthquake. Talk about short sighted.

ANy efforts to portray Arab states as ’safe and sane’ runs up against a lot of evidence. Even though most AMericans know that the rioters dont represent Islam or Arab culture, it is still a difficult picture to wipe from one’s mind.

I don’t “watch the middle east”. I live in it.

Americans are just unbelievable.

If you want more info about the Dubai firm and about foreign ownership of ports in general the expert blog on the Middle East and North Africa called “Aqoul” has a lot of info on the issue and how stupid American arguments against the UAE firm on the basis of ‘they are scary Arabs” are racist at their core and just silly. It is amazing to me how insular Americans are on issues like this.

I mean, those people have to stick together..they have to reward each other for helping each other. Next, the Saudi GOvernment is going to see if they can buy the US AIr FOrce. Hey, what the hell….it just is good business and in the world of free trade, are you trying to nix a good deal? Dirty Commies.

Dugger

“Please intercept that incoming missile, Hal.”

“I can’t do that, Dave.”

Boom.