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February 20, 2006

Dubya on Dubai

 

 

 

As many already know, members of both parties in Washington continue to call on the Bush administration to step in and block the proposed UAE port-security deal currently in the works.

 

Today some 9-11 families came forward to express their concerns about security for the port in New York being handed over in what seems counter-intuitive considering the federal government couldn’t wait to de-privatize airport security after the September 11 attacks.  

 

In many ways it seems the current administration is iron and clay feet of the Reagan, Carter and Nixon administrations, surprising us constantly with which foreign policy philosophy comes into the light on a given day. On very good days, we get Rice-wing Republican foreign policy, but you never know for how long or for what. Other days, it’s Henry Kissinger, corporate anarchy and geopolitical naïveté.

 

Michael Chertoff and others including the President seem adamant sufficient oversight can be provided despite the fact that only a small percentage of containers arriving at our ports are inspected now – less than 10%. But there’s a saying: keep it simple, stupid. Failing to do so in the very least weakens public confidence in your national security strategy and your administration (which should have Republicans worried).

 

I understand the administration with its need to build confidence and stability in Iraq and continue the successes in Afghanistan wants to build bridges instead of burning them in the muslim world. But once again, it seems the sentimentariots have won the day over people with a good notion of healthy boundaries.

 

Still people seem surprised the administration seems content to hand over our major ports – and our childlike trust to Dubai. But it’s nothing new.

 

Is it any surprise coming from an administration that trusts Mexico to help with border control?

 

I think someone will be replanting the daisies at Ronald Reagan’s grave this week.

 

Posted by Martin at February 20, 2006 02:34 PM

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