Well, I still don't know a whole lot, since I missed the first couple days when the story broke and have had to rely on what recent editorials and news updates have had to offer.
This is what I know: The government wants to hand control of some major US ports to an Arab firm based out of the United Arab Emirates. This has something to do with them being a good company who will watch our ports better than we are and make our country safer. A bunch of Congressfolk are upset that letting Arabs control our ports is akin to giving it straight to the terrorists and will make our country much less safer. It appears that these Arabs are a lot nicer than the terrorist Arab types, but the outcry was enough to cause a delay and an intense investigation, with the possibility of dissolving the whole thing altogether.
This is what I think: It's been known for years that we only inspect a small percentage of what comes through our ports as it is. So handing some ports over to an experienced firm who will guard it for us is probably not a bad idea. Admittedly, the Arab ties are cause for concern, but isn't that being stereotypical and intolerant? On paper, these guys look like good Arabs. While some proponents are worried that these delays will severely hurt a budding international friendship, I will consent to say, hey, it's probably a good thing. Bush wouldn't OK it if he thought it would endanger us. But what does it matter? If it's alright, then the investigations will reveal that, and we'll end up doing it anyway.
Unless, of course, you no longer have confidence that the government knows how to conduct unbiased, unpartial, legitimate investigations...
Edmond the Hun
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8 comments:
Call me rascist or whatever but I don't care. Handing over any American holdings to Arabs borders on the imbecilic. Why should foreign powers control what comes into our country? Things have been fine so far with the ports--at least nothing news-worthy. Why change things now? I don't care how good people look on paper. That's easy. Prove it to me in person! "Actions speak louder than words." Sure, "speak softly" but CARRY A BIG STICK!!! I don't trust them. Heck, I hardly trust Americans, so why should I trust foreigners like that? It's nothing personal. Trust no one! That's the safest political motto there is.
-Sanguine
I'm with Sanguine on this one.
-The Swedish Eskimo
Yes, it seems idiotic to give control of our ports to another country. But first, we're just giving it to a company that's based in another country, and second, I think right now it's a British company that's controlling those ports in question. So it's not a matter of giving up control, it's a matter of giving it to someone else. The whole thing's really messed up...
On September 10, 2001, people would have said, things have been fine with our airport security, why change things now? Similarly, the fact that we inspect around 5% of incoming boatloads is just a disaster waiting to happen. (On the other hand, if the terrorists haven't figured out how to take advantage of that by now, they probably never will) Why not give the control to a non-radical Arab firm that has experience in keeping ports safe? I think that's the idea. But of course I don't know if that's the reality...
Britians are much more sympathetic towards us than Arabs. It's hardly the same thing.
Down with having foreigners control imports!! *waves protest sign*
-Sanguine
YOU'RE ALL MISSING THE POINT. It makes no difference whether it's British or Arabs, it is utterly ridiculous for America to not even OWN it's top six ports!!! And then we turn around and complain when the economy goes south, or east in this case. Also, we have nothing to do with the Arabs coming in. The Arab company is buying out the British company who already owned the ports, and we just have to okay it. I just think it's foolish that another country controls the trade on the Mississipi and the coasts.
no, finien, Sanguine is most certainly NOT missing the point. if you recall, she specifically said, "Down with having foreigners control imports!! *waves protest sign*"
-The Swedish Eskimo
Thank you Eskimo. I was most certainly NOT missing the point! I know it's ridiculous for America to not control its own ports! Unfortunately politicians don't see things my way. *sigh* If they'd just get with the program, things would be so much better...
*feebly waves protest sign*
-Sanguine
Dude, you're fallin behind. post something. Even if it's just the word 'something'.
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