PortGate: Republicans Turn on President Bush — And What Will It Cost Us?
We make a prediction.
The AP’s Liz Sidoti is eager to report: “In an election-year repudiation of President Bush, a House panel dominated by Republicans voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to block a Dubai-owned firm from taking control of some U.S port operations.”
By 62-2, the Appropriations Committee voted to bar DP World, run by the government of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, from holding leases or contracts at U.S. ports.
Bush has promised to veto any such measure passed by Congress, but there is widespread public opposition to the deal and the GOP fears losing its advantage on the issue of national security in this fall’s elections.
“This is a national security issue,” said Rep. Jerry Lewis the chairman of the panel. The California Republican said the legislation would “keep America’s ports in American hands.”
Dear readers, we’re going on the record to predict this is a major shooting in the foot for the Republicans. Self-infliction. They will regret it and pay accordingly in the elections.
Earlier this morning, Bloomberg news interviewed Chris Lewis, CEO of Hutchison Ports*, who basically said that the objections against UAE’s acquisition are out of line and totally embarassing for America. He referred to a poll taken by port officials that concluded the matter is nothing but political theater.
Naturally, Sen. Chuck Shumer wouldn’t know anything about that, as he emerges from this with a victory for his party.
Lewis went on to say the same as we suggested recently. Namely, since P&O is also managing major ports in Europe, he asked: “Why haven’t we heard a peep?” Maybe because they know it’s better to follow the time-tested advice: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
It’s unfortunate. Even Jerry Lewis (not the comedian) is missing the point (Hillary’s talking point) about keeping “the ports in American hands.”
FACT: P&O (the company being acquired) is a BRITISH company so, all these years, American companies weren’t running the ports, either.
It’s unbelievable that the media, the Democrats and, now, Republicans are ignoring the facts.
On Feb 14, the first day (and as one of the first bloggers) that we reported on this story, even though we initially came out against it, our post highlighted the fact that P&O was a British company being acquired by a UAE business, and we even provided maps highlighting P&O’s operations throughout Europe, managing some of the major ports there. So, why indeed have we not heard a peep from the UK? Maybe because they see things differently, which by no means indicates their not tough on terrorism.
This entire issue was manipulated by Dems as a wedge issue to confuse Republicans and advance their own image as being “tough on terror”. Unfortunately, it’s working.
*Please note that Hutchison Ports is a direct competitor to P&O, so you’d figure they’d be cheering against them. Not so. How embarassing for our “leadership”.
UPDATE:
Ed Driscoll explores “Post-Tipping Point Politics”
ExposeTheLeft: Hitchens Calls It Democrat “Opportunism”
CaptainsQuarters: “A Spoonful Of Panic”
Squiggler: “Turncoats and some other things that aren’t nice”
(She highlights some very salient comments from CQ)
SmallTownVet: “Of Arabs, Ports, and Kit Carson Scouts”
Michelle Malkin: “House Republicans Send A Message”
(And Democrats couldn’t be happier)
Malkin is right on about one thing:
The work in Washington is not done. CFIUS needs a drastic overhaul. Port security needs more attention. All our borders need more attention.
Just don’t expect to see the same outrage and concern coming from the Democrats. Their work is done.
UPDATE: (3/9)
Cinnamon Stillwell: “Bush and Ports: The Honeymoon Is Over”
UPDATE: (3/10)
FORTUNE: What will the Dubai debacle cost us?
Now the deal is done, it’s time for American companies to face the economic consequences of politicians’ public statements.
Couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
RELATED:
British Court Allows Dubai Deal to Proceed
Don’t Jump On The Anti-Dubai Port Deal Bandwagon
March 8th, 2006 at 6:02 pm
House GOP to Try to Block Ports Deal
House Republican leaders on Tuesday embraced legislation that would block a Dubai-owned company from
March 8th, 2006 at 7:26 pm
The kindest way to describe this travesty is that its authors are feckless and uninformed.
Calling them eunuchs is more like it.
March 8th, 2006 at 8:07 pm
[...] California Conservative [...]
March 9th, 2006 at 12:52 am
Turncoats and some other things that aren’t nice
PortGate: Republicans Turn on President Bush  And What Will It Cost Us? By California Conservative on Homeland Security We make a prediction. The AP’s Liz Zidoti is eager to report: “In an election-year repudiation of President Bush, a House pan…
March 9th, 2006 at 1:16 am
Of Ports and Whines, Part 10 - Polls Produce Panic
Yesterday the House Appropriations Committee Republicans reminded one of a trigger-happy deputy sheriff, who, in a fit of panic, fired the first shot into his foot and then wounded an unsuspecting bystander with the second. That unsuspecting bystande…
March 9th, 2006 at 4:14 am
Earth to George
A Republican-dominated House panel voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to block a Dubai-owned firm from taking control of some U.S port operations. Michelle Malkin labels it a “wake up call” and asks “Is anyone at the White House listening?”
March 9th, 2006 at 4:44 am
Congress Reaction “Ignorant, Scaremongering” - Maritime Industry
Congress is showing everyone that they care nothing about transportation security. All they care about is appearing to care about transportation security to their voters who know nothing about the maritime industry. Killing this deal will do nothing ab…
March 9th, 2006 at 7:23 am
Great post. I agree with Standlow….I’d rather lose my career than to continue in it dishonesty for simply for political gain.. IF that is indeed what’s going on.
If the Dubai deal is approved after the review, I think it’ll be clear that this truly is not a Bush issue, like Harriet Miers. Bush lent his “Amen” to the deal, but had virtually nothing to do with it but say “Amen.”
March 9th, 2006 at 8:54 am
“Just don’t expect to see the same outrage and concern (about protecting our borders) coming from the Democrats. Their work is done.”
What a load.
We were arguing port security while your president tried to build a missile defense system (which doesn’t work).
We were arguing port security while your president marched us off to build a democracy in Iraq (which doesn’t work).
This administration’s idea of doing the heavy lifting required to prepare us for and protect us from natural and un-natural disasters pretty much stops at the hiring of a family friend to bilk the taxpayers for millions of dollars.
I personally remember posting on Slate about the missile defense system (if I recall correctly BEFORE 9/11) and I was calculating how many border guards we could hire and train for the cost of that fiasco.
For the last time: YOU ARE NOT TOUGHER ON NATIONAL SECURITY. The Neocon agenda is not “tough.” It is dumb. Even Fukuyama says so. Dropping a bomb does not take toughness.
March 9th, 2006 at 9:17 am
Load of hooey is right. What are those 34% still supporting this Administration smoking? You’ve been so under-served, it isn’t funny.
This administration and Republican senate has repeatedly blocked efforts to increase much needed port security funds. One measure, in 2004, would have provided an additional $150 million for port security in high risk areas. (HR 4567, Senate Vote 166, 9/8/04) Republicans voted it down.
They blocked multiple Democratic attempts to increase much needed first responder funding. (HR 2360, Senate Vote 178, 7/13/05; HR 2360, Senate Vote 177, 7/13/05)
Insted, the GOP has rallied behind an Administration budget that fails to adequately protect America.
Bush’s latest budget underfunds port security by over $5 billion, and cuts $400 million for first responders. Democrats such as Senator Patty Murray have assailed the recent Bush administration which allocated only $2 billion for port security programs. According to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, it would take $7.3 billion over 10 years to properly secure the 361 port facilities across the country. (Office of Senator Patty Murray Press Release, 2/6/06; Journal of Commerce, 2/6/06; New York Post, 2/7/06)
This Admin has been all hat and no cattle for years now. Where they decided to shoot, on Iraq, they missed and blew up the country instead. If you don’t think that we will all be looking back in ten year’s time and wondering what the he11 the country was thinking when they returned these fools to office, you’re fooling yourself. This Administration and Congress will go down as the biggest pack of failures since, well, since never. It’s never been worse.
March 9th, 2006 at 9:19 am
OK, I confess. Not only do I post occasionally here, and not only do I make snarky comments on other people’s blogs, I also send snarky emails to various Fox News personalities. Yes, I am that pathetic.
– Seattle Slough, 10/25/05
Recognition is the first step to betterment.
Thanks for your comments.
March 9th, 2006 at 10:05 am
Good. The GOP deserves to pay for this, and has no one to blame but itself.
And please - there is a huge difference between a company which hails from one of our oldest and closest allies, Britain, and a company which is RUN BY a government which has refused extradition, given us 2 of the 9/11 hijackers, refused to cooperate in the tracking of Al Qaeda funds, etc. etc.
This entire issue is sticking to Bush and the GOP, because it is a logical outgrowth of conservative philosophy, as it is practiced in the real world: what benefits large corporations matters above all else, even if the corporation is run by another country and the deal undermines our national security.
March 9th, 2006 at 10:14 am
So, explain why Britain and the rest of Europe isn’t crying foul?
As for “benefiting large corporations” yada yada, while we’re sure you use that argument in any situation, whether it be national security or taxes, you’re missing the point.
This is about the new economy. Transnational corporations. Globalization. Free trade. New world order.
If a global company controlled by UAE cannot do business in America, then neither should a company from China. Or India. Or Pakistan. Or Russia.
How desperate Democrats have become to make this their cause. And shame on the House Republicans to be more concerned about the polls than the people. Leave that to the others.
March 9th, 2006 at 10:18 am
I guess my assertions go unchallenged?
And since we are all about getting the facts straight. This isn’t some Dubai based company. It IS Dubai. The government of Dubai owns this company.
This is a government, mind you, that still denies the existence of Israel. A government that has actual ties to terrorism. A government that rates at the absolute bottom on human rights (especially women’s rights).
Considering these are all reasons touted as justifications for our interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and now Iran, Shouldn’t we say no just on principal?
That is before we look into the conflict of interest and cronyism.
The real question is, Why are you for this deal?
March 9th, 2006 at 10:21 am
And I am glad you brought up China. Why is it OK to do business with the Chinese government, but not Cuba? Do we not oppose Cuba because of their communist leadership? Is China not run by communists?
Oh, yes. I remember. There is real money to be made in China. Sorry, I forgot. Carry on then.
March 9th, 2006 at 11:21 am
So, explain why Britain and the rest of Europe isn’t crying foul?
They probably feel like, why should they bother? Bush never listens to anything they say anyway.
This is about the new economy. Transnational corporations. Globalization. Free trade. New world order.
Undoubtedly.That by itself does not make this a good idea, or a bad idea. We still have the duty to ourselves, to be very picky indeed about who we have run our ports.
If a global company controlled by UAE cannot do business in America, then neither should a company from China. Or India. Or Pakistan. Or Russia.
That’s not the sitch. The sitch is very specifically port security.
If a global company controlled by the UAE cannot control our ports, then, yes, neither should a company from China, India, Pakistan or Russia. I agree with that.
How desperate Democrats have become to make this their cause.
I don’t think it’s desperate. I think it’s accurate. Look, our separate ideologies aside, there are serious national security concerns here, with having a state-run company from a basically lawless nation that’s already been connected repeatedly with terrorists and nuclear proliferation.
All this could more easily be accepted, if this deal had even been fully investigated. But as we all know, it was not, and security concerns brought up by Homeland Security and the Coast Guard were ignored; also ignored was the law that this sort of business cannot be conducted with a country that doesn’t recognize Israel.
March 9th, 2006 at 11:28 am
OK, read your article a little closer: you’re saying, why aren’t Europeans crying foul over DP World aquiring control of some of their ports?
I don’t know. It’s an interesting question. Maybe their citizens don’t feel they have as much to fear from terrorists as we do.
That still doesn’t invalidate the many security concerns.
I’m listening to the radio right now, and Warner has apparently brokered a deal whereby DP World is signing over its ports to an American entity of some sort. We’ll see if it’s just a front company dodge, or if something else is happening…
March 9th, 2006 at 12:44 pm
“Dear readers, we’re going on the record to predict this is a major shooting in the foot for the Republicans. Self-infliction. They will regret it and pay accordingly in the elections.”
Geez, heaven forbid republicans vote the interests of America and Americans over the interests of their own party and pocktebooks.
March 9th, 2006 at 5:41 pm
First off, Jim, thanks for the thoughtful remarks. We may still disagree, but your measured tone is respected.
Look, our separate ideologies aside, there are serious national security concerns here…
Fair enough. And this issue will shall be sorted out.
But knowing how you feel, we look forward to locking arms as we take a serious stand against the national security issues facing the nation via illegal immigration.
Close the borders, scrutinize the dirty peasants coming into this nation without professional job skills let alone command of english, crack down on banks and other businesses that assist illegals, and put the brakes on immigration in general ’til America gets it’s own “disenfranchised” population on its feet.
How about that? Are we all in it? Should be. Unchecked immigration holds dire consequences for the future and safety of the nation.
Chuck Schumer, lead the battle cry…
UPDATE: (3/10)
Hillary Accuses GOP of Creating A “Police State”
(guess we’re back to the usual rhetoric)
March 10th, 2006 at 6:51 am
This is just inconvienent karma for the administration. Bush and his neocons whipped up so much anti-intellectual, xenophobic chest-beating patriotism and now it has bitten them in the ass.
How can you expect Redneck Joe to have a nuanced view when seeing shades of gray has been mocked by Bush and Rove? Bush et al planted the garden and they should have realized the flowers they chose would bloom with a terrible smell.
Even as a Dem, I agree that the Dems are being cynical. Though they have always touted port security (and never received recognition for such), I don’t think they really thought Dubai Ports World was a threat. They’re just using the crude levers that are more familiar to republicans–fear and xenophobia.
Part of me is sad that the Dems are forced to stoop to Republican’s fear-mongering level, but the Republicans have proved that it works spectacularly on the rubes. Like I said, it’s karma.
March 10th, 2006 at 7:15 am
Redneck Joe and the rubes?
Sounds like a good Southern band. But guess you wouldn’t listen to that kind of music.
“Karma” must be the name brand of the stuff you’re smoking, Binah, as you look down from lofty heights and exhale your liberal smuggery.
Bush et al planted the garden and they should have realized the flowers they chose would bloom with a terrible smell
Take another hit, and pour yourself another glass of Kool-Aid. It’s Friday.
March 10th, 2006 at 3:03 pm
I agree that there is demagoging going on on both sides.
As a democrat, it looks a lot like a “teachable moment”, where our views can break through the media fog and get people to pay attention to the real issue, which is port security.
The administration cannot explain its failures there, and that point has finally gotten through. Maybe now, we can get some action on this vital need.
March 11th, 2006 at 3:13 pm
Re: Comment 15.
CA Conservative is incredulous about something that’s 100% true.
Binah’s so out of touch, he probably thinks the earth isn’t flat.
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