Gothamist: Anti-UAE-Owned Port Sentiment Grows

Dessert Faux

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 21:19:08 -0500

Thank you k and MDB for calling it as it is! This is nothing but CNN/MSNBC-induced mass hysteria...

MDB

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 20:49:44 -0500

For anyone that's amazed that the US would let another country control its ports, keep in mind that these ports were *already* controlled by a foreign nation. P&O was a UK corporation, now it's a wholly owned subsidiary of a UAE corporation. Even more horrible, most ships are held by corporations incorporated in foreign countries. They're not even flying American flags, shocking! This is not news, nor should it be. It's bald-faced bigotry. Port security will be no more at risk than before the change of control.

feuilletons

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 15:16:21 -0500

I'm really surprised at the politically correct defense of UAE. In the name of national security, innocent U.S. citizens and immigrants are undergoing extraordinary rendition and torture at worst, surveillance at best; but when it comes to rich corporations, they couldn't possibly be a threat? And bigotry against foreign corporations is somehow on the same scale as bigotry toward actual (brown, Muslim) people with families and small businesses?

JD

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 14:58:47 -0500

The thing is: 1. If we let them run it and we are attacked: we are complete morons 2. If we complain (but still let them run it) and nothing happens: we are bigots "I guess it would be okay if this was a French company all the early hoo-ha over iraq notwithstanding?" Not if the French had (as many) ties to terrorist groups it wouldn't. If someone I know has a friend who tries to attack me, I don't give their friend a key to my house. Know what I mean? Regardless of who they are or where they are from. Just self-preservation.

S.D.

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 14:32:38 -0500

Amusing thought: Dubai company set to run U.S. ports has ties to administration Wonder what else comes to light?

hr

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 12:30:20 -0500

what's wrong with bigotry?

beetlebum

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 11:53:30 -0500

pretty sure the uae has state controlled industries. so the country would be controlling the port. but would still have to meet the standards of us maritime law.

k

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 11:50:01 -0500

isn't it a UAE COMPANY that would take control of the port, not a NATION? Big whiff of bigotry to me. I guess it would be okay if this was a French company all the early hoo-ha over iraq notwithstanding? plus tons of foriegn companies control large sectors of certain us industries. don't get me started on all the other reasons this is lame pseudo-national security logic. blah blah blah.

S.D.

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 11:16:46 -0500

question: will i still be treated as if i were a potential terrorist if i want to take a picture of the ports? Depends on how ignorant of the law the Guards are (And if there are any signs banning, of Course)

sgoralnick

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 10:57:39 -0500

question: will i still be treated as if i were a potential terrorist if i want to take a picture of the ports?

S.D.

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 10:10:50 -0500

Why would any nation give control of it's Ports to another Sovereign nation? Didn't make sense to me when Panama gave the Canal Contract to China either (or to the US)...

Rance

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 09:57:10 -0500

Let's keep the control of our ports in the hands of the mob where it belongs!!!

Shovel

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 09:49:26 -0500

Bigotry? Hardly. Think of the UAE as a class bully. You don't discriminate against the kid or treat him differently than the other kids. You DO monitor his behavior, based on the fact that the bully has beat the crap out of other kids in the past...but then again you monitor everyone's behavior. You DON'T, however, give the bully control of the hall passes, no matter how much money his parents make!

S.D.

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 09:36:49 -0500

These things are ussually about $$$. Wonder who's getting paid to get the UAE the contract?

Me

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 09:09:07 -0500

Anti-UAE Sentiment = Bigotry