Menendez, Clinton to Introduce Bill to Block Foreign Governments from Controlling U.S. Ports
United States Senators Robert Menendez and Hillary Clinton announced today that they are introducing legislation to prohibit companies owned or controlled by foreign governments from purchasing port operations in the United States. The legislation would block such transactions as the proposed sale of operations at six major U.S. ports to Dubai Ports World, a company owned by the government of the United Arab Emirates.
“Our ports are the front lines of the war on terrorism. They are both vulnerable targets for attack and venues for smuggling and human trafficking,” Menendez said. “We wouldn’t turn the border patrol or the customs service over to a foreign government, and we can’t afford to turn our ports over to one either.”
posted by EAPrez @ 1:30 PM
2 Comments
2 Comments:
Why do they hate us? Western culture, with an underscored respect for reason, capitalism, and individual rights for all members of society is diametrically opposed to the virus of Islamic extremism which is escalating a battle for greater control of the Arab world and beyond. Any progress in lifting the Arab world into modern western standards is not going to be achieved by bribing these regimes to not attack us or capitulating to the demands of the extremists. Our greatest weapon is appealing to the self-interest of Arab companies and workers with the mutual benefits thankfully available through cooperation in modern global markets. Shared interests and shared fortunes with the Arab world will create equal incentives for security both on our shores and theirs. An attack on America by Arabs becomes a self-inflicted wound and sets off internal forces overseas to eradicate the virus.
In the long run, free trade is a more effective diplomacy tool than any number of guns. We are open to working with the Arab world as equals, not as terrorists. Money knows no borders or race or religion.
If these Clintonian political postures are successful, we will send a clear message to the Arab world that America is xenophobic - Arabs need not apply to the modern world, leaving options such as Hamas the seemingly only viable alternative. Assuming the deal is accepted, we send the message that America responds positively to peaceful cooperation and our wrath is only reserved for attacks on the rights that make such free trade available at all.
I agree whole heartedly with the notion that bombs are not the solution to terrorisim. The U.S. has to start conducting itself as a citizen of the 'world' rather than a military superpower. We have to offer hope to people who have none by helping to elevate their circumstances. That is the only way to curb the hatred. Only by becoming partners in their success will we be able to have any impact on hearts and minds. I don't think 'westernization' should be the goal - they resent what they see as the 'westernization' of their culture as it is. We should respect that and for the most part, we don't. We are arrogant in our thought process in thinking that our way is the best and only way to embrace the world. Not the ordinary American citizen but American Capitalisim doesn't care about respect for other peoples cultures or beliefs if there is a buck to be made.
Regarding the ports - Americans SHOULD be alarmed by this proposal. The current administration has shown itself to be lacking in competency time and time again and I don't think anyone should be willing to trust them on this with stakes so high. 19 of the 20 Hijackers on 9/11 were from Saudi Arabia - that seems to be the bed rock of terrorisim - not Iraq.
The Arab world already thinks we're xenophobic - and that has NOTHING to do with this proposed legislation.
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