Seriously, I can't be the first person to use that title...am I? Haven't seen it anywhere else yet. Anyway, lot's of upset and gnashing of teeth over the sale of port functions to a state owned firm from the United Arab Emirates. When I first heard of this yesterday, I was a little unsure that I liked the idea of it. On the surface, it sounded pretty bad. But as I got to know more about it, it quickly became lot's of hot air for nothing.
Here is a pretty good primer on the deal, and here is a decent column by James Glassman describing it as well. And for more, the Instapundit always has a decent round up, as does Decision '08 here and here.
I see much postering without a lot of knowledge on the actual event. In fact, this letter apparently sent to the President from Rep. Sue Myrick probably sums up the mass opinion before it is actually informed (hat-tip to RedState.org):
Dear Mr. President:
In regards to selling American ports to the United Arab Emirates, not just NO - but HELL NO!
Sincerely,
Sue Myrick
Sounds good for the sound bite, maybe, but it also displays a profound ignorance from someone who should be in the know, one would assume. Look, if I had my preference, I would like to see an American company doing this work. But from my understanding, many of the ports in the United States are already operated by foreign companies. What does disturb me about this deal is the fact that the company in question is a state owned company of the UAE, rather than a private one. However, it appears that security will remain what it is (which is not saying much, mind you) and I have to agree that suggesting that because the company is Arab it is a deal breaker smells of xenophobia. I recognize we live in extraordinary times at the moment, but if we want the Muslim world on our side in fighting terrorism, we should probably treat your regular Muslim just like any of us would like to be treated. I don't see how doing otherwise helps us in any way win the war.
I don't think we have heard everything on this subject yet. I know plenty of people want to keep talking about it because they think they sound good, and others want to be sure and get on the "right side" of this issue. But for once, I am pleased that I did not shoot my mouth off before knowing more. I may still change my mind on this, but for the moment it really does not rise to the level of major issue to me. That is all.
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