What exactly does the port operator oversee, what “intel” is he privy to and what decision-making does he control on the container movement.

Secondly, when we privatized the port operations, national security was a non-issue (not a major issue anyway). At what point do I want a private company to weigh profit and loss, productivity, happy clients (that would be the people whose container you are slowing down) versus national security?

We make a big production about border security (rightfully so). The ports are the biggest holes in the fences around our nation. Are they considering using private companies on the Mexican border?

Who knows? (I love quoting Rummie) Maybe there is the answer.

It is clear that there is a large contingent that does not want our borders (and ports) secure – all in the name of $$$.

Today, we learn about the back alley deal with Dubai to allow US Intel access to all info pertaining to US ports under Dubai control. (back alley deal is not being used as a prejudicial term – it simply fits the facts of the transaction. Furthermore, Dubai signed onto port security screening at the port of origin (the Emirate) this past week.

No one is trying to restrict or prejudice Arab/Islamist companies from doing business with or within the USA or its interests. They are questioning the wisdom of giving up a port operations contract which will involve in-depth security and logistic issues.

The real question for a post-911 USA is whether Reagan-era port facility privatization is in the best interest of the country. Should any private organization run our ports? (A la Boxer) Do the interests of capitalism trump the interests of national security? We can “muddy up” constitutional law for national security, but we cant touch the good ol’ profit and loss statement?

As much as the media deserves a thrashing for the face-shooting coverage, they werent going to get this story until Dubai and P&O released the transaction to the media (cant screw with those stocks!). I wonder if any friends in Washington made some coin with Wall Street this week?

As much as the Dems are grand standing – can you blame them?

Back to the issue – security – how do we guard any company against infiltration by al Qaeda? Political incorrectness wont work these days either – Al Queada recruited Asians (according to the Bush LA story) and lets not forget Mr. home-boy Padilla and also there was that white guy from the PacNW.

The only thing this circus will get us is a bad rap on Al Jazeera. But who cares – when do we get a good rap? Even in the closest and friendliest relationship with our Arab allies (i.e. House of Saud) – we can never know or trust them. At best we can play them – hopefully better than the way they play us.

As far as Im concerned, privatization of the ports is no longer acceptable – as painful as this is to admit. You may as well privatize airline security (again) and nukular facilities (they are)and let Dubai have those contracts as well.

To quote Rumsfeld : Who knows?

…..maybe we can privatize the military and give contracts to the Chinese and Russians for ICBM maintenance and the Mexican Federales Border patrol.