Published: Feb. 23, 2006 at 5:15 PM
By PAMELA HESSUPI
Pentagon Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- A United Arab Emirates government-owned company is poised to take over port terminal operations in 21 American ports, far more than the six widely reported. (I suppose Bush lied to the American people, huh? How many knew that Bush liedto the American people? Yeah.)
The Bush administration has approved the takeover of British-owned Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co. to DP World, a deal set to go forward March 2 unless Congress intervenes.
P&O is the parent company of P&O Ports North America, which leases terminals for the import and export and loading and unloading and security of cargo in 21 ports, 11 on the East Coast, ranging from Portland, Maine to Miami, Florida, and 10 on the Gulf Coast, from Gulfport, Miss., to Corpus Christi, Texas, according to the company's Web site.
President George W. Bush on Tuesday threatened to veto any legislation designed to stall the handover.
Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. said after the briefing she expects swift, bi-partisan approval for a bill to require a national security review before it is allowed to go forward.
At issue is a 1992 amendment to a law that requires a 45-day review if the foreign takeover of a U.S. company "could affect national security." Many members of Congress see that review as mandatory in this case.
But Bush administration officials said Thursday that review is only triggered if a Cabinet official expresses a national security concern during an interagency review of a proposed takeover.
"We have a difference of opinion on the interpretation of your amendment," said Treasury Department Deputy Secretary Robert Kimmitt (Isn't this the guy who was proposing sales of the USA to Russian investment? Does Kimmitt lie? Or create lies to benefit politics over the interests of the American people? Maybe he just likes a lot of money?)....
Taking back America means we secure America from any interests the people of this country deem a threat to them. I sincerely like the idea of 'Homeland Security' for ever sovereign nation on the face of Earth. I also like the idea of nations being secured by people that are trustworthy to that end. I like the idea of America being secured by Americans. Nothing else, just Americans that are paid well for the patriotism they have and exhibit to their National Security. I think most Americans feel that way. Yes?
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