What could possibly be the problem? I mean, the ports are in blue states, they're not part of the base, and heck, when the ice caps go, they'll all be underwater. Shame about the real estate values. But then, they're all traitors anyhow. AP:

Brushing aside objections from Republicans and Democrats alike, President Bush endorsed the takeover of shipping operations at six major U.S. seaports by a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates.

So, what's not to like about selling the blue state ports off for some cash today? Maybe we can sell 'em New Orleans, too, heh heh heh.

Lawmakers from both parties have noted that some of the Sept. 11 hijackers used the United Arab Emirates as an operational and financial base. In addition, critics contend the UAE was an important transfer point for shipments of smuggled nuclear components sent to Iran, North Korea and Libya by a Pakistani scientist.

NU-clee-er. NU-clee-er!

[Lawmakers from both parties] say a port operator complicit in smuggling or terrorism could manipulate manifests and other records to frustrate Homeland Security's already limited scrutiny of shipping containers and slip contraband past U.S. Customs inspectors.

Bush said that protesting lawmakers should understand his approval of the deal was final.

"They ought to listen to what I have to say about this," the president said. [Jeebus. Can somebody give this guy a blowjob so we can impeach him?] "They'll look at the facts and understand the consequences of what they're going to do. But if they pass a law, I'll deal with it with a veto."

Separately, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said port security would not be threatened. "This is not a question about port security," Gonzales said. "This is a question about port operation."

If Abu Gonzales thinks security doesn't have anything to do with operations, he must be able to keep his shoes on that at the airport checkpoints, eh?

Of course, the United Arab Emirates have helped us out on that whole torture thing so that's another point in their favor. Besides the cash, of course. And the backhander into that slush fund Karl's running now that Jack's doing that "mistakes were made" thing ...

Honestly, doesn't this whole fiasco remind you of Pakistan? Of playing both ends against the middle? Musharraff helps us out in the so-called war on terror--somehow managing not to catch OBL--and spreads nukes at the same time. Same deal here: UAE harbors the terrorists and tortures them! It's a win/win situation!