I've never understand why the extremely legitimate deal to sell control of our ports to the Emirates had to go through in such a hurry; the Republicans claim that to wait would be racist--oh, puh-leeze--but what's racist about making sure that selling big parts of Philly and Manhattan to pro-torture money-launderers who vacation with OBL doesn't pose any security risks? Surely these guys can wait 45 days? [Hums the old Sly Stone tune, It's a family affair, it's a family affair...] AP sheds some light:

But the expected finalizing of the deal on Thursday did not go ahead.

Senior DP World officials told the House Armed Services Committee it would now likely conclude Monday or Tuesday of next week.

"At that time we have to mail out 6.8 billion dollars to the various shareholders," Edward Bilkey, chief operating officer of the company, told the committee.

Well, that certainly clears things up! And who would those discreetly unnamed shareholders be? Why, the Carlyle Group, of course!

It is, of course, deeply coincidental that Bush's Dad, Poppy, as a member of the Carlyle Group, is getting one of those checks.

Move along, people! More along! There's no story here!

NOTE Does the Carlyle Group have cash flow problems, they can't wait 45 days? Hmmm....