Dems Call Ports Acquisition a 'Backroom Deal'

[Judi Lynn]

Dems Call Ports Acquisition a 'Backroom Deal'
They Say the $6.8 Billion Deal an Example of Cronyism by Bush Administration
By DEAN NORLAND

March 1, 2006 — A "backroom deal" — that's what House Democrats are calling the United Arab Emirates' acquisition of a company that manages operations of six major U.S. shipping ports.

The sale of British company P&O to Dubai Ports World, a company based in the U.A.E., has raised concerns that national security could be compromised.

House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called the $6.8 billion port deal "an example of cronyism" by the Bush administration.

"The American people don't understand why we can't operate our own ports," she said.
(snip/...)

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=1675397&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

[The Backlash Cometh]

1. Backroom deals are destroying our country.

Yes, that's exactly what this is, and it would be wonderful if we got a whistle blower that can prove that Bush was in ground zero over this.

[izzie]

2. To much money not to be.

But Congress and the President have been doing this for 5 years. Wait to the sell off the Fed. Parks and water.

[SoCalDem]

3. More like an under-handed, under-the-desk deal

:evilgrin:

[jazzjunkysue]

4. Finally, we start using language that reveals the truth.

[anotherdrew]

5. let the feds manage the ports and keep the profits to offset income tax

makes sense to me.

[silvershadow]

6. i have an idea for our own "back room" deal....

Using very rough figures, the port deal is worth 6 billion. There are roughly 300 million americans (documented). 90%+ are against the deal. Why don't we make a counteroffer to run our own ports. Doing the math, if everyone pitched in, it would be about $20 apeice. Granted, not everyone would. But if even one tenth did, that would still work out to only $200 apeice. I would gladly buy stock in this amount or much greater. Not only would we maintain control of our own ports, but we would be owners. (I already feel like I should be an owner anyway, as I am sure our tax dollars support other aspects of the port). Of course I don't know how to set it up, but if someone does, let me know. Maybe we can make a counter offer, or at least generate some media coverage for the idea.