Lawmakers still angered, but resigned to Bush victory on Ports

[ECH1969]

US lawmakers were losing hope of being able to block the controversial takeover of operations at several US ports by a United Arab Emirates-owned firm, with the deal becoming final on Thursday.

Members of Congress from both parties kept up their attacks against the impending 6.8 billion dollar sale of the British firm which manages the ports to Dubai Ports World, citing security concerns.

They conceded, however, that they are powerless to prevent the sale from going forward, and placed their hope in an 11th-hour intervention by US President George W. Bush.

"He's the only one that can stop it," Democratic US Senator Frank Lautenberg told AFP Wednesday.

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/03/01/060301222720.m1pir6gy.html
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Bah, there has to be something they can do.

[dsc]

1. what would you like them to do?

Ex Post Facto laws are unconstitutional last time I checked,

[badgerpup]

3. If most of Congress is against this...

...can't they vote to override a veto?
This is just so wrong...but what else isn't new...:eyes:

[dsc]

10. The sale evidently went through

and I don't think a law can be passed to undo the sale. I fail to see how any law wouldn't be either ex post facto (a general law banning foreign sales) or discriminatory (a non general law banning the sale to that company).

[dansolo]

14. But the sale wasn't valid

I thought the sale violated an exisiting law, having to do with a mandatory 45 day evaluation period.

[Solomon]

4. You mean on just this one thing the "national security" excuse doesn't

trump the consitution?

[Just Me]

12. They could get someone/entity to seek a restraining order.

Just a thought.

[Benhurst]

2. Weak legislative bodies are the norm

in fascist states.

[Nikki Stone 1]

5. That's about the size of it

nt

[we can do it]

6. Just What the Fuck Is the Point Anymore???? Might As Well Turn the TV On..

Nothing we do does any damn good - its getting tiring, writing, calling, emailing...for what? I freaking give up.

[stevietheman]

8. Wow... Just as all the rest of us are really getting fired up.

We'll miss your assistance.

[we can do it]

11. Its Like Being In An Abusive Marriage - Hoping Things Will Be Different...

but nothing changes. It just keeps getting worse, it's SOOOOO frustrating. Why don't our representatives REPRESENT US???? Maybe I Just Need A little Break -

[stevietheman]

17. Everyone deserves a break every now and then...

you're right that all this gets very intense at times.

[we can do it]

19. Thanks - My Hormones May Be Contributing To My Stress At This Moment

I'm not a quitter, I think I just need some chocolate.

[The Backlash Cometh]

7. The coward is hiding out in India, waiting for the deadline for

this thing to expire. I can't tell you how ashamed I am that this person made it to the presidency of the United States. Bush's lack of respect for our country is the absolutely most despicable thing that has ever happened to the oval office. He has left a stain that will never be purified.

[ECH1969]

16. lol

[annabanana]

9. He'll be sorry. . . . n/t

[cynatnite]

13. The checks and balances are officially in the shitter... n/t

[napi21]

15. If our contract was with the Brit Co. and they sell their Co. are

we obliged to keep that contract with the new owner?

I suspect it depends on what is written into the original contract with the Brits. Was someone smart enough to include a sale clause?

I'm thinking about something like this:

I have a cell phone contract with Verizon for 3 years. In the second year Verizon sells their business to AT&T. I don't trust AT&T. I've done business with them in the past and I had nothing but bad experiences. Do I have to honor that contract?

I'm thinking yes. no matter how much we hate this UAE deal, we really may not have a choice!

[ROakes1019]

18. House hearing

Have you been watching the House Finance Committee on C-Span? The members are all fired up. Even the Bush apologists are backing down. The administration sent out these boys to do PR, to convince the Congress that the deal is great, and the boys are being scalded. Some of the Repugs even have brought up fanastic points, like exactly what was examined in the review and did these boys know anything about it. Apparently, they knew nothing and know nothing and their PR exercise is falling flat. One reason the congress people is so fired up is that they're hearing from their constituents. The voice of the America people is being heard and Bush and his gang are completely tone-deaf to what is really going on in this country.