At first, I didn't know what to think about turning over management of our ports to a UAE company. Even though our government assures us that they have taken every precaution to insure that our security has not been compromised, there is something unsettling about an Arab nation with direct ties to the 9/11 terrorists having so much influence over shipping ports that are already too loosely examined. It's often difficult to balance free trade against security. How do we really know if this is a good deal or not?
Today, former President Jimmy Carter weighed in on the issue. He says our current President is doing the right thing. That sealed it for me. Now I know we shouldn't be doing it.
Here's some of what Wikopedia has to say about the Carter presidency:
"The Iranian hostage crisis was one of the contributors to his failure to win a second term. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan further weakened American prestige. Carter faced interest rates reaching their highest levels since World War II, and the administration froze domestic oil prices in response to rising prices from OPEC. The "Misery Index," his favored measure of economic well-being, rose 50% in four years. Despite his own party's control of Congress, his administration was unable to reform the tax system or to implement a national health plan, as he had promised during the 1976 campaign."
His ability to accurately assess issues involving middle-eastern countries leaves a lot to be desired.
Comments