HOW DUMB I AM! I hate to admit it, but I was not even aware at our major ports where operated by a British firm!
The current plan which became known today urges us to shift them all to an
Arabic firm out of Dubai, U.A.E. It came to me as a surprise and, I dare to hazard a wild guess, that thousands upon thousands of other dumb bunny, sadly informed citizens met
then subject in the same uncomfortable, way.
Now, as we cringe naked more or less among the nervous nations, with a President who's ratings will take a nose-dive tonight as both friend and foe adjust to the idea of our six major ports let out to bidders who will run them for us. George Bush would have to have started talking six months ago to have any hope whatsoever of putting such a concept across. I have strong feelings this evening that today - February 21, 2006, marks the end of the George Bush presidency in some ways. Among the opposition party's candidates, Hillary Clinton, has been quick to say she will introduce a bill to kill the entire venture. Such party action, so soon, is largely grandstanding, while the real harm being done to George Bush's presidency is left with you and with me –
the common citizens of our nation.
In political matters we are not too bright. I can sit here, right now, and give you an impressive analysis of what our media will be. The nicer units among our media will say Bush's action is “stupid”. Even close associates of George Bush will succumb to the blanketed blandishments of both the printed and the tele-spoken, pictured words. Newspaper editorial staff members will join together to create such prize-winning header as “Stupid! Print media persons will make use of the actuality of TV and the news people TV will paraphrase what they read in the papers. They will bat the subject back and forth until the next press release in made available.
I agree with Bush's decision. He six ports have already been under foreign care from years. I don't yet understand exactly what the reasons must be for wanting to make a changed at this time, but feel our has checked that and other such tedious points as well.
Meanwhile, think about it. Does it bother you that some of New York City's largest and finest buildings are owned and operated by Japan? Are you concerned that you are making your wife and children ride around in a foreign-made car using gas an and oil from wells owned and operated by the Dutch, British, Saudis, Mexican, Iraqi, Irani, Nigerians and who knows what other people? You wear clothing, footwear, foods and medicines made in a score of around the world. Our favorite brands of many have been made in owned and operated plants in Indian, Taiwan, Nepal, or Haiti. Even now, a new store is being readied on 63rd Street in New York City which will sell products to us by their Chinese trade names.
As on as a foreign firm can do their job of managing the ports well they are a plus value. Their wok has merit if it well done. We need to do all we can to help make these ports more efficient, dependable, profitable and growing. They need to see at that various ships dock when and where they are supposed to dock, unload and reload efficiently; observe set rules and regulations , and they have to deal with labor union demands as well. The Longshoremen have never been short on stubbornness, you may remember. Just as it has been in the past, all security measures - and this a critical point in this entire discussion - all security measure responsibilities for the entire port are under the direct control of the United States of America with local Port Authority assistance, of The U.S. Coast Guard and other government branches including national and state military units as required.
Don't you find it odd , and disquieting, that we cannot set forth the name of even one American company which is capable of operating these eight ports? Perhaps some of today's “politicking protesters” could look to bringing about some changes in that area if they truly wish to see our ports under local control some day.
A.L.M. February 22, 2006 [c730wds]
