Port security and the UAE

Quite a political firestorm over the recent acquisition by a government-controlled company in the United Arab Emirates of the management company for ports in several major U.S. cities (the management company was previously owned by a London-based firm). Bush may have finally over-stepped -- his contempt for Congress is blatantly on display in his avowal to veto (for the first time in his presidency!) any legislation addressing the takeover, despite the fact that it has wide bi-partisan support (Shumer says it would pass "like a warm knife through butter"). The continued management by the newly-bought company was approved by Administration officials (though the Prez was not involved), who consider the UAE an ally (in this crazy world), though the UAE supported the Taliban and two of the 9/11 hijackers came from there. I commend the Dems for recognizing a winning issue when they see it, and the Repugs don't want to get left behind. The News Hour's David Brooks credits extremist radio host Michael Savage for jump-starting the issue (Brooks claims that Savage has a nose for issues that will resonate with the public). I suspect Bush's staunch support has more to do with backroom deals with cronies than it does with concerns, or lack thereof, regarding American security (I get more cynical all the time). Unfortunately the whole issue is no doubt a tempest in a teapot, as the American public (the 3% who are paying any attention) will soon enough be distracted by American Idol or the Olympics, and March Madness is right around the corner too.