White House: Bush didn't know of port deal until it was done. Details soon

[Roon]

White House: Bush didn't know of port deal until it was done. Details soon
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/

[sarcasmo]

1. I call LIAR on this one. Nothing like back tracking to cover your ASS.

Kick and Nom.

[scarface2004]

33. i know nothing!!!

president shultz is sooo funny!!!

[BentleyJD]

88. If he wasn't so damn dangerous...

He'd be funnier than a rerun of Gomer Pyle.

Well, Shazams, I don't no nothing.

I always said he wans't the brightest bulb on the Christmas Tree.

take care tony and wonder guidedog dietrich

[central scrutinizer]

55. either liar or incompetent

but probably both. Let's see - Bushco ran on an agenda of national security and how he was devoting some much time (it's hard work!!!) to national security. And this NEVER came up before? You're either bullshitting us again or you have the most incompetent bunch of fuckups running national security. I don't see how this can a good way for Rove to have Bushco wriggle off the hook.

[Skittles]

65. I believe him

I don't think they clue this twit in on anything until they have to; come on, it is obvious he is not calling the shots

[Megahurtz]

108. Could be Poppy-calling-the-shots.

Does anyone think that's not possible?

[Selteri]

67. I agree, I cal B******t as well, this is going beyond believability.

Almost as unbelieable as the other issues like Cheney being appologized to for shooting someone.

[htuttle]

2. So why is he threatening to veto any legislation that tries to stop it?

Are they hoping we already forgot he said that, oh, YESTERDAY!?

:eyes:

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

120. Yes.

When so much shit gets shoveled on you everyday, I task you to find yesterday's turd.

At least I think that's the theory.

[AzDar]

3. If true, why was he threatening to VETO a bill he knew NOTHING about??

Lies,Lies,Lies!!

[booksenkatz]

10. I'm sure it's due to a circumstance beyond his control

Now that they realize what a shitstorm this issue has created, they'll say that he desperately wishes he didn't have to veto this legislation, but circumstances beyond his control require that he do so. They'd love to share the reasons with us, but due to national security, they cannot. So we just have to trust them. And have another cup of Kool-Aid.

There, there, America. There, there.

[katty]

74. yup-now, calm down children!

[rodeodance]

13. his advisors (Snow)-told him to get ahead of it-so he came on strong not

even knowing that people outside the WH were having a cow about it.

[underpants]

64. Yeah pretty much

That's how it appears to me.

[sabra]

4. Rummy was saying the same thing...

Either way this bad for BushCo.

- either they are lying
- they have no handle on national security
- all the above?

[rodeodance]

12. Link for Rummy here. DOD is 1/14 agencies that is suppose to assess

the sale----guess he delegated!

http://thinkprogress.org/

BREAKING: Rumsfeld and Pace Not Consulted On Transfer Of Port Operations To UAE

In a press briefing today, Secretary Rumsfeld revealed that he was not consulted about the decision to transfer operations of six key U.S. ports to the United Arab Emirates, a country with troubling ties to international terrorism.

QUESTION: Are you confident that any problems with security — from what you know, are you confident that any problems with security would not be greater with a UAE company running this than an American company?

RUMSFELD: I am reluctant to make judgments based on the minimal amount of information I have because I just heard about this over the weekend.

Rumsfeld’s statement was particularly troubling because Dubai Ports World, owned and operated by the UAE government, will also take over a major contract managing the movement of military equipment for the U.S. Army. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Peter Pace, who was at the briefing, also said he found out about the deal over the weekend. The deal was approved on February 13.

[Tight_rope]

78. "RUMSFELD: I am reluctant to make judgments based ...

on the minimal amount of information I have because I just heard about this over the weekend."

:wtf: What a fucking dumbass. Any twit with 1/16 of a brain would automatically know it was bad for American national security to sale off it's ports to a country who produce the hijackers of 9/11. And Rummythedummy is our Secretary of Defense. :spank: :mad: :argh: :grr: :banghead:

Where were these people when God was passing out brains.

They missed out on the "HEART" line too.

But they did get in the courage line. That why they have the courage to murder and lie so much. This mis-administration make me :puke:

[calimary]

21. And you'd think rumsfeld would be brought in on it because of the

troop and materiel movements going out through there. Nice of us to offer the opposition such a thoughtful, reliable heads-up on all these things, isn't it?

There! Feeling safer now?

[wordpix]

36. \that Rummy wasn't in the know says to me BushCo didn't cut him into deal

Poor Rummy, he is on the outs of the moneymaking pimps and whores right now

[Tempest]

5. I believe it

Everyone knows Cheney is the president.

Bush was probably reading "My Pet Goat" at the time.

[booksenkatz]

6. Poor * is just a victim, I tell you!

He is never an asshat, never. Never ever. EVER. The corporate media will see to that! And if they are slow on the draw, then Poppy and Babs are always ready to stick up for Dopey. Someone will always work to ensure that he is never blamed for a goddamn thing.

If he had only known that the ports were going to be sold to terra-ists! No one could have foreseen it. Just as on 9/11, he would have done everything in his power to prevent it!
:eyes:

[mopinko]

7. stupidity is a great disguise, ain't it?

i cannot believe the milage they are getting out of the excuse of incompetence. just f'ing amazing. the perfect manchurian candidate.

[Beetwasher]

8. "Duh, I'm Incompetent! But I'm Sticking W/ The Deal Ayway!"

"So there! I don't know nuthin', but I know it's a good deal!"

[wordpix]

34. "I'm incompetent and I don't know what's going on with port security but I

will VETO any attempt by Congress to stop the deal."

Yeah, sure.

[rodeodance]

9. here is AP link

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060222/ap_on_go_pr_wh/ports_security;_ylt=AlROwE4BsC6Nt6UMlz9XMHis0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--

Bush Didn't Know About Ports Deal

By TED BRIDIS, Associated Press Writer 5 minutes ago

WASHINGTON -
President Bush was unaware of the pending sale of shipping operations at six major U.S. seaports to a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates until the deal already had been approved by his administration, the White House said Wednesday.

Defending the deal anew, the administration also said that it should have briefed Congress sooner about the transaction, which has triggered a major political backlash among both Republicans and Democrats.

Bush on Tuesday brushed aside objections by leaders in the Senate and House that the $6.8 billion sale could raise risks of terrorism at American ports. In a forceful defense of his administration's earlier approval of the deal, he pledged to veto any bill Congress might approve to block the agreement.

But Lawmakers determined to capsize the pending sale said Bush's surprise veto threat won't deter them.

[Roland99]

29. The story's been out for 15 min and there are 1314 votes on it???

[wordpix]

39. this will show America how completely dangerous & moronic * is

[Canuckistanian]

11. Bad news either way.

If Shrub DID know, he's nailed on the security issue AND the cronyism AND the profiteering.

If he DIDN'T know, he allowed underlings to make questionable deals without authorization.

Threatening a veto makes it all the worse.

[xiamiam]

20. hes screwed..no way out this time..incompetent if he knows and incompetent

if he doesnt...especially after threatening to veto a bloc yesterday over something of which he knows nothing about?...hes a big liar...and caught...do not let any spin around this...

[calimary]

27. He took Daddy's Iran/Contra defense - "I was out of the loop."

ANOTHER one for the "Yeah, SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURE" file.

[Canuckistanian]

35. Hard to believe for such a control freak

They want to micromanage everything, especially where there's $$$$$$ involved.

[BlueManDude]

49. In addition he's defending something that he knows nothing about?

They could have made a case that he's standing strong on principle in the face withering political fire - but now he's just being careless and stupid.

[xyboymil]

14. His idiocy seems to know no bounds. Pathetic, sad, and embarassing..

Worst.

president.

Ever.

[xiamiam]

15. then wjy did he appoint sanborn in january?

[wordpix]

40. and why did he appoint Snow only a yr. after CSX sold to Carlyle Grp?

[wordpix]

76. this isn't exactly right, sorry. Carlyle Grp. IS connected to Dubai

International Capital, however, which might be connected to Dubai Ports International, as both are government-backed.

[Megahurtz]

110. It's all connected.....

[UpInArms]

57. Bush digs in on deal for ports

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/bushdigsinondealforports

President Bush threatened Tuesday to veto any attempt to block a deal allowing an Arab company to take over operations at six major U.S. seaports, despite overwhelming opposition to the plan from congressional leaders, governors and mayors.

"This is a company that has played by the rules, that has been cooperative with the United States, a country that's an ally in the war on terror," Bush said. "It would send a terrible signal to friends and allies not to let this transaction go through."

<snip>

Clay Lowery, an assistant secretary at Treasury, said the Dubai deal "did not raise undue concerns about national security." Bush has nominated one of the company's former executives, David Sanborn, to run the Transportation department's Maritime Administration, which oversees some port operations.

...more at link...

http://www.nssga.org/newsletter/digest/013106_ed.cfm

Jan. 31, 2006

Bush Nominates Seven to Key Transportation Posts; FHWA Position Still Open

President Bush filled a number of key slots within the Department of Transportation by nominating four new modal administrators and two key assistant secretaries. However, the DOT Federal Highway Administration's top job remains open since Mary Peters resigned in 2005.

The new nominees are James Simpson, former New York MTA Board member to head the Federal transit Administration; Vice Admiral Thad Allen, current Coast Guard chief of staff, to be Commandant; David Sanborn, a ports and logistics executive, to head the Maritime Administration; Thomas Barrett, a retired Coast Guard rear admiral, to head the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Administration; Nicole Nason, current assistant secretary of transportation for government affairs, to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Shane Karr, DOT deputy chief of staff, to replace Nason; and Tyler Duvall, current DOT deputy assistant secretary for policy to become assistant secretary for transportation policy.

[calimary]

16. They are in the ultimate lose-lose situation here. If he really didn't

know about it, that shows AGAIN, ever more glaringly, how out-of-it, insulated, and completely ignorant he is. Nice qualities to have in a so-called "president," wouldntcha say?

That's one thing. On the other hand - it's probably Just. Another. LIE. Which says he's a lying, cheating, manipulative, conniving, double-dealing, sneaky-ass scum.

Either take on that doesn't reflect well on the poor boy.

[rainbow4321]

17. White House: Bush wasn't informed of ports deal

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/022306dnnatports.50643d8a.html


President Bush was unaware of the pending sale of shipping operations at six major U.S. seaports to a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates until the deal already had been approved by his administration, the White House said Wednesday.

Defending the deal anew, the administration also said that it should have briefed Congress sooner about the transaction, which has triggered a major political backlash among both Republicans and Democrats.

"He became aware of it over the last several days," McClellan said. Asked if Bush did not know about it until it was a done deal, McClellan said, "That's correct."

"The president made sure to check with all the Cabinet secretaries that are part of this process, or whose agencies or departments are part of this process," the spokesman said. "He made sure to check with them — even after this got more attention in the press, to make sure that they were comfortable with the decision that was made."

[wordpix]

41. * "made sure to check with Cabinet secretaries"??Really? Rummy was out of

loop, for one.

What a crock of lying shit

[Tin Man]

18. BAHAWAHAHA - the transparent backtracking begins!!!

"I didn't even know about it (but I defended it and threatened to veto any legislation against it)" - what a transparent crock of BS!

yep, the WH is admitting lost this one.

[godai]

19. It's apparent that * is a puppet of Cheney and others

He mindlessly fakes being the 'leader of the free world' but he is merely a pawn in their game. He loves the power, insulting whomever he pleases, but Cheney is the CEO, making deals to further the favored companies, number one being Halliburton.

How did we stoop this low?

[wordpix]

43. don't diss * completely--he owes his preznitcy to Big Oil/corporate pimps

[Angry Girl]

22. Who's in charge again? Oh, right, Cheney and Rove.... -nt

[Norquist Nemesis]

23. Every time there's heat, it's a "Bush didn't know"

So, who the fuck's in charge?

[wordpix]

46. or "I didn't mean it literally" or "there was a mix-up"

[Mad_Dem_X]

130. EXACTLY!

How the hell anyone can still support this morons (morans?) is beyond my comprehension.

[Cooley Hurd]

24. Sure, he didn't know about it beforehand, but is fighting tooth & nail...

...to see the deal thru. Does not compute...:crazy:

[Roland99]

25. A Major matter of National Security and he's tossing out, "I didn't know"?

Impeach for Incompetence, at the least!


JEEZ!!!


:banghead:

[Rose Siding]

26. EO11858: The Chairman shall advise the President of said decision.

Marie26 provided this in another thread-

http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/11858.html

Sec. 7. (1) Investigations. (a) The Committee is designated to receive notices and other information, to determine whether investigations should be undertaken, and to make investigations, pursuant to Section 721(a) of the Defense Production Act. (b) If the Committee determines that an investigation should be undertaken, such investigation shall commence no later than 30 days after receipt by the Committee of written notification of the proposed or pending merger, acquisition, or takeover. Such investigation shall be completed no later than 45 days after such determination. (c) If one or more Committee members differ with a Committee decision not to undertake an investigation, the Chairman shall submit a report of the Committee to the President setting forth the differing views and presenting the issues for his decision within 25 days after receipt by the Committee of written notification of the proposed or pending merger, acquisition, or takeover. (d) A unanimous decision by the Committee not to undertake an investigation with regard to a notice shall conclude action under this section on such notice. The Chairman shall advise the President of said decision.
(2) Report to the President. Upon completion or termination of any investigation, the Committee shall report to the President and present a recommendation. Any such report shall include information relevant to subparagraphs (1) and (2) of Section 721(d) of the Defense Production Act. If the Committee is unable to reach a unanimous recommendation, the Chairman shall submit a report of the Committee to the President setting forth the differing views and presenting the issues for his decision.

[wordpix]

47. whoops, prezChimp caught in lie or committee violated law. Either way,

BushCo caught AGAIN dissing federal law, whether * is lying/obstructing or his hand-picked committee didn't report to pres as required.

[LynnTheDem]

52. bush is a LIAR??!!

Oh my how shocking.

:D

[YankeyMCC]

28. Very nice demonstration

of that supposed conservative value of "accepting personal responsibility".

:sarcasm:

[superconnected]

30. How many lies can one president tell during his term...

Only Bush knows for sure.

What amazes me is that they are so blatantly transparent.

[canichelouis]

31. I reported that last Friday Santorum took to the airways

here in PA on a RW radio show, assuring his public that Administration officials, and surly not Bush, may have made some miscalculations, and that he was sure his boy would look into it and correct things if needed.

Crowd control was up and running last week.

Santorum stated concerns about the deal again today.

They are in a pickle.

A real Catch 22 for them at this point.

This will be interesting.

[myrna minx]

32. Homer Simpson: "It's my first day!!!" n/t

[wicket]

37. It's like Bart Simpson: "I didn't do it"

:eyes:

[dweller]

38. he knew, he doesn't care

just like any other edict he's presented by imperial fiat, this deal will benefit Carlyle group and Halliburton, his ONLY concern.

as for the outrage, safety or the concerns of American citizens: he's already declared "who cares what you think?"

dp

[stepnw1f]

42. Sorry, but the Idiot Persona is a RED FLAG!

and a disgusting excuse.

[jaysunb]

44. What a weak, shallow liar.

:evilfrown:

[sattahipdeep]

45. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey,

urged his colleagues to force Bush to wield
his veto, which Bush — in his sixth year in
office — has never done....

"We should really test the resolve of the president on this one because what we're
really doing is securing the safety of our people."

[thereismore]

48. The "I didn't know" defense does not look good on him. He is

the nominal president of the US. He's got to be pissed.

[sattahipdeep]

53. Sooooo dickys fuking him hu n/t

[LynnTheDem]

50. So just a COINCIDENCE, the TWO Dubai Port TIES to the bush regime...

Yeah sure.

[henslee]

51. So what individual this deal????? What is this X Files????

[hatrack]

54. Well, this will make for an interesting press conference! nt

.

[rodeodance]

56. WH sent Bartlett out to CBS today!

White House counselor Dan Bartlett said Wednesday the UAE company, Dubai Ports, "is a reputable firm that went through a congressionally approved vetting process." He said the U.S. has "the necessary safeguards to make sure that the security of our country is in place" and that rejecting the deal would send "a dangerous signal to people overseas that America plays favorites."

"The president wants this deal to go forward because it was followed by the book and he wants Congress to understand that," Bartlett said on CBS' "The Early Show." He told Fox News Channel that Bush felt strongly that "we need to be adding strategic partners" in the Mideast.

But Sen. Joseph Biden (news, bio, voting record), D-Del., said the bipartisan opposition to the deal indicated "a lack of confidence in the administration" on both sides. "Sure, we have to link up with our Arab friends but ... we want to see and those in Congress want to know what ... safeguards are built in," Biden said on ABC's "Good Morning America."

The first-ever sale involving U.S. port operations to a foreign, state-owned company is set to be completed in early March. It would put Dubai Ports in charge of major shipping operations in New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans, Miami and Philadelphia. "If there was any chance that this transaction would jeopardize the security of the United States, it would not go forward," Bush said.

[wordpix]

58. Bartlett says deal "followed by the book'' & book is, "Clueless George"

[jayfish]

59. But Wait, I've Heard Defenders Of This...

criticize detractors because the detractors are only now complaining about the deal. The line is that this was well know and that everyone should have been complaining 6 months ago. F'ing liars, they will say and do anything to bolster the boy dictator.

Jay

[madmark]

60. the incompetence would not surprise me

[wordpix]

61. Carlyle Group gets backing from Dubai International Capital--a connection?

Carlyle, KKR buyout funds secure Dubai's support

Carlyle Group and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, which between them raised more than US$15 billion (HK$117 billion) for new buyout funds this year, are getting backing from Dubai.

Friday, November 18, 2005

Carlyle Group and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, which between them raised more than US$15 billion (HK$117 billion) for new buyout funds this year, are getting backing from Dubai.
Dubai International Capital, a government-backed buyout fund set up in October last year, invested in the US$8 billion fund Carlyle raised in March and in Kohlberg Kravis Roberts' 4.5 billion euro (HK$40.8 billion) European takeover fund, chief executive Sameer al- Ansari said Wednesday. The fund also invests in Asia through firms such as Newbridge Capital.

Gulf nations are reaping windfall profits from record oil prices and investing in industries from leisure to property. Dubai has spent more than US$4 billion this year on stakes in companies such as DaimlerChrysler and Tussauds Group, owner of London's Madame Tussauds waxworks museum.

http://thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=10&art...

[progressivebydesign]

69. Bingo.. we have a winner!

I think if people delve deep enough, they'll find the truth about this odious deal... and that Bush knew all along. So who runs our country? Bush I or Cheney??

[Critters2]

80. Cheney

Oh, I'm sorry...was that a rhetorical question?

[shantipriya]

62. Bush didn't know

Why is this so surprising?Isn't this guy just a figurehead and a puppet?It really makes my blood boil at the fact that this dumb ass got elected twice. It just shows the terrible state our democracy is in and the character and morality of the American people.

[rodeodance]

63. "He became aware of it over the last several days," McClellan said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060222/ap_on_go_pr_wh/ports_security;_ylt=AuAvMT6SZBjFmEf2uuxUtfCs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--



Search: Advanced
AP
Bush Unaware of Ports Deal Before Approval

By TED BRIDIS, Associated Press Writer 7 minutes ago

......While Bush has adamantly defended the deal, the White House acknowledged that he did not know about it until recently.

"He became aware of it over the last several days," McClellan said. Asked if Bush did not know about it until it was a done deal, McClellan said, "That's correct." He said the matter did not rise to the presidential level, but went through a congressionally-mandated review process and was determined not to pose a national security threat.

"The president made sure to check with all the Cabinet secretaries that are part of this process, or whose agencies or departments are part of this process," the spokesman said. "He made sure to check with them — even after this got more attention in the press, to make sure that they were comfortable with the decision that was made."

"And every one of the Cabinet secretaries expressed that they were comfortable with this transaction being approved," he said..........

[WinkyDink]

131. "...Otherwise, Bush would have asked for their resignation."

I can believe Dubya didn't know, because I can believe that he has given carte blanche to Poppy and the Carlyle Group to do whatever they want.

[sakabatou]

66. WHAT. THE. FUCK?!

[brooklynite]

68. I find this perfectly believable...

He's not paying attention to the details, gets caught by surprise, but can't bring himself to admit that a mistake was made, and stubbornly insists on conitnuing down the wrong road.

[Tight_rope]

70. Bullshit! Total bullshit!....What a stupid motherfucker....

Always signing before reading the contract.:spank:

[lumpy]

71. kick

nt

[AnneD]

72. Well, if Bush could put his grownup pants on for a minute...

It makes no diffrence. Harry Truman had a sign on his desk.....the buck stops here. This guy has never been responsible and I refuse to cut this 'grownup' any slack.

[norml]

73. By law Dubya had to know about the port deal, Exon-Florio statute says so

The Exon-Florio statute established a 30-day review following receipt of a notification. For those transactions for which an extended 45-day review (or "investigation") is completed, a report must be provided to the President, who must by law announce the final decision within 15 days. In total, the process can not exceed 90 days.

http://www.treasury.gov/offices/international-affairs/exon-florio/

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=490909&mesg_id=490909

[Zech Marquis]

75. why am I NOT surprised?

they probably told his dumbass while he was having fun on his Playstation,"excuse me *, we have a deal to sell control of our vital harbors to the UAE--" "Let Unca Dick handle it, I have a war to fight on my PSP" :evilgrin: At this point, why even have him in the White House at all? You can have Kermit the Frog play his role!

[katty]

77. so, basically he is telling Americans, No, I don't run the U.S.

I'm the pResident Ribbon-cutter

[phoebe]

79. Could it have been a deal done by James Baker to get UAE to forgive

Iraq debt of 3.8 billion owed to UAE. We all know just how tight that Baker/Bush clan is..

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/iraq/homefront/012004ccdriraqbaker.34dd3083.html

snip

Emirates says it's willing to forgive most of Iraq's $14 billion debt

01:13 PM CST on Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Associated Press

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — After a visit by former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III, the United Arab Emirates said Tuesday it was willing to forgive most of Iraq's $3.8 billion debt to the Gulf state.

Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, made the announcement. Baker is traveling the globe on behalf of President Bush in an effort to persuade countries to forgive Iraqi debt.


snip

Baker also will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, attempting to persuade oil-rich countries in the Middle East to forgive billions of dollars in debt accumulated by Iraq during the rule of Saddam Hussein, who was deposed by a U.S.-led invasion in April.

snip

Iraq owes the United States more than $4 billion. That includes $1.9 billion in principal and $1.1 billion in interest on Agriculture Department-guaranteed loans. (psst..Agriculture Dept. known for ties to CIA)

[wordpix]

81. ironic since we invaded Iraq in first place b/c Saddam owed us million$

remember, there was the Italian bank deal in one of the Carolinas, bank sent millions to Saddam but he never paid it back, then US invaded. Now the Janitor wants ME nations to forgive Iraq debts...how ironic.

Good point about UAE debt forgiveness. Baker is cutting UAE in on the money action of the ports deal if they'll just forget the debt--- definitely a possibility.

[Yavin4]

82. When We Get To The Sunday Talk Shows, It'll be Clinton's Fault

or rather Clinton's penis.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

83. If he don't know shit, you must acquit...

:rofl:

[Solly Mack]

84. Article stating the "conditions" for selling the port operation

http://www.dailysentinel.com/money/content/shared-gen/ap/Finance_General/Ports_Security.html

Peninsular and Oriental and DP World set approval by the U.S. security committee as a condition for the sale. In regulatory papers, the companies said either the committee must agree not to formally investigate the purchase or Bush must not move to block the sale for national security purposes.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/2/20/182222/262

[Starfury]

85. Is it just me, or did nothing in the story justify MSNBC's headline? n/t

[threadkillaz]

86. The President is supposed to be "in the loop"

Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (CFIUS)

EXON-FLORIO PROVISION

http://www.treasury.gov/offices/international-affairs/exon-florio/


To assist in making this determination, Exon-Florio provides for the President or his designee to receive written notice of an acquisition, merger or takeover of a U.S. corporation by a foreign entity. Once CFIUS has received a complete notification, it begins a thorough review of the notified transaction. In some cases, it is necessary to undertake an extended review or "investigation." An investigation, if necessary, must begin no later than 30 days after receipt of a notice. Any investigation is required to end within 45 days.


Amendments. Section 837(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993, called the "Byrd Amendment," amended Section 721 of the Defense Production Act (the "Exon-Florio provision"). It requires an investigation in cases where:

- the acquirer is controlled by or acting on behalf of a foreign government; and

- the acquisition "could result in control of a person engaged in interstate commerce in the U.S. that could affect the national security of the U.S."

====
Despite Fears, a Dubai Company Will Help Run Ports in New York - 2/17/6
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/17/nyregion/17ports.html

Representatives of the White House and the Treasury Department said they had given their approval for Dubai Ports World to do business in the United States after a rigorous review. The decision, they said, was final.

-

The Dubai purchase was approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, of which Mr. Snow is chairman and which does not usually disclose information about its deliberations, said Brookly McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Treasury Department. Ms. McLaughlin declined to say when the committee began or ended its review of the deal or what national-security implications it considered.

"We as a general rule do not comment at all on any specific transactions," Ms. McLaughlin said. She added that the review could not be reopened unless the company provided false information or omitted important facts.

Stewart Baker, assistant secretary for policy at the Department of Homeland Security, said his department had no information about Dubai Ports World that justified an objection to the deal. Indeed, he said, the company has cooperated with the department in its efforts to secure American ports and ships in foreign ports.

"We did not find derogatory information in our review," he said.

But that review, Mr. Baker said, did not involve gathering information from outside sources, like the Port Authority, because the committee must keep a proposed transaction secret. He said the committee's investigation began in November and ended in mid-January.

====

However, since DPA did not take over a US Corporation, but a UK company who controls US Ports, I am not sure if the Exon-Florio Provision is completely valid for the current case. Perhaps some lawyers should take a look at Exon-Florio and see if Bush should have been involved in this deal.

Cheers!

[Sugar Smack]

87. Three words: "Pat The Bunny"

An outrageously engrossing childrens' book may have caused this most recent lapse.

[truthisfreedom]

89. check out this DU thread... the law says bush HAD TO KNOW.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2475129

[OKNancy]

90. kick

[Colorado Blue]

91. Bush Unaware of Ports Deal Before Approval

WASHINGTON - President Bush was unaware of the pending sale of shipping operations at six major U.S. seaports to a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates until the deal already had been approved by his administration, the White House said Wednesday.

Defending the deal anew, the administration also said that it should have briefed Congress sooner about the transaction, which has triggered a major political backlash among both Republicans and Democrats.

Bush on Tuesday brushed aside objections by leaders in the Senate and House that the $6.8 billion sale could raise risks of terrorism at American ports. In a forceful defense of his administration's earlier approval of the deal, he pledged to veto any bill Congress might approve to block the agreement involving the sale of a British company to the Arab firm.

Bush faces a rebellion from leaders of his own party, as well as from Democrats, about the deal that would put Dubai Ports in charge of major shipping operations in New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans, Miami and Philadelphia.

snip

http://news.yahoo.com/fc/US/Terrorism/

[Colorado Blue]

92. That figures:)

[kenny blankenship]

93. So he's saying he's more focused on the foreign oil, less focused

on protecting American soil?

[Colorado Blue]

94. I think it's more of an attempt to try and protect the President,

as in, "He didn't know what was going on," which doesn't surprise me:)

[Judi Lynn]

99. I'm sure you're right. It does make him sound even less capable, however.

Republicans should feel even less pressure to go along with it now, as it's nothing he should take personally if the country rejects it, since he wasn't even involved originally.

[demnan]

95. If Bush was "unaware"

who made the decision? Is it Cheney? Rove? Rice?

I'd like to know who really is President of the United States.

[arikara]

96. Makes NO sense and he's lying like a cheap rug

because he's already said he'd veto any bill to block the sale.

[mac56]

97. So he's either a liar, or an idiot, or a figurehead.

Or all three.

[katinmn]

98. except it's not true!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x192441

[displacedtexan]

106. He had no idea what he was signing, either.

He didn't know who was being nominated or what he was signing.

I'm 99.99% sure of it.

[slor]

100. Two ways to play this admission...

Either, that this is indicative of how over his head he really is or it is further evidence of how little regard his people have for him, not unlike cheney not calling about his shotgun tales. Either way, this is how the Dems should frame it.

[datadiva]

101. I don't believe that for one minute

I think this was hatched up long ago. Maybe while they were playing kissee kissee recently.

[LynnTheDem]

102. Well...either bush AGAIN VIOLATED FEDERAL LAW...or he's LYING again.

Sigh. Which one is it this time?


http://www.treasury.gov/offices/international-affairs/exon-florio/

[gasperc]

109. I understand they didn't follow the 45day review period either

so their scraping axle already on this one

[LynnTheDem]

111. IOIYAR.

EVERYTHING is Ok If You Are Republican.

Only Dems are required to follow US laws, international laws, all Treaties, the Geneva COns, and the US Constitution.

[CJCRANE]

103. How can he be strong on "National Security"

if he doesn't even know who owns the ports?

[Colorado Blue]

107. This is worrisome isn't it.

Oy.

[flakey_foont]

104. Horseshit!

that's all I have to say about that

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

105. BULLSH*T.

Bad intelligence defense is waaaaaay old now, Georgie.

[KansDem]

112. "Clueless in D.C." ???

This is pure, unadulterated B.S.

[Raine]

113. So is Chimp an IDIOT

or a LIAR?? Hmmmmmm actually I believe he is BOTH.

[wordpix2]

116. IDIOT, LIAR and SHILL of Big Oil

[goforit]

114. OK!!!....Bucko!!!.....WTF was the veto announcement for!!!

[wordpix2]

115. coming up on Hardball now (7:30 ET): Why didn't the Prez know?

[smtpgirl]

117. YEAH

I find that hard to believe

[6000eliot]

118. Like he didn't know Ken Lay or Jack Abrahamoff?

[hippiechick]

119. Interesting, this ...

Yahoo's home page, screen shot ... see 'Headlines' in purple along the right margin
"Arab Co., White House had secret agreement"






... but when you click the link, it takes you to a 'War on Terra' story. :wtf:




on edit: now it's accurate. :wtf: :wtf:


Arab Co., White House Had Secret Agreement
AP - 18 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - The Bush administration secretly required a company in the United Arab Emirates to cooperate with future U.S. investigations before approving its takeover of operations at six American ports, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press. It chose not to impose other, routine restrictions. As part of the $6.8 billion purchase, state-owned Dubai Ports World agreed to reveal records on demand about "foreign operational direction" of its business at U.S. ports, the documents said. Those records broadly include details about the design, maintenance or operation of ports and equipment.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ports_security;_ylt=AmmR.4Tkfn4s.3JNpn0vdzys0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--

[classics]

121. Bush Unaware of Ports Deal Before Approval

WASHINGTON -
President Bush was unaware of the pending sale of shipping operations at six major U.S. seaports to a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates until the deal already had been approved by his administration, the White House said Wednesday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060222/ap_on_go_pr_wh/ports_security

[hippiechick]

122. earlier thread here ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2124735&mesg_id=2124735


:hi:

[jimshoes]

123. Yet he was adamant

about vetoing any legislation that would stop the deal. So he's saying something like ..."Hey, I'm willing to bet the farm on something I know nothing about". Not bloody likely. IMO

[NVMojo]

124. he is a LIAR!!!!!

then why did he do this on January 17th???

Bush nominated exec from Dubai Port Co. to Dept of Transportation
Edited on Tue Feb-21-06 04:10 PM by Bush_Eats_Beef
Bush nominated executive from Dubai port company eyed for U.S. ports to Maritime post

RAW STORY

Published: February 21, 2006

A senior executive from the company looking to manage several key U.S. ports was appointed by President Bush to a key transportation appointment reporting directly to Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, RAW STORY has found.

http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Bush_nominated_executive_...


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2473961

[Sadie5]

126. More damage control

Peppered with the usual lies. Some woman on Wolfie was telling us how wonderful her country is, how they are allied with the US. Sneer! The Bushies are now so brazen that each week brings us a new drama to sink our teeth into.

[hermetic]

125. Right, and the levees wouldn't break

and there were WMD's. Like he has ever had a clue...

[HuffleClaw]

127. *cough cough*bullshit*cough cough*

oh what an utter load of crap, its been proven that bush is linked twice to those who had a hand in this deal. cute attempt at spin though.

[NJCher]

128. Deal on ports approved without Bush's knowledge

This is a classic example of groupthink, Irving Janis' theory about behavior in groups that says that members will assume the appearance of harmony unless they conscientiously and assiduously guard against it.

Janis studied how groupthink played a role in some of our major policy and military disasters: Pearl Harbor, Bay of Pigs, and appeasement in the 1930s.

Also, if you like to read about republicans imploding, read all the way through on this article.

Deal on ports approved without Bush's knowledge
BY MICHAEL MCAULIFF
New York Daily News

WASHINGTON - President Bush was unaware that his administration was signing off on a deal to grant control of six American ports to Dubai, the White House said Wednesday.

"He learned about it in the last few days," said spokesman Scott McClellan, adding that none of the 12 federal agencies that reviewed the deal balked.

"There was no objection raised by any of the departments during the review process, or any concerns expressed about potential national security threats. And that's why it didn't rise to the presidential level," McClellan said.

Dubai Ports World got cleared to buy the British firm P&O earlier this month after a 23-day review by the Committee on Foreign Investment.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/13940120.htm





Cher

[leesa]

129. A mere aquaintance....they only went to one or two bar mitzvahs together