UAE Port Deal

[zmacintyre]

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We can't just outsource our security to any country relying on that there is "ANY EVIDENCE that their proposed purchase is suspicious in any way." No, we need to be SURE--but we can't. So outsourcing our security to any foreign country is a bad idea, and outsourcing our security to an Arab Muslim country is a worse idea, and outsourcing our security to an Arab Muslim country that has a fair amount of terrorist activity going on is yet a worse idea.


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Hi MMMMMM,

Can you tell us exactly what is being outsourced. Apparently security of those ports has and will continue to remain the responsibility of the USCG. How much of an impact does this company's operation have on actual port security?

Stu

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The contract is for $6.5 billion...they are doing more than cleaning the toilets.

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Then since you oppose this deal, surely you can tell us what they'll be doing?

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I haven't made any opinions on this deal, I just heard about it yesterday, but it is silly to believe the Coast Guard handles all of the security at ports. The Coast Guard functions like the police, meaning they only come when they are called or when when someone does something illegal right in front of them.

So the question is, can we trust the company to call the police?

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This is not true at all, having been an offshore fisherman for 5 or so years (off of Cape cod) we as well as freighters and any other vessels are constantly boarded and inspected without notice. When there was not a CG Cutter around there were jets/helicopters flying over the shipping lanes. You may not see this from your 19' Boston Whaler or Catamaran, but when you get offshore you most certainly do !