Foreign owned firms

I have never heard of any issues surrounding ports here in the UK. As far as i know at least a few are privately run, but I can’t give any specifics.

actually, a considerable (if not the largest) amount of those opposing the deal were actually other Republicans.

I am not aware of the exact numbers but yes you are correct, a large number were. Due to the “security” issue which is where GOP policy gets strong support with the voters, the Republican members are afraid to take support for the ports deal into the Nov elections. It’s not unusual for the U.S. executive branch to be at odds with the two branches of the U.S. congress.

What is most astounding about this issue is the fact that no one is making a fuss about the fact that most of the major ports are already managed by foreign owned firms.

Is the nationality of the management of european ports an issue (in Europe) by the way, or are they all public?

Sauron

The DPW purchase of U.S. ports was interesting. The U.S. lamestream media played up the security issues mainly because they dislike GWB. The politicans who are thinking ahead to the 2006 Nov election cycle, joined in and the public got hysterical. You are aware that the seller was a U.K. firm and that the majority of major U.S. ports are (already) managed (not owned) by foreign companies based in Singapore, PRC,etc. Those deals were all pre 9/11 of course.

actually, a considerable (if not the largest) amount of those opposing the deal were actually other Republicans.

Jbrichford

I tend to agree with you but it is difficult to draw the line.

The DPW purchase of U.S. ports was interesting. The U.S. lamestream media played up the security issues mainly because they dislike GWB. The politicans who are thinking ahead to the 2006 Nov election cycle, joined in and the public got hysterical. You are aware that the seller was a U.K. firm and that the majority of major U.S. ports are (already) managed (not owned) by foreign companies based in Singapore, PRC,etc. Those deals were all pre 9/11 of course.

A potent mix of conflicting interests. Free trade, capitalism, respecting allies, loyalty, racism, terrorism, security concerns, politics, etc. It look like the deal will not go through now as the DPW is looking at another deal.

Interesting that GWB had no personal involment in the approval of the sale as such matters are handled by federal agencies. He sopported the deal, however, and argued that security would not be endangered simply because the port business management would have been handled why an Arab company. He pointed out that USN ships use the UAE ports and have been good allies and that opposing it would seen as racist. Perhaps this is evidence that he is simply more broadminded than most people and sees the big picture. 🙂

Regards

Sauron

Well, Rolls Royce Cars is owned by BMW, and they are producing self parodying ironic masterpieces. Sahme the idiots who but them can’t see this.

As an accountant, I know that the reason a lot of UK companies go overseas is that the pension funds are dragging them into the bargain basement of the stock exchange.

My point was that I think that national governments should make sure that some of their most important industries remain owned by their own country.

The USA just did this last week with the Dubai ports deal, I wondered if people thought this was a good or a bad thing?

Jbritchford

If the situation was reversed would you be concerned?

Sauron

And what exactly does you expect when you go for a capitalist system? Try communism i guess, give protection to your assets but then it means NO FREE- DOOM.
:>