Even Pataki and Ehrlich are being vocal in their criticism of the transfer of ownership to Dubai-based Peninsular & Oriental Steam claiming that there was no advanced notice or discussion. Ehhh, why would Bush start discussing now? That's not how the Soviet-style team has worked in the past so why would anyone expect them to change? Regardless of whether one approves or disapproves the sale and transfer, it would have made sense to at least have a debate and discuss the sale instead of just letting it happen. Democracy can be such a hassle sometimes with all of that open debate and we know how much the Bush team likes that.
"Ensuring the security of New York's port operations is paramount and I am very concerned with the purchase of Peninsular & Oriental Steam by Dubai Ports World," Pataki said in a news release. "I have directed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to explore all legal options that may be available to them."
Ehrlich, concerned about security at the Port of Baltimore, said Monday he was "very troubled" that Maryland officials got no advance notice before the Bush administration approved the Arab company's takeover of the operations at the six ports.
Republican Sen. Lindsay Graham of South Carolina said on Fox News Sunday that the administration approval was "unbelievably tone deaf politically."
