March 01, 2006
DP World Port Deal
This reminds me of the proposed China-COSCO Long Beach Port proposal that Clinton backed and Congress finally killed circa 1998. As a then wannabe tool of the RNC, I was happy enough to sarcasticly link Clinton's support with the $1000,000 White House Coffees and the whole Chinese Money Laundry Scheme. But I also expressed public support for the deal itself.
I favor International Trade. Of course, free trade always has as an upside and a downside. It is good for the economy -- protectionism causes recessions. It can also, in some cases, cause job dislocation or displacement {remember that giant sucking sound?}.
I favor the Economic Engagement that comes from International Trade. This also has as an upside and a downside. Those with a place at the table are less likely to poison the meal. Of course, more access to the table might create more opportunity for fanatics.
I also favor Cultural Exchange and economic engagement leads to cultural exchange. This too has as an upside and a downside. It overcomes the fear and prejudice spawned by ignorance. But familiarity can also breed contempt and loathing. People may not like the real us.