Is Bush Serious about Homeland Security?

Some believe the NSA spying scandal has a smell that has nothing to do with catching terrorists though it is obviously important to have intelligence on terrorists who are a real threat to the US. Bush appears to be playing the terrorism card to avoid potentially embarrassing investigations.

In general, it's been noted by many people that Bush uses terrorism to score political points and that he isn't shy about using the fear factor to improve his numbers and to do things behind the scenes that other presidents would not be able to get away with. It's also been noted that on a number of fronts Bush has not done nearly enough to improve homeland security. The lack of security at our ports have been a major issue since 9/11. Now we find that a company owned by Arabs will be take over several of our ports. I'm all for improved relations in the Middle East but I'm not willing to hand over our national security to an Arab country. Both Republicans and Democrats are calling for the deal to be cancelled. Here's an article from the BBC:

US President George W Bush says he will veto any law blocking a deal giving an Arab company control of six US ports.

The threat came as Bill Frist, leader of the Republican Party in the Senate, said he would move a blocking law if the government did not delay the deal.

The deal would put six of the largest ports in the hands of Dubai Ports World of the United Arab Emirates.

Some lawmakers say the US will be more vulnerable to terrorism but officials say safeguards are in place.

The ports are currently run by British ports and shipping firm P&O, which has agreed a $6.8bn (£3.9bn) takeover by DP World.

The other ports are Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Orleans and Miami.

President Bush called on opponents to explain why they opposed a Middle Eastern firm taking over when they did not oppose a British company being in control.

"I am trying to conduct foreign policy now by saying to the people of the world, 'We'll treat you fairly'," he said.

Bush never fails to amaze us. Treating people fairly is not something Bush is known for. It would be more plausible to assume that some favors here are involved.