Here's an interesting tidbit, from the American Thinker:
Democrat officials' firm helped Dubai purchase ports
Little noticed in the kerfuffle over the takeover of major US ports by Dubai Ports is the key role being played by former Democratic Party leaders. Lobbying firms associated with ex-Democratic Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and Madeleine Albright (Clinton’s Secretary of State) have been working (paid subscription only link) to secure approval of the purchase by Dubai.
One would think that our leaders, even when out of office, would care more about their nation than their bank accounts.This hopefully will give impetus to a bill (drafted by Republican Congressman Mike Rogers of Michigan) working its slow way through Congress that would bar federal employees from representing foreign governments for four years after they leave public service.
A sad statement: we need a law that restricts former government leaders, who presumably would have America’s interest at heart, from going on the payroll of foreign regimes, even those with connections to terror activities.
I was going to write how I felt about this deal, but my colleague Prof. Blanchard has written a fine piece that tends to reflect what I was thinking. As they say, go check it out.
UPDATE: More from the Wall Street Journal:
Bush, Congress Head For Clash Over Ports Deal President Promises a Veto, As Republican Leaders Move To Block Dubai Acquisition
By GREG HITT, DENNIS K. BERMAN and DANIEL MACHALABA
Staff Reporters of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
February 22, 2006; Page A1
***
Dubai Ports World executives plan to visit Washington this week to brief congressional leaders and staffers and administration officials on the deal. Girding for a battle, the company is tapping well-connected consulting firms for help: Downey-McGrath Group, founded by former congressmen from both parties, and Alston & Bird LLC, whose advisers include former Senate Democratic Leader Thomas Daschle of South Dakota.
In the background is Albright Group, a firm founded by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. The Albright Group doesn't lobby but has provided strategic advice to Dubai Ports World, specifically on expanding the company's presence in China.
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