SOMEONE HAS TO BE THE ADULT, MAY AS WELL BE THE POTUS:

The Boy Who Cried Wolf (WILLIAM GREIDER, February 23, 2006, The Nation)

David Brooks, the high-minded conservative pundit, dismissed the Dubai Ports controversy as an instance of political hysteria that will soon pass. He was commenting on PBS, and I thought I heard a little quaver in his voice when he said this was no big deal. Brooks consulted "the experts," and they assured him there's no national security risk in a foreign company owned by Middle East Muslims--actually, by an Arab government--managing six major American ports. Cool down, people. This is how the world works in the age of globalization.

Of course, he is correct. But what a killjoy. This is a fun flap, the kind that brings us together. Republicans and Democrats are frothing in unison, instead of polarizing incivilities. Together, they are all thumping righteously on the poor President. I expect he will fold or at least retreat tactically by ordering further investigation. The issue is indeed trivial. [...]

So why is the fearmonger-in-chief being so casual about this Dubai business?

Because at some level of consciousness even George Bush knows the inflated fears are bogus.

Strange essay in that Mr. Greider wants to accuse the President of both fear-mongering and of acting responsibly when, as the author himself acknowledges, national security obviously isn't implicated.

Posted by Orrin Judd at February 23, 2006 7:11 PM