Dubai: Why?

Yesterday the news that President Bush had approved the management of six American ports by a Dubai company escalated into a huge debate that touches on several issues, ranging from the fact that the company in question has an excellent record, to Americans' post-9/11 fear of Arab-based companies, to the fact that port security is still essentially a joke and also still controlled by the American government. What are your gut reactions to this news?
PS: Here's an interesting piece on the situation from the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/23/politics/23assess.html?hp&ex=1140757200&en=c98f41020e08d417&ei=5094&partner=homepage

getting on the offensive

With the 2006 elections just a few months away, it's time for the Democrats to get a game plan together. We already know that the Republicans have done a poor job with the economy, the war, women's rights, and generally keeping their activities legal.

But how do we, as Democrats, change things? What are our ideas? Pretend you're running for public office: how do we handle Iraq from here on out? How can we restore fiscal responsibility? How about the environment, foreign oil, and reproductive rights? List any and all ideas that you'd stick on your Democratic platform right here!

Discussion Topic: State of the Union

Jabber away, kids: what were your reactions to the President's State of the Union address? how about the Democrats' response?