Turning ports over to who?

President George W. Bush has stated he'll use the veto to block any legislation that would prevent Dubai Ports World, a company owned by the government of the United Arabl Emrites, from taking control of six U.S. ports. The company would take control of these ports when it completes it purchase of the British company Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co.

Democrats and Republicans alike are in an uproar as are the Repbulican governors of New York and New Jersey.

The U.S. Coast Guard is in charge of all port security, but allowing this company to run the ports presents a very real danger to the United States.

Critics have noted that some of the 9/11 hijackers used the UAE as an operational and financial base. In addition, they contend the UAE was an important transfer point for shipments of smuggled nuclear components sent to Iran, North Korea and Libya by a Pakistani scientist.

This brings into grave doubts the Bush administration's claims that the UAE is a strong ally in the war on terror.

Bush's threat to veto any legislation -- which would be intended to protect U.S. ports -- is foolhardy at best and down right irresponsible at worst.

It is a scary situation that the President would put our ports directly in the hands of those who may cavort with the enemy.