Economics is Politics

Let me chime in on the Dubai Ports thing. I love how riled up
Congress is getting, seeing this as an easy way to look tough on
terrorism. D's can finally say W is the one that's soft on terror,
and R's are trying desperately to carve out their own positions of
strength at an arms-length from W. And anyone who tries to take an
economic approach to the matter is shouted down as being too focused
on the numbers when national security is on the line.

But as Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Andrew Cassel pointed out in
one of his pieces this week, economics is politics. Slamming the door
on competent Arab countries who want to do business with us has
political ramifications. Protectionism isn't just about protecting
jobs or not protecting jobs; it's also about sending a signal to the
world about whether America is willing or unwilling to be open for
business. And given how poorly we're perceived in the Arab world, we
sure could use a win here.

I understand the need sometimes to levy sanctions, to take a stand
against a country and decide not to business with them, to keep
national secrets close to the vest. I just don't think the Dubai
Ports deal is one of those. And by getting all lathered up about
national security, just to look good for this year's elections, all
Congress is doing is telling the Arab world that we're closed for
business.