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.

Ed Lasky   2 22 06