Last night before I closed my eyes for the evening, I happened upon the AP story which will undoubtedly fill the news and talk radio today.   That news was generated when the AP obtained certain documents regarding the UAE-owned company buying up operational rights at 6 US ports.   Apparently the Bush Administration had imposed some double secret conditions on DPW, the company buying the rights, before it permitted the deal to go through.   According to AP, DPW "agreed to reveal records on demand about 'foreign operational direction' of its business at U.S. ports, the documents said.   Those records broadly include details about the design, maintenance or operation of ports and equipment."

But as the AP pointed out, the administration "chose not to impose other, routine restrictions."   For example, they did not require DPW to keep copies of certain records in the US, "where they would be subject to court orders."   They also "did not require the company to designate an American citizen to accommodate U.S. government requests."

So while it seems that those who looked the deal over did consider security, they just didn't go far enough.   And that's really the problem here.   This is not an everyday business deal.   This is an exception.   It should have commanded greater scrutiny from higher ups, possibly even the President himself.   This is not an example of just another agency handling its responsibilities.   This is not an example of something which should be delegated and resolved without adult supervision.   This is one of those things that you take and run with, gather up all the relevant details, make recommendations, etc. but then take before your boss for final evaluation.

I know I spent a considerable amount of time working in a mid level "executive" positions at a large company for many years.   One of the things you learn once you become a manager is the ability to discern when something really needs the big boss's "pee" on it.   I have no doubt that this is one of those circumstances.   Also as a mid level exec, you have to make sure that whatever you do, you have to make sure you never make the boss look bad.   That did not happen here.   Basically lower levels of the administration thought they were big enough to run with this thing.   In so doing, they made the boss look bad.   This thing should never have gotten this far without at least consulting the President.   I expect that in the coming weeks and months, perhaps after this storm has passed, we will learn of a few "mid level exec.s" deciding to pursue other careers outside of public service.