Strange Bedfellows

I didn't want to write about the Dubai Ports World deal and ensuing controversy, but it has done something I don't think any issue has done: put me in agreement with David Brooks, the usually-moronic conservative NY Times columnist. However, strange as it may seem, his column on the DP World controversy today made valuable points (which many can't see because of the Times Select nonsense). Essentially what his argument boils down to is:

But let's be clear: the opposition to the acquisition by Dubai Ports World is completely bogus. The deal would have no significant effect on port security.

However, my one qualm with the op-ed is that Brooks doesn't acknowledge the incredibly bad job the White House has done to reduce opposition. They have failed tremendously, spectacularly on that front, even with the facts supporting their position. Well, hopefully this thing dies down and isn't the start of xenophobic protectionism.