I learned a lot in the past couple of days. I learned that apparently, the United States has outsourced the management of our ports for years.

Until United Arab Emirates firm (Dubai Ports World) made a bid to purchase the company, ports in New York, Miami, New Jersey, Baltimore, Maryland, New Orleans, Louisiana, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania were managed by Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co (P and O) of Great Britain. What's more, some of our ports are managed by the China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO) - a state-owned entity of China.

Our ports are managed by foreign companies and I'm told that's no big deal. After all, this is management not security. Donald Rumsfeld assured me that The U.S. Coast Guard handles port security. I feel so. much. better.

I've also learned that as far as monarchies go, the United Arab Emirates is not so bad. Sure, the UAE supported the Taliban but they stopped doing it after 911. Why should I worry that USA Today referred to the port of Dubai as a "logistical hub" for Osama bin Ladin operatives? That was then. This is now. That's over there. We're over here.

Silly me. My president sets me straight:

"I want those who are questioning it to step up and explain why all of a sudden a Middle Eastern company is held to a different standard than a Great British company. I am trying to conduct foreign policy now by saying to the people of the world, 'We'll treat you fairly."

There you have it. My worries are groundless. When even Bill Frist asks that "the decision to finalize this deal should be put on hold until the administration conducts a more extensive review of this matter.", he's an alarmist. When Americans ask questions about questionable deals, we're racists.

Got it.