The ports of Panama

In the midst of the controversy over management of American ports, it seems appropriate to remind everyone of another threat to American security related to ports. Specifically, the ports at both ends of the Panama Canal are controlled by communist China.

Following the surrender of American control of the canal in 2000, the ports at both ends of it were leased to Hutchison Whampoa, a company controlled by Red China. This arrangement was apparently the result of massive bribery of Panamanian legislators.

This surrender was the result of treason at home. In the late 70's, Jimmy Carter campaigned tirelessly to give away the canal that we had built and paid for. The treaty was (illegitimately) ratified by one vote. Ronald Reagan campaigned against the transfer, and Carter and many of the Senators who voted for the treaty were turned out of office.

The final transfer occurred in 2000, at the end of the Clinton administration. Despite the clear threat that this deal posed to national security, Clinton allowed it to proceed. This might have had something to do with all the cash that Red China illegally funneled to Clinton's re-election campaign.

For more on this topic, go here and here.