In response to Steven Thomas' letter regarding the recent port sale to a United Arab Emirates-based company ("Opinion against port sale hypocritical of Collegian," Feb. 24), a citizen's fear of this transfer of operations is certainly not irrational.

The argument that racism is to blame for such objections is absurd, as those of us (myself included) who disagree with the government's decision on this issue are concerned that the company in question, Dubai Ports World, is sponsored by the United Arab Emirates' government. The United Arab Emirates is indeed located in a highly unstable area, which may facilitate the infiltration of certain extremists who would wish our nation harm, regardless what their ethnicity or nationality is.

The real issue is security for all Americans. That said, Bush administration officials always speak of national security as their primary concern. If this truly is the case, it's about time that they start practicing what they preach.