11. Foreign corporations and governments are seeking to buy some of our ports from the American corporations that own them. Large shares of the goods we consume come through these ports, and the ports set the price that the shippers pay for access to the ports. The possibility of weapons, invasive species, etc., entering the US through these ports is frightening. Ports are unique locations, on sheltered waterfronts, served by elaborate rail and highway systems. Is foreign ownership acceptable?
A. Sure! No problem! The costs to shippers are the same whether the owners are American or foreign!
B. Sure! No problem! These corporations have long term contracts with the local Port Authorities, and the PAs are smart bargainers who make sure that they collect the economic value of these unique sites from whoever has the contracts or owns the ports, for the entire term of the contract.
C. It is acceptable for foreign corporations to "own" the ports, but they must pay into the US treasury the economic value of the site. They must not be permitted to privatize what is rightly common property.
D. It is not acceptable for foreign corporations to own the ports, but okay for US companies to privatize that value.
E. We ought to be collecting the annual rental value of the site itself, month in and month out, as our common treasure. It shouldn't be privatized by anyone.
F. your suggestions?
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