Representative Bob Barr (R-GA) Calls for
Continued U.S. Presence in Panama

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Cites Communist Chinese Presence
DEMOCRATS LOVE DICTATORS!

Here is another example of the trouble the nation gets into when it elects air-headed presidents. First Jimmy Carter accedes to the Panamanian Dictator Trujillos in the STUPID 1977 treaty to return the canal to Panama. Then the very next Democrat in office is determined to undermine the security of America by giving it all away to the Chinese Communists with NOTHING IN RETURN! As far as I can tell, these two jerks we've had as presidents never met a dictator they didn't love. Don't you wish they could have learned a very important word when confronted by control freak dictators, something like "NO!"

October 5, 1999

WASHINGTON, DC-At a news conference today in front of the United States Capitol, U.S. Representative Bob Barr (GA-7) called on the Clinton Administration to maintain a United States presence in Panama after relinquishing control of the Panama Canal at the end of this year pursuant to a 1977 treaty. Current Administration plans call for a complete withdrawal of any American presence in the country at the end of this year.

In support of his request, Barr cited growing Communist Chinese influence in the Canal Zone. For example, the Chinese government and military-controlled Hutchinson Whampoa company has obtained long-term leases of port facilities at both ends of the Canal. Barr also expressed concern that international narcotics and terrorist groups, such as Colombia's FARC, will be able to build an increasing presence in the Canal in the absence of any United States presence.

"The Panama Canal continues to be a key strategic choke point for a large share of the world's commercial shipping. Furthermore, Panama's unique location makes it the single best narcotics interdiction and eradication base in the region," said Barr.

"It is unconscionable the Clinton Administration is making plans to vacate the country entirely. Instead, we should be working with the Panamanian government to maintain a limited role in the country for security and counter narcotics purposes. To do otherwise is the dangerously neglect the long-term national security importance of the Canal. I support Senator Lott's call for hearings on this matter, and urge him to hold them as soon as possible," Barr continued.

Barr, a former federal prosecutor, serves on the House Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy, and Human Resources.

This article was published 10-12-99 on Reagan.com.