In the March 8 edition of the San Francisco Examiner (PDF download of the print edition here), columnist P.J. Corkery’s editorial “Will Dubai get what it wants in the Bay Area?” reveals how the United Emirates government-controlled Dubai Investment Group is backing a bid to acquire the Knight-Ridder newspaper chain, following a failed bid for the Albertson’s grocery chain. There is no question that Dubai is on a buying spree for US assets.

But what is of even more interest is who is doing the fronting, lobbying and buying for Dubai. To quote Corkery at length [follow the money, my highlights in italics-LC]:

“The Yank partner of the Dubai Investment Group is quite a well known name. He is a big-time Democratic contributor and grocery store magnate, Ron Burkle of Beverly Hills . . . Burkle’s bidding entity is called the Yucaipa Cos [check profile here] . . .

 . . .

“Yucaipa’s chief marketing guy is Bill Clinton . . . Burkle pays Clinton $10 million a year, my sources report, for his services -- which are mainly to drum up money in Dubai. Bill flies to Dubai so often on Burkle’s Boeing 757 that he calls it “Air Ron.” . . . Clinton, of course, has lately been defending the Dubai ports deal, while his wife opposes it . . . Oh, and also on Yucaipa Cos. board is the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

“This global capitalism just leaves me spinning.”

Burkle’s Dem connections run deep, and include business with CALPERS, the gigantic California public employee pension fund, former vice president Al Gore (and his new media network), California governor candidate Phil Angelides, and notorious politico and former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown (now radio talk show host on the Air America Radio network), who once worked for Burkle.

As previously written, it is no surprise that the Clintons, Jesse Jacksons, Democrats, liberals and progressives, with their myriad front companies, are as corrupt as the Bushes, the Republicans and the neocons, and their Carlyle Groups. The New World Order is one big house. Simply check any major (former or current) politician’s Wall Street ties. Check the boards of directors of major corporations. It is all there, in black and white.

Those who are screaming from the rooftops about the Bush administration’s dealings with Dubai must also do the same, regarding the equally appalling business that the rival faction has always enjoyed for generations -- that is, if they want a leg to stand on.