Ahoy! The Coast Guard has been Bushified!

The latest example of corrupt, inept Bush-style security (a.k.a., putting corporate profit over Americans’ safety): the U.S. Coast Guard has been giving ships bound for the United States advance notice of up to a day before mounting supposedly “surprise” inspections… “Hide your nukes, drugs and al Qeada operatives, matey, we’re raiding you tomorrow!”

Under intense pressure from shipping companies concerned about costly delays, the Coast Guard is tipping off some large commercial ships about security searches that had been a surprise, according to high-ranking Coast Guard officials.

The searches began after the Sept. 11 attacks as part of a major revamping of the Coast Guard and its new antiterrorism mission. But shipping companies say the surprise boardings at sea cause unnecessary delays, costing up to $40,000 an hour.

It would be interesting to follow the lobbying, campaign contribution cash flow on this one. I cut my right hand and recently had surgery on it, so this will be a short diary. But Dems’ plan for ”Real Security” should encompass a Coast Guard that works to protect the lives of American citizens, not just the bottom line of international shipping conglomerates whose cargo represents one of the major tactical threats to our country.