When first we practice to deceive.  On Monday, I suggested that the Blackstone tax proposal was Rushed Legislation and asked the question, “What is different between the Fortress IPO and Blackstone’s?”  Except for a few people used to hearing my conspiracy theories, I decided to keep my suspicion of the real reason to myself.  What I was hinting with my previous question was - CHINA.  It’s the main difference between the Fortress deal and Blackstone’s.  Sadly, I had hoped that it would not turn out to be true but Sen. Webb (D-VA) came out with his protectionist claim spun as a national security concern.  We did it with Unocal and Dubai Ports World - now it’s Blackstone.   The tax proposal was more than a ruse, but make no mistake - protectionism is a big theme for our Congress.  Sen. Clinton (D-NY) wants to limit China’s investment in US debt assets and Sen. Webb wants to prevent China’s investment in US equity assets.  It’s another sad day for America and capitalism.