For those of you who still think that the war in Iraq couldn't possibly be about corporate thievery I submit this article and this article from the New York Times.
The first article tells the story of one Charles M Smith, the senior civilian overseeing the multibillion-dollar contract with KBR during the first two years of the war. He was fired because he refused to sign off on a billion dollars of "questionable" money that KBR charged to the US government. After he was fired, the money was gladly handed over. Gosh, what a shock.
The second article details the other half of why we went to War in Iraq...oil. ExxonMobil, Total, Shell, and BP are all set to take their no bid contracts on June 30th and begin to service the oil wells in Iraq. And there are still people out there that deride those like myself who think oil had anything to do with it?
I'm curious as to what the earth looks like with so many heads buried so deeply in it. Well, I'm sure they'll convince themselves that none of it could be true because it came from the "Traitor" Times. Maybe they should keep on thinking that and, in the meantime, I will be gently preparing their beds in the new asylum of cognitive dissonance they are going to enter in about seven months.
15 comments:
The Iraqi interviewed for the article said that they gave the contract to the American and British companies because they had been giving free advice for the past two years (and they had the right technology).
So, the American oil companies had access to the Iraqi officials and were able to wine and dine -- um, well, at least dine -- the Iraqis, and coo in their ears for years.
And why were there only American oil companies there? Well, the Russian and French oil companies that used to have those contracts were forced to leave because of the utter chaos caused by the invasion.
And of course, the American oilmen were part of the "reconstruction team" sent in by the Bush administration "to help them get back on their feet."
Another example of the "selective incompetence" that Bush constantly practices.
It could be that the Russians & French were Pro-Saddam and are thus now persona non grata.
OT Markadelphia, but I'm curious as to your reaction to Obama shunning public financing of his campaign.
Given the fact that Republicans have found a way to skirt around public financing and win elections over the last eight years, I think it is a good thing. Had this not been the case, then I would be more critical of Obama.
The fact is that Obama has got a shit load of money and John McCain does not. He knows the Republicans are going to throw everything at him--although not many will be listening--so why lose that advantage? Of course, this will be a great talking point for the right as they will say "See? He's just like everyone else."
I say they should continue to say whatever makes them feel better about what is going to happen:)
Well, I am curious as to what happened to the complaint about money buying elections - when it worked against you that is. So now money buying an election is okay, is that it?
Look at it this way...it's more like money insuring a loss as we saw in 2004 with the 527s and John Kerry. I think Obama saw the writing on the wall with the 527s and knew he would have to counter their attacks with his own money, especially now that Move.on Org is forgoing 527 ads.
You can also look at it from the standpoint of sports...defense wins games. Every time.
C'mon M., either money is the root of all political evil, or it isn't. The left/liberal side has been the biggest proponents of govt financed campaigns to insure fair contests. Hell, you even got McCain to support it (and use it). Now the Democrats disavow it?
Is this the kind of change we should expect from Obama?
A quote from Hamlet comes to mind.
Now the Democrats disavow it?"
They probably would be still in the "fair" camp if the Republicans hadn't gone all Chow with two guns regarding fairness in the last decade or so. I expect nothing less from them in this election cycle, although I think less people will be listening.
I understand why Obama is doing it. He actually does want to fix the system but he can't do it until he is in charge...if that happens. You know as well as I the type of ads and money conservatives, who can legally operate outside of election laws, are going to run and spend to attack him in the next six months. He needs to defend himself and he has the money now to do it.
so as long as you're a poor victim of those evil republicans it's all justified. kerry didn't lose because of lack of money there einstein.
M., it won't matter how hard you scrub - the stench of hypocrisy isn't washing off.
You could of course admit that public campaign financing was wrong in the first place. Nothing to be ashamed about - people are wrong all the time. But you are a total piece of BS if you think you can justify violating a sound principle just because the other guys did first.
If that's the extent of your logic, you should be in 3rd grade - not teaching it.
Both sides have run negative ads over the years. But the right took it to a whole new level with Willie Horton and the left has been on the short end of the stick ever since. The right's mantra has been attack and go negative from day one. Do you honestly think they are going to lay off Obama because he is a nice guy?
Actually, I thought you would be more impressed by his stance on this because he knows that he needs to build a Spartan like shield, truly defending himself, rather than the one made of straw that Kerry built.
Al Gore was the first to mention Willie Horton. Look it up. Ironic also because markadelphia knows about the recent "little alex" ad. He also posted that youtube diddy that he called "this is wonderful".
hey markadelphia - what does that youtube clip you posted recently have to do with helping people get healthcare?
M, a campaign can run any kind of ad it wants, regardless of where the money originates. That is NOT relevant to Obama bowing out of the campaign finance system he and his wing of the party have been adamant about forcing on the country.
You are in a hole son, stop digging.
Well, I don't feel like I am. Steve, I'd like to see a link on Al Gore and Willie Horton.
I will say that I am terribly disappointed in Senator Obama for something that has been happening for most of the campaign. I am working on a piece about that. It will be up in the next week or so.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Horton - Wikipedia
http://www3.niu.edu/~td0raf1/history468/apr1601.htm - Sydney Blumenthal
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