So Halliburton is losing the exclusive contract for Iraq. Bout time. I’ve been shuddering about that one since the beginning. I have such an issue with the basic appearance of malfeasance- proving a conflict of interest aside, just the basic appearance is bad here. You’d think that the administration would at least think about how it bloody well looks. But apparently not. Once again, we were treated to a little of that, “we know what’s best, don’t worry your little heads about this” attitude. Which enrages me.
So now that the Pentagon has reviewed the situation, and numerous reports have come in of corruption and abuse perpetuated by Halliburton and its contractors, it’s finally time to act. The problem? Well, according to the Washington Post:
Of the more than $18 billion Congress allocated for reconstruction in late 2003, more than two-thirds has been spent and more than 90 percent has been contractually obligated, according to the inspector general's office overseeing reconstruction work. The rest of the money, which is collectively known as the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund, needs to be obligated by the end of September.
Army spokesman Dave Foster said in a written response to questions that funding for 11 contracts covering various aspects of reconstruction -- including transportation, communications, water distribution and the electric grid -- will expire this fall. While the contractors will be allowed to finish any work previously requested, no new work can be ordered after September.
Now this poses an ugly problem. They want three contractors, and are opening the whole remaining shebang up for bidding. But with the majority of the money either spent or earmarked, and most of the projects still unfinished, there really isn’t any incentive, now is there? It’s all about fighting over the remains now. The whole bloody thing looks like some kind of shady token protestation to me. And what the hell does Cheney have to say about it all? Nothing, as far as I can see. I just hate this kind of crap. Hate it, hate it, hate it. And my Mom wonders why I can NEVER trust the government.
4 comments:
hey, you HAVE GOT to read Suskind's "One Percent Doctrine" to really get an idea of how powerful Cheney's Dark Side is. Also, Haliburton's got so many subsidiaries, that they will--indirectly--continue to be involved in this shite. it ain't over until the fat man dies of a heart attack.
Will do. Especially since there's nothing better in life than to get really, really pissed off over things I can't influence...but knowledge is power, right?
i don't subscribe to that "cannot get upset at things I cannot influence" mentality. i think we all need to be informed. it just sort of leaves you feeling helpless, and makes you shake your head at the unbelievable power and control--pretty much MOST people in upper echelons of govt's have.
Fight the fight, then. There comes a time, when I just get tired. And my voice gets shrill. And no one seems to listen anymore. I just can't bear it sometimes. So I ignore it. But then I'm drawn back, like a silly moth to the flame. To get all enraged again...
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