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Halliburton Contract Lost and Found... and Lost Again
Never underestimate the power of public shaming. After yesterday's House Committee on Government Oversight and Reform hearing into military contracting in Iraq, the Army has decided to shelve a contract worth $19.6 million to Halliburton. The defense titan, it turns out, had subcontracted the Blackwater corporation to provide private security for its operations in Iraq -- something the terms of the contract arguably prohibit. Says the New York Times:
In the dispute with Halliburton, the Army insisted repeatedly to Congressional investigators last year that it could find no evidence that Blackwater had been hired by Halliburton and its subcontractors in Iraq for security.But in a letter dated Tuesday and made public on Wednesday, Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey said that additional investigation showed that Blackwater had provided private security guards for a Halliburton subcontractor, ESS Support Services, a construction and food services business, and that the costs “were not itemized in the contracts or invoices” prepared by ESS.
This isn't the first time the Army has terminated a Halliburton contract after learning that the company takes an expansive view of its authority. Last year, Halliburton lost out on eleven deals worth billions of dollars -- deals it obtained through no-bid contracting -- to provide logistical services for the military in Iraq after government investigators discovered over $1 billion in what the Washington Post called "questionable costs":
Whistle-blowers told how the company charged $45 per case of soda, double-billed on meals and allowed troops to bathe in contaminated water.Halliburton officials have denied the allegations strenuously. Army officials yesterday defended the company's performance but also acknowledged that reliance on a single contractor left the government vulnerable.
And why isn't this treason? Or at least war profiteering?
Why, Why, WHY are not the Democrats screaming bloody murder about the fact that EVERY SINGLE DECISION this administration makes HARMS THE TROOPS?
The Usurper and the republicans hate the military and are out to destroy it.
The proof is in every single decision they have made for the past six years.
Too few troops to start, making holding the Sunni Triangle a suicide mission. Unarmored vehicles. Inadequate body armor. Cuts in active-duty pay. Cuts in death benefits. Cuts in veteran benefits. Cuts in health care. Lengthened duty tours and compressed home rotations.
And etcetera and etcetera and etcetera, ad infinitum.
Shoveling billions to contractors who shaft the troops is just icing on the cake.
February 8, 2007 10:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Finally, proof that the Iraq debacle is turning sour in the Executive Branch's eyes . . .
The punder and pillaging drying up . . . Well, at least, they still have the price of Saudi oil to line their pockets!
February 8, 2007 11:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, that is what keeps me up at night. That these Fox Fascists screaming that America can kick ass all over the planet, have no qualms about sending these poor kids into Dante's Inferno. For this gang more blood and bombs and guts is always the answer, like when Hitler sent young boys into the streets of Berlin those last moments before the end, knowing damn well they were like lambs to the slaughter.
Diplomacy is a dirty word, so to save face and win this thing, Bush keeps on sending more boys without a care that they are going to be used as target practice without proper protection, support, well, on and on. Then THEY say with the best poker face they can muster, not supporting the surge means you're against the troops.
The same MO, as usual, the Rove MO. Turn it around and put everyone on the defensive. Now, Rove, he's been the most negative effect on democracy in the history of this country. They have been the biggest anti-Americans of all.
This is what happens when religios groups are seduced by one party. I think one only needs to look at the nations throughout the world with serious religious fervor, to realize how it just can't work in a democracy. Hell, religious differences are the biggest problem for us in Iraq. Why would and should America go the religious right path? It's huge mistake for this country, and must be quashed. Government has no right to govern our lives by religious beliefs, it's a private matter and should be respected as just that, private.
February 8, 2007 4:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ah yes..the asshats are cut off from a 16B contract..but after the smoke clears and the bitching dies down..they will get another biggie..its the nature of the beast. Just means that Waxman has to stay on their asses.
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