Clark questions War-related Windfall for Bush backers-Calls for More

[robbedvoter]

Clark Questions War-Related Windfall for Bush Backers; Calls for More Transparency
http://clark04.com/press/release/053/
Little Rock - The Bush administration has awarded U.S. companies up to $8 billion in contracts for postwar work-and perhaps much more. These companies have given more than $500,000 to the presidential campaigns of George W. Bush, according to a study released today by the Center for Public Integrity. The General Accounting Office is currently conducting two separate probes into these contracts.

Yesterday, the Bush administration announced an extension of Halliburton's no-bid contract in Iraq, even though Halliburton has been accused of gouging American taxpayers with an inflated bill for emergency oil imports.

"It is time for more transparency and less cronyism," General Wesley Clark said. "American taxpayers deserve no less. Leadership is about making the best deal for the American people, not extending sweetheart deals for supporters."

[enki23]

1. more windfall! we need more windfall!

sorry.

[Ouabache]

2. Windfalls from War Profiteering and Conflicts of Interest

Just Say It:

Windfalls from War Profiteering
Conflicts of interest in the executive branch between their political motives and their own personal pocketbooks too.

Unpatriotic and Un-American. Despicable.

And with their tax cuts they pay even LESS taxes on the Windfalls.

Time to talk to our neighbors about this.

[david_vincent]

4. Unpatriotic? Yes. Un-American? No.

War profiteering was widespread during WWII and probably during the Civil War and other wars as well. The Fisher Eagle is a famous example - GM dragging its feet because it didn't want to be bothered helping, then presenting the gov't with a colossal bill for its "efforts." My dad used to say that they were sent green (undrinkable) beer as a result of breweries profiteering from contracts (he fought on Guadalcanal).
Someone has probably written a history of war profiteering in America. The old movie, A Hatful of Rain, has a subplot about this.

[Voltaire99]

3. Freedom isn't tidy

You just never know whose palms Freedom will grease...

...although examining campaign contribution records will give you a pretty good idea.

[joeunderdog]

5. This angle hits home with traditonal Repugs.

This ridculous, irresponsible expense is costing taxpayers enormous money and the cash is leaving the country. It's not being recirclated directly back into the US economy the same way local contracts would, and this has to be a concern to business owners.

I love Clarke's approach--I'm a new fan--because I think he will strike a chord in alot of voters out there. He speaks of a myriad of injustices about the war that are hard to dispute. His military background makes him instantly credible, and he just makes sense.

Go Wes!

[lumpy]

6. No oversight on these contracts handed to Bush cronies.

No competitive bidding on the contracts, the excuse being a matter of immediate need, no time for competition. Former and current members of the Bush/GOP administration are members in some capacity of these corporations. I.e,Geo. Shultz ex Sec. State sits on the board of directors of Bechtel Corp. handed one of the larger contracts. This sounds like cronyism by design. Doesn't make it fair or right by any standards. And we taxpayers get to pay the bill for these 'purchased' contracts. I hope Clark keeps pounding away on this smelly travesty.

[stickdog]

7. Poppy Warbucks (NT)