Big Swinging Dick Department
wission.com
THE REVOLVING DOOR PAYS OFF FOR HALIBURTON
<A Smiling Picture of Dick Cheney>
Who is this man and why is he so happy? Why that's Dick Cheney, the vice-president, just hanging out in front of the flag in an undisclosed location. He's happy because the company he used to run got a whopper of a deal from the Army Corps of Engineers to run Iraq's oil business. Not only that, the deal just keeps on getting better, or maybe it was pretty good right from the get go. It's hard to tell with these no bid contracts. For you kids who didn't do your social studes homework, a no bid contract means no one else got a chance to get the job. Not to worry: Haliburton is well qualified for the job, as they have a history of working in other axis of evil locations such as Iran and Libya.
According to the original contract announcment March 24, 2003, Haliburton was to put out fires and repair oil wells. The scope was then broadened, with Haliburnton "adminstering" the Iraqi oil industry until it can be turned over to the people of Iraq. You know, the way the oil profits are turned over to the people in other Arab states. Or here in the US for that matter. So far, the total paid is over $75 million. But don't worry: they're no where near the contract cap of $7 billion.
UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE: May 30, 2003 - It turns out, the US Army has awarded Haliburton over $425 million in troop support work under a contract awarded in 2001 - you know, right after the Bush cabal took over the government. That's how it works in banana republics and that's how it works here. This money is in addition to the $75 million noted above.
This is what is known as the "revolving door", kids. The revolving door means that those who want to get ahead spend some time working in government, making friends and learning the ropes. Then they get jobs with corporations who want the government to give them a helping hand: waiving taxes, opening federal lands to extractive industries, getting around pollution laws. It works out great for everyone except citizens.
For the record, Cheney's press office said he has nothing to do with the awarding of the contract to Haliburton. Haliburton says the same thing.
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