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How to Make Billions from War
In 1997 the Carlyle Group, a Washington, DC investment firm, purchased United Defense Industries, a long time maker of military equipment, including a dozen versions of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, guided missile systems and howitzers.
On December 14, 2001, Carlyle spun off UDI as a separate company through an initial public offering through the New York Stock Exchange, retaining private ownership of a substantial share of the stock.
On March 20, 2003 the United States began major combat operations against the nation of Iraq.
UDI shareholders have seen a significant rise in the value of their holdings since that date.
This month, the Financial Times reported Carlyle paid out $6.6 Billion to its investors, a record profit during the last 18 months. CFO Bill Conway said “It’s the best 18 months we’ve ever had. We made money and we made it fast.”
UDI Stock chart:
ttrader.com.
Those benefiting financially from their affiliation with the Carlyle Group include former US President George H.W. Bush, former US Secretary of State James Baker, former US Defense Secretary Frank Carlucci (CEO), former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and former British Prime Minister John Major.
President George W. Bush served on the board of the Carlyle Group for three years, but left prior to his campaign for Governor of Texas. In 2001,the President successfully persuaded congress to phase out all federal inheritance taxes for wealthy Americans, including billionaires.
Carlyle is a huge privately-held investment company with holdings around the globe. The company also reaped substantial profits when it invested in 1998, in a small Michigan vaccine company, BioPort. The firm is the only U.S. maker of Anthrax vaccine, and has faced many problems with quality and FDA inspections. The company has received U.S. government contracts to supply millions of dollars worth of anthrax vaccine to soldiers and civilians. More than two million servicemen and women were ordered to receive the six-shot series of vaccinations from the Lansing, Michigan company. Business has been brisk since anthrax fears spread around the U.S. following the 911 terrorist attacks on the United States.
These are just two examples of huge profits being reaped by the Military-Industrial Complex in the United States, funded almost entirely by taxpayers.
Readers are welcome to confirm the facts listed here. They are readily available at your local library or on the Internet, through reputable information sources. |
