What a Pal...

Have you heard the news about the Bush Administration’s plans for how much longer they wanted out soldiers in Iraq? What was supposed to be a 5-year mission has turned into a 6 year conflict, with three more still to go; and possibly more beyond that if the Iraqi Government triggers the option for our armed forces to remain even longer.

First, I read this morning that Bush and Cheney (and Cronies) tried to negotiate our continued military presence there until 2015! Excuse me?!!!! Whatever happened to “Five Years?” Further, who will benefit from our continued presence? Obviously the first thing that comes to mind is Iraq. There still is much to be done.

Secondly, what comes to my mind is Haliburton, the main company providing services and supplies to our forces. When the US first proposed the rebuilding of Iraq {following the “end of the war”) President Bush assured the country that they would perform an open bid on contracting for the goods and services required to rebuild infrastructure, and continue the supplying of what troops remained in Iraq.

Then, before we know it, the Administration (?) gave a no-bid contract to Haliburton, the company our overbearing Vice President ran before he became VP, and in which he holds huge stock options. What the #@&%?!!!! What happened to the “Open Bid process” that we were promised? Why weren’t other companies allowed to get their proverbial foot in the door?

To me, the answer is very simple. This current Presidential Administration was looking out for its own. Dick Cheney, already a millionaire many times over, saw the opportunity to make hundreds of millions more by putting his company in charge of the contracts. President Bush granted the wish of his biggest Crony, and assured his friend Mr. Cheney guaranteed income for years to come. What a pal.

The losers here? Well, I see two…First, the Iraqi people. Haliburton has been raking in billions over the last 6 years, and little has been accomplished in the rebuilding of Iraq. Second, the American taxpayer is footing the bill to pay Haliburton (and vicariously, lining Cheney’s pockets) for their services which to me have already been inadequate.

Where is the accountability this contractor should be having to the American people? Why are they not answerable for the seeming wastage of OUR money? Why is Congress allowing Haliburton to continue their exclusive contracts?

It seems that there is a BIG fox in the henhouse, and it is being allowed to feast on everything inside…for as long as it wants. I sure am glad that our President is watching over the American people as closely as he watches over the bank accounts of his closest friends. It’s comforting to know that my tax dollars are expanding the interests of Mr. Cheney and Cronies.

Thanks Dubya! What a pal…