In the midst of Rovegate, the London bombings, and the Roberts nomination, it's easy to have your eyes taken off what is happening in Iraq. But as a stark reminder of the reality we face there, we now have word from Halliburton that its KBR (Kellogg, Brown and Root) division has had record profits as a result of its war profiteering.
It doesn't bother them that they also receive "award fees" from the government for doing their jobs well, as if that is not supposed to be what they are supposed to do in the first place - as if the American people don't expect the highest level of work from them in a time of war as they support our men and women who are in harm's way. The award fees have amounted to $70 million. Halliburton is actually tickled pink to take that extra American taxpayer money, as a kind of tip.
Only a few weeks ago, on June 27, 2005, Rep. Henry Waxman held hearings about Halliburton and its overcharges, ripoffs, and unsupported charges. These hearings received scant coverage, and business in Iraq goes on as usual.
(Hat tip to PJB)
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