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Why Wackenhut and not KBR?
Author: Raine
Date: 12/10/2009 13:46:33
From Mother Jones Magazine: Many people are questioning, rightfully so, why this took so long. Armorgroup, and is subsidiary, Wackenhut have engaged 'humiliating and deviant hazing of fellow guards at their off-site living quarters at Camp Sullivan' -- I won't bother to show the pictures.
This leaves me with a simple question this morning. No one questions that is was humiliating and deviant behavior; it was repulsive what happened. My question is why ArmorGroup and not Halliburton and it's former subsidiary, KBR? Deviant behavior is bad, but what about rape, fraud, overbilling, electrocution, and tainted food and water, the list can go on. This is only a summary example of the many stories out there.
While I applaud the State Department for finally taking a step to correct a bad situation, I am left wondering: why is a frat house worse than poisoning, killing, and raping our Americans citizens? Accountability only works if it applies to everyone, not just the ones unfortunate enough to be photographed. We need serious government oversight of these contractors if we are going to continue to use their services. They neither make our nation NOR our troops secure.
and 
Raine
The Animal House antics of ArmorGroup North America's guards have cost the company its 5-year, $189 million State Department contract to protect the US embassy in Kabul. Following a months-long review, the agency has decided it won't renew the contract, as it has done for the past two years, when it comes due in June, according to State Department spokesman Fred Lash. "The department's Office of Acquisitions Management, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and Embassy Kabul reviewed the contract and concurred that the next option year should not be exercised and that work should begin immediately to compete a new contract," Lash told me.
This leaves me with a simple question this morning. No one questions that is was humiliating and deviant behavior; it was repulsive what happened. My question is why ArmorGroup and not Halliburton and it's former subsidiary, KBR? Deviant behavior is bad, but what about rape, fraud, overbilling, electrocution, and tainted food and water, the list can go on. This is only a summary example of the many stories out there.
While I applaud the State Department for finally taking a step to correct a bad situation, I am left wondering: why is a frat house worse than poisoning, killing, and raping our Americans citizens? Accountability only works if it applies to everyone, not just the ones unfortunate enough to be photographed. We need serious government oversight of these contractors if we are going to continue to use their services. They neither make our nation NOR our troops secure.
and Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 12/10/2009 14:10:02
wickedpam on 12/10/2009 14:10:02
Morning 
Comment by 
Raine on 12/10/2009 14:23:57
Raine on 12/10/2009 14:23:57
morning!
Comment by Raine on 12/10/2009 14:55:38
Raine on 12/10/2009 14:55:38
Quiet in here this morning...
Comment by wickedpam on 12/10/2009 15:16:42
actually trying to get some kinda work done
I have no focus today
wickedpam on 12/10/2009 15:16:42
actually trying to get some kinda work done
I have no focus today
Comment by Al from WV on 12/10/2009 15:21:45
"no focus today"..... I got you there, Pam, same way. Can't get my mind around anything.
Rainey, I found out late last night that my Friday is already booked. Sort of outside my control. I'm sorry. Another time, I really hope.
Rainey, I found out late last night that my Friday is already booked. Sort of outside my control. I'm sorry. Another time, I really hope.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 12/10/2009 15:22:27
Scoopster on 12/10/2009 15:22:27
Mornin! 
Bit of a rough morning so far.. dropped a large steamin' hot cup of coffee on the way to the office! Thankfully it didn't drop onto me, but still what a waste!
Bit of a rough morning so far.. dropped a large steamin' hot cup of coffee on the way to the office! Thankfully it didn't drop onto me, but still what a waste!
Comment by Raine on 12/10/2009 15:27:39
No Prob Al -- of course there will be another time!
Raine on 12/10/2009 15:27:39
Quote by Al from WV:
"no focus today"..... I got you there, Pam, same way. Can't get my mind around anything.
Rainey, I found out late last night that my Friday is already booked. Sort of outside my control. I'm sorry. Another time, I really hope.
No Prob Al -- of course there will be another time!
Comment by Raine on 12/10/2009 15:28:17
spilled coffee is a tragedy...
Raine on 12/10/2009 15:28:17
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin!
spilled coffee is a tragedy...
Comment by Raine on 12/10/2009 15:51:31
Raine on 12/10/2009 15:51:31
Does Momma realize that Margaret Cho will also be on Joy behar tonite?
Comment by Raine on 12/10/2009 16:37:31
Raine on 12/10/2009 16:37:31
I FINALLY (think) I have a great card concept!!! now to pull it off...
Comment by 
livingonli on 12/10/2009 16:40:41
livingonli on 12/10/2009 16:40:41
Good morning everyone.
Been trying to catch up on some sleep but it's been more off and on so it looks like I missed the blogging so far. Now it's just another day of getting things done since I promised my housemate I would hook up the new HDTV. I started a trend since we went from 1 (mine) to 3 HDTV's in the house in just a very short time.
Been trying to catch up on some sleep but it's been more off and on so it looks like I missed the blogging so far. Now it's just another day of getting things done since I promised my housemate I would hook up the new HDTV. I started a trend since we went from 1 (mine) to 3 HDTV's in the house in just a very short time.
Comment by livingonli on 12/10/2009 16:42:36
Is Momma going to be on Joy's show too?
livingonli on 12/10/2009 16:42:36
Quote by Raine:
Does Momma realize that Margaret Cho will also be on Joy behar tonite?
Is Momma going to be on Joy's show too?
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 12/10/2009 16:45:41
Which is more tragic spilled coffee of spilled beer?
Mondobubba on 12/10/2009 16:45:41
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin!
spilled coffee is a tragedy...
Which is more tragic spilled coffee of spilled beer?
Comment by Raine on 12/10/2009 16:57:44
I think it is about equal.
Raine on 12/10/2009 16:57:44
Quote by Mondobubba:
Which is more tragic spilled coffee of spilled beer?
Comment by Raine on 12/10/2009 16:59:10
sounds like a productive day for you!
3 HDTV's?
Raine on 12/10/2009 16:59:10
Quote by livingonli:
Good morning everyone.
Been trying to catch up on some sleep but it's been more off and on so it looks like I missed the blogging so far. Now it's just another day of getting things done since I promised my housemate I would hook up the new HDTV. I started a trend since we went from 1 (mine) to 3 HDTV's in the house in just a very short time.
sounds like a productive day for you!
3 HDTV's?
Comment by Raine on 12/10/2009 16:59:50
Tonite! bAnn Coulter was supposed to be on the panel with her, but she canceled.
Raine on 12/10/2009 16:59:50
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:
Does Momma realize that Margaret Cho will also be on Joy behar tonite?
Is Momma going to be on Joy's show too?
Tonite! bAnn Coulter was supposed to be on the panel with her, but she canceled.
Comment by livingonli on 12/10/2009 17:12:58
Did you hear Randi's tale when she was in the HLN studio the same time as bAnn when they were discussing the Palin's appearance on Oprah?
livingonli on 12/10/2009 17:12:58
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:
Does Momma realize that Margaret Cho will also be on Joy behar tonite?
Is Momma going to be on Joy's show too?
Tonite! bAnn Coulter was supposed to be on the panel with her, but she canceled.
Did you hear Randi's tale when she was in the HLN studio the same time as bAnn when they were discussing the Palin's appearance on Oprah?
Comment by livingonli on 12/10/2009 17:14:28
It helps that they have gotten so cheap now. My housemate got a 40" TV for less than the 37" that I only bought two years ago.
livingonli on 12/10/2009 17:14:28
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
Good morning everyone.
Been trying to catch up on some sleep but it's been more off and on so it looks like I missed the blogging so far. Now it's just another day of getting things done since I promised my housemate I would hook up the new HDTV. I started a trend since we went from 1 (mine) to 3 HDTV's in the house in just a very short time.
sounds like a productive day for you!
3 HDTV's?
It helps that they have gotten so cheap now. My housemate got a 40" TV for less than the 37" that I only bought two years ago.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/10/2009 17:20:14
Let's up the ante slightly. Spilled coffee or spill vodka?
Mondobubba on 12/10/2009 17:20:14
Quote by Raine:I think it is about equal.Quote by Mondobubba:
Which is more tragic spilled coffee of spilled beer?
Let's up the ante slightly. Spilled coffee or spill vodka?
Comment by 
TriSec on 12/10/2009 17:23:16
TriSec on 12/10/2009 17:23:16
Greetings, comrades!
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/10/2009 17:51:08
Mondobubba on 12/10/2009 17:51:08
Comment by livingonli on 12/10/2009 18:05:31
livingonli on 12/10/2009 18:05:31
Hi, Trisec. How's life treating you?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/10/2009 19:10:24
Will in Chicago on 12/10/2009 19:10:24
Hello, bloggers!
Sorry that I have been silent for so long. In late September, my room mate discontinued the regular internet service to the apartment in Phoenix. So, he was able to get the wireless service in the apartment complex from his room and I got nothing. I tried to log in a few times here on a friend's computer but kept blowing my log in id (no underscores apparently and/or password.)
The economy got worse in Phoenix, with less subbing and no full time jobs despite a few interviews that went no where. So, I made the difficult decision -- as I was not truly making ends meet -- to move back to my brother's in Northwest Indiana.
I left Phoenix the day before Thanksgiving -- mid afternoon as there were delays in getting the car carrier and in having the office take my keys. Then there was the long drive through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas (West Texas seemed to be almost devoid of towns in places), Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, and Northwest Indiana. I got back the Sunday after Thanksgiving and just got online.
Currently, I am job hunting. I have mostly readapted to the cold of a Chicago winter. It seems that a lot of people I know, BobR and Raine and a few others, have made new homes for themselves recently. I think I can find something this time and plan to do more networking and get out of the house more in my spare time. (Maybe I might make a few good contacts or friends along the way.)
As I am no longer in Phoenix, can someone change my name here to either Will in Chicago or Will from Chicago and let me know if it has underscores? Thanks.
I have missed being here and will try to catch up on a few recent blogs here later. (After a late lunch, I have the joy of doing laundry and filling out applications.)
So, what is the opinion here of Momma's bicoastal experiment? I think she will get more media exposure, but I wonder if she is happy despite the setbacks.
Sorry that I have been silent for so long. In late September, my room mate discontinued the regular internet service to the apartment in Phoenix. So, he was able to get the wireless service in the apartment complex from his room and I got nothing. I tried to log in a few times here on a friend's computer but kept blowing my log in id (no underscores apparently and/or password.)
The economy got worse in Phoenix, with less subbing and no full time jobs despite a few interviews that went no where. So, I made the difficult decision -- as I was not truly making ends meet -- to move back to my brother's in Northwest Indiana.
I left Phoenix the day before Thanksgiving -- mid afternoon as there were delays in getting the car carrier and in having the office take my keys. Then there was the long drive through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas (West Texas seemed to be almost devoid of towns in places), Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, and Northwest Indiana. I got back the Sunday after Thanksgiving and just got online.
Currently, I am job hunting. I have mostly readapted to the cold of a Chicago winter. It seems that a lot of people I know, BobR and Raine and a few others, have made new homes for themselves recently. I think I can find something this time and plan to do more networking and get out of the house more in my spare time. (Maybe I might make a few good contacts or friends along the way.)
As I am no longer in Phoenix, can someone change my name here to either Will in Chicago or Will from Chicago and let me know if it has underscores? Thanks.
I have missed being here and will try to catch up on a few recent blogs here later. (After a late lunch, I have the joy of doing laundry and filling out applications.)
So, what is the opinion here of Momma's bicoastal experiment? I think she will get more media exposure, but I wonder if she is happy despite the setbacks.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/10/2009 19:13:35
wickedpam on 12/10/2009 19:13:35
Oh wow Will! I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for ya!
Comment by Scoopster on 12/10/2009 19:32:42
Scoopster on 12/10/2009 19:32:42
Welcome back Will!
Comment by Scoopster on 12/10/2009 19:34:29
Scoopster on 12/10/2009 19:34:29
And now a very special musical interlude.. I had to hack this one just to get it to embed, and if I can figure out how to just plain rip it I'm gonna (since it's a bootleg)!
Comment by livingonli on 12/10/2009 20:18:51
livingonli on 12/10/2009 20:18:51
Welcome back,Will. Hope you get through this roughpatch. It seems to be the story of our lives this year.
Comment by TriSec on 12/10/2009 21:18:16
eep!
Well, we're glad to have you back among the living, Will. (no pun intended!)
TriSec on 12/10/2009 21:18:16
eep!
Well, we're glad to have you back among the living, Will. (no pun intended!)
Comment by livingonli on 12/10/2009 22:56:32
livingonli on 12/10/2009 22:56:32
Who's been listening to Randi today?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/10/2009 23:19:46
Will in Chicago on 12/10/2009 23:19:46
Thanks, everyone!
It does seem to be a year of journeys for many of us here.
I am going to be busy networking with people I know professionally, contacting friends and rebuilding a life here. I should check into DFA and the local Democratic party. (We have a blue dog, Visclosky, in my district.)
It does seem to be a year of journeys for many of us here.
I am going to be busy networking with people I know professionally, contacting friends and rebuilding a life here. I should check into DFA and the local Democratic party. (We have a blue dog, Visclosky, in my district.)
Comment by Raine on 12/10/2009 23:23:08
oh Will -- I have been wondering how you were and what has been going on. I am so sorry for the upheaval.
we will change it to Will in Chicago, no underscores.
Something will give Will, just hang in there. (and know you have a place to visit here in DC! )
Raine on 12/10/2009 23:23:08
Quote by Will in Phoenix:
Hello, bloggers!
Sorry that I have been silent for so long. In late September, my room mate discontinued the regular internet service to the apartment in Phoenix. So, he was able to get the wireless service in the apartment complex from his room and I got nothing. I tried to log in a few times here on a friend's computer but kept blowing my log in id (no underscores apparently and/or password.)
The economy got worse in Phoenix, with less subbing and no full time jobs despite a few interviews that went no where. So, I made the difficult decision -- as I was not truly making ends meet -- to move back to my brother's in Northwest Indiana.
I left Phoenix the day before Thanksgiving -- mid afternoon as there were delays in getting the car carrier and in having the office take my keys. Then there was the long drive through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas (West Texas seemed to be almost devoid of towns in places), Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, and Northwest Indiana. I got back the Sunday after Thanksgiving and just got online.
Currently, I am job hunting. I have mostly readapted to the cold of a Chicago winter. It seems that a lot of people I know, BobR and Raine and a few others, have made new homes for themselves recently. I think I can find something this time and plan to do more networking and get out of the house more in my spare time. (Maybe I might make a few good contacts or friends along the way.)
As I am no longer in Phoenix, can someone change my name here to either Will in Chicago or Will from Chicago and let me know if it has underscores? Thanks.
I have missed being here and will try to catch up on a few recent blogs here later. (After a late lunch, I have the joy of doing laundry and filling out applications.)
So, what is the opinion here of Momma's bicoastal experiment? I think she will get more media exposure, but I wonder if she is happy despite the setbacks.
I am so sorry for the upheaval. we will change it to Will in Chicago, no underscores.
Something will give Will, just hang in there. (and know you have a place to visit here in DC! )
Comment by Raine on 12/10/2009 23:26:35
Raine on 12/10/2009 23:26:35
This year is going to be better for everyone, I really feel it in my heart. We are already seeing good changes with our friends here on das Blog...
and yes, Mondo, I think you are going to hit paydirt in the very near future!
and yes, Mondo, I think you are going to hit paydirt in the very near future!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/11/2009 03:16:26
Will in Chicago on 12/11/2009 03:16:26
Thanks, Raine!
I think that things will improve -- I have more contacts here to reach out to. I will likely be busy the next few mornings, but expect me to be here more often. (It is great not to have to go to a neighbor or a friend to go online.)
I think that things will improve -- I have more contacts here to reach out to. I will likely be busy the next few mornings, but expect me to be here more often. (It is great not to have to go to a neighbor or a friend to go online.)