Cheney: Cha-Ching!

[GuyJean]

Big surprise here..
Iraq Rebuilding Contracts Awarded
http://money.cnn.com/2003/03/25/news/companies/war_contracts/index.htm
Halliburton get government contracts for early relief work.

The Kellogg Brown & Root unit of Halliburton, of which Cheney was CEO from 1995-2000, was awarded a contract late Monday by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to put out oil fires and make emergency repairs in Iraq.

Yeah, I'm sure he's TOTALLY diconnected from the company now.

GJ

[StickyRiceLover]

Big Deal.

Most people help their friends (and family). If you had a chance to give a contract to one of your associates that could do the job, you would pick them over someone else (and make a profit if you could). This type of behavior is ethical and good.

SRL

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

Well, who should the contract go to? Elf Aquataine? No fucking way. The contracts should go to US and UK companies. Those with political connections are going to be getting the bulk of the profits most likely. Why don't you just buy their stock instead of crying about it or seeing some sinister motive?

This whole war is politically motivated so why should anyone be surprised. The work must go to the countries that have spent their efforts deposing that piece of shit Saddam.

[GuyJean]

Why don't you just buy their stock instead of crying about it or seeing some sinister motive?

Did I complain, or cry? I was pointing out the obvious.

I think most Americans don't realize %50 of the reason their sending their children to fight Saddam. Sure, some of it is to 'fight the war on terror', and to 'rid Iraq of a terrible dictator'. But as you said, their are strong political and economic reasons the US is spending 75-100 billion on 'helping the Iraqi citizens'.. They plan on getting 200 billion+ in return... Which is understandable in a capitalistic world. I'm in touch with reality... most of the time.

GJ

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

Why don't you just buy their stock instead of crying about it or seeing some sinister motive?

Did I complain, or cry? I was pointing out the obvious.

I think most Americans don't realize %50 of the reason their sending their children to fight Saddam. Sure, some of it is to 'fight the war on terror', and to 'rid Iraq of a terrible dictator'. But as you said, their are strong political and economic reasons the US is spending 75-100 billion on 'helping the Iraqi citizens'.. They plan on getting 200 billion+ in return... Which is understandable in a capitalistic world. I'm in touch with reality... most of the time.

GJ

Please. This war will never finance itself. The war will cost far more than the current estimate and the ability for American firms to pull out $200 billion of PROFITs considering the great risks and the time involved is ridiculous. This is a small country and the oil flow, which is all they have, needs to go mostly to the people to pay for the extra rags on their heads that they so richly deserve. It is absurd to suggest that this war will be profitable for the United States. If that were the case why don't we just declare war on everybody and have a field day. We tried to avoid this war at all costs. Saddam turned us down not the other way around.

[GomiGirl]

Please. This war will never finance itself. The war will cost far more than the current estimate and the ability for American firms to pull out $200 billion of PROFITs considering the great risks and the time involved is ridiculous. This is a small country and the oil flow, which is all they have, needs to go mostly to the people to pay for the extra rags on their heads that they so richly deserve. It is absurd to suggest that this war will be profitable for the United States. If that were the case why don't we just declare war on everybody and have a field day. We tried to avoid this war at all costs. Saddam turned us down not the other way around.

You have fallen hook, line and sinker haven't you? You want so desperately to feel tough that you are blinkered to the big picture. I am curious though about why you haven't joined up to serve - your jingoism sounds a bit hollow while directing the war from your living room sofa.

This war will cost alot of money - why? Because there are companies in key electoral districts that make airplanes, helicopters, munitions who will help that the current government get re-elected. Profitable for the US - of course it will be if your company is "in the club" like Dick's.. not for the average worker who will see a rise in taxes or perhaps will lose their jobs entirely. This war is also a convenient smoke screen for poor ecomonic management of the local economy.

Oil profits - the oil iraq is sold to and processed by US companies who then make money from you at the gas bowser. If the cost is favourable to US transport companies, then costs are contained and more profits can be made shipping goods around the country and for exports.

Post war Iraq will attract billions in aid from developed nations which will be spent with US companies that have contracts to "rebuild". These deals were done way before the first troops left Kuwait.

But if you feel powerful and brave at the sight on your TV of tomahawks flying through windows in a distant country then who am I to argue?? You are intelligent but ignorant at the same time.. it is not unpatriotic to occassionally question the underlying motives of actions - rather it is your birthright based on the fortunate geography of your birth.

But now that the war has started, the point of no return has been passed. The coalition must prevail for world safety - ironic really. I hope that the victory is swift and no more boys in uniform have to die.

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

Oh Sweetheart, I have thought long and hard about whether or not we should be fighting this war. In fact, about six months ago I probably would have thrown a rock at anyone who suggested fighting this one.

However, given all the waffling and the delaying by Saddam I am convinced he needs to go. I am also convinced a message needs to be sent to the tyrants in general that there is hell to pay for defying the will of the United States. I believe strongly that the only way to stand off these terrorists and tyrants is to blast them full force. They are the minority and cannot be permitted to hijack their local populations who just want to live a peaceful live like everyone else.

As for all this hoo-ha about the military industrial complex. Yeah, yeah, we are fighting this war because those companies profit. Sister, save it for somebody who isn't thinking. The American public, myself included, would never back a war for economic reasons.

You are mixing up cause and effect again. It is BECAUSE Saddam defied us that this war is being fought. The effect is that people will die and some companies will profit. We are not fighting this war to get profits in the hands of some company. Unlike what most of you think the American public truly deplores war and that includes myself. If the military complex was truly pulling the strings we would have fought a lot more wars than we have.

As for my own military service, I actually would like to go and am considering doing something about it. However, I was too young for the last war and probably too old for this one. This war will be over in about two months which is too short to even get your's truly out of basic training. However, in the event of a long drawn out war I would be willing to volunteer. My family has a history of service. In fact, I would enjoy the opportuntity to die for my country. Such a death would be indicative of a life worth living. Only the US can lead this world to long term peace. I would gladly die for this country.

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

it is not unpatriotic to occassionally question the underlying motives of actions - rather it is your birthright based on the fortunate geography of your birth.

Here is where we also differ. The people who came to America came with a vision and desire for freedom. My ancestors include Quakers, Tories and even a Japanese diplomat. They were all an unusual bunch and I have inherited their genes. It is not just by happenstance or luck that I was born in this country (you call it a fortunate birthright). Rather, it was a legacy bequethed to me by my anscestors. They all fought to come here one way or another. They all appreciated what they got when they arrived. I am different than you. I was born an American and that is not luck. I am a continuation of a long line of progressives and we will drag you all forward with us if we have to punch you in the face and kick you in the ass. I am my anscestors.

[GomiGirl]

we will drag you all forward with us if we have to punch you in the face and kick you in the ass.

I will pass on your idea of progress and freedom if it's all the same with you...

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

we will drag you all forward with us if we have to punch you in the face and kick you in the ass.

I will pass on your idea of progress and freedom if it's all the same with you...

That's because you're a foreign melnick who didn't ever fight for freedom. We gave you yours when we kicked Japan's ass. You people came very close to living without freedom. Had that happened you would understand. Before you go knocking "my version" of freedom keep in mind that "our version" of freedom encompasses the entire free world. We provided that security. We kept the Soviets at bay. Without us YOU would have been living under some form of totalitarianism. NO totalitarianism is acceptable. All tyrants must die. Saddam, that idiot in North Korea, Castro (who is dottering anyway).

Of course this sounds so unfair. Better to live in a world where men like Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin don't live in fear. Yeah, is this what you espouse? I guess so because most of the world's idiot population thinks we are treating poor, poor Saddam unfairly. You know what? We don't care. We are better than you. Stay in the back seat where you belong.

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

Also, in your post above regarding watching cruise missiles zing through tyrants windows. As a matter of fact I am proud to come from a country that can bombard a hostile force protecting a dictator with precision and leave the larger population alone. I think that is something to be proud of. I hope that Saddam is now in incredible pain. I hope we have taken his family from him. I hope he is conscious and knows that he has only days to live and understands that it is the United States of America will take his live for what he has done and what he represents. I am damn proud of this. I want him in hell at all possible speed. As a matter of fact I could not be prouder.

[GomiGirl]

we will drag you all forward with us if we have to punch you in the face and kick you in the ass.

I will pass on your idea of progress and freedom if it's all the same with you...

Before you go knocking "my version" of freedom keep in mind that "our version" of freedom encompasses the entire free world. We provided that security. We kept the Soviets at bay. Without us YOU would have been living under some form of totalitarianism. NO totalitarianism is acceptable. All tyrants must die. Saddam, that idiot in North Korea, Castro (who is dottering anyway).

Well being punched in the face for simply not agreeing with you is not something that sounds appealing.. that is not allowing me the freedom to express my opinions or even think for myself and if I am worried about personal safety if I deign to question what is presented as the only version of freedom..

I have it on good authority that you personally had absolutely nothing to do with the life I have been fortunate enough to lead.. thank goodness for small mercies...

[wreddock]

was born an American and that is not luck. I am a continuation of a long line of progressives and we will drag you all forward with us if we have to punch you in the face and kick you in the ass. I am my anscestors.

I'm so proud of you son.

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

I have it on good authority that you personally had absolutely nothing to do with the life I have been fortunate enough to lead.. thank goodness for small mercies...

Wrong again. Without people just like me you would have been a colony of Japan. You would be the "aboes" in a world without America. God watches out for fools and babies. Lucky you.

[GomiGirl]

I have it on good authority that you personally had absolutely nothing to do with the life I have been fortunate enough to lead.. thank goodness for small mercies...

Wrong again. Without people just like me you would have been a colony of Japan. You would be the "aboes" in a world without America. God watches out for fools and babies. Lucky you.

You personally??? I owe you nothing. Again it is convenient for you to take personal credit for things you only watch from the sidelines...

[gomichild]

Gaisaradatsuraku! You can basically just f*ck off thanks. Your arguments are pointless. You can't claim to have assisted in freeing the western world by typing a message on some board.

You armchair fighters for the American way really shit me to tears.

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

Gaisaradatsuraku! You can basically just f*ck off thanks. Your arguments are pointless. You can't claim to have assisted in freeing the western world by typing a message on some board.

You armchair fighters for the American way really shit me to tears.

You're just a dumb cunt shacking up with a Jap musician and you think that makes you special. You are nothing and your husband is a loser. You know nothing about Japan except your daily life.

Let me tell you the old Japan was ugly. Leadership of the recent past made Ishihara look like Maruyama Masao. Americans made your life possible you stupid cunt. Don't back talk your superiors and suck some white dick for a change you miserable piece of shit.

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

You armchair fighters for the American way really shit me to tears.

What do you mean armchair fighters you progeny of a prison colony. When you fucking pieces of garbage need America you came crying to us. But when it comes to spilling your own blood for anyone else you run home and dig coal for the Japanese. How can you even stand being Australian. Your country stands for nothing. Your flag even incorporate the UK flag. You are the gutter of the West. A colony. You also dreadfully continue to repress the Abos. Eat shit and die you daughter of a whore and horse thief.

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

I have it on good authority that you personally had absolutely nothing to do with the life I have been fortunate enough to lead.. thank goodness for small mercies...

Wrong again. Without people just like me you would have been a colony of Japan. You would be the "aboes" in a world without America. God watches out for fools and babies. Lucky you.

You personally??? I owe you nothing. Again it is convenient for you to take personal credit for things you only watch from the sidelines...

Eat shit honey. You don't have to thank me personally for a fucking thing but do not think for an instant that your opinion is worth the breath it takes to huff it out. You know nothing. You are the offspring of whores and convicted felons. You cannot understand ideals. You are swill. Your parents are swill and your grandparents even worse.

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

Gaisaradatsuraku! You can basically just f*ck off thanks. Your arguments are pointless. You can't claim to have assisted in freeing the western world by typing a message on some board.

You armchair fighters for the American way really shit me to tears.

You're just a dumb cunt shacking up with a Jap musician and you think that makes you special. You are nothing and your husband is a loser. You know nothing about Japan except your daily life.

Let me tell you the old Japan was ugly. Leadership of the recent past made Ishihara look like Maruyama Masao. Americans made your life possible you stupid cunt. Don't back talk your superiors and suck some white dick for a change you miserable piece of shit.

Scratch that part about mating with the caucasian race. Stay where you are and get yellow. Put your spawn where it belongs. That third world nation called Japan.

[GomiGirl]

I have it on good authority that you personally had absolutely nothing to do with the life I have been fortunate enough to lead.. thank goodness for small mercies...

Wrong again. Without people just like me you would have been a colony of Japan. You would be the "aboes" in a world without America. God watches out for fools and babies. Lucky you.

You personally??? I owe you nothing. Again it is convenient for you to take personal credit for things you only watch from the sidelines...

Eat shit honey. You don't have to thank me personally for a fucking thing but do not think for an instant that your opinion is worth the breath it takes to huff it out. You know nothing. You are the offspring of whores and convicted felons. You cannot understand ideals. You are swill. Your parents are swill and your grandparents even worse.

You know how to charm don't you!!! Are you planning to run for office soon? I think you will do very well.

[GuyJean]

Um, I didn't mean for this to be a pissing competition..

Personally, I support the removal of Saddam, but ALSO think there are major economic agenda's driving this war.. I DO think US oil companies will profit hugely from the second largest oil deposit in the world. Why wouldn't they?

If the US was waging war to 'solely' fight terrorism, we'd be stomping on NK first and threating to use force with Iraq... enabling the weapons inspections to, first be started again, and then to continue..

BTW. Are the Gomi's and Gaisa going to the FGiesta?

No biting, spitting, or kicking.. Well, biting is ok..

GJ

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

Actually, Gomi you do owe me. I am a major fucking US taxpayer. My tax dollars fund your freedom. You owe me. In fact I hope the US sends a message to Germany and all of Europe by pulling all US forces out of Germany. Let the French stand there and watch that. We should also make it clear to all the terrorists that we will not retaliate in any shape or form when French interests are attacked. We should declare open season on the French. Let them grovel.

But on the other hand the US should take the high road. We need to understand that you folks have no concept of defense or danger. That you are in fact our little brothers that need to be protected in spite of the fact that we need to box your imputent, arrogant ears every now and again.

[wreddock]

We should declare open season on the French

Yeeehaaaaa --- let's go get 'em

[GomiGirl]

No biting, spitting, or kicking.. Well, biting is ok..

Not into solving problems with my fists...

To Gaisa:
wow - talk about giving somebody enough rope to hang themselves... Didn't realise you couldn't handle debate - well I did but I was just baiting. Mesenses a few anger management issues.. take a pill fella, have a nap and chill out!!

[GomiGirl]

Actually, Gomi you do owe me. I am a major fucking US taxpayer.

I dare you to say that to a NY cop and see how it goes down..

[GomiGirl]

BTW. Are the Gomi's and Gaisa going to the FGiesta?

No biting, spitting, or kicking.. Well, biting is ok...

Have you been into my personal photo collection again Ultra-san???

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

No biting, spitting, or kicking.. Well, biting is ok..

Not into solving problems with my fists...

To Gaisa:
wow - talk about giving somebody enough rope to hang themselves... Didn't realise you couldn't handle debate - well I did but I was just baiting. Mesenses a few anger management issues.. take a pill fella, have a nap and chill out!!

Debate. Where is your logical argument? I don't even know your position because you don't either. What do you think should be done. What's your master plan? Debate away if you have anything to say.

[GuyJean]

Mesenses a few anger management issues..

http://www.apple.com/trailers/columbia/anger_management-tlr/medium.html
"What is it with you people?"

GJ

[Gaisaradatsuraku!]

Um, I didn't mean for this to be a pissing competition..

Personally, I support the removal of Saddam, but ALSO think there are major economic agenda's driving this war.. I DO think US oil companies will profit hugely from the second largest oil deposit in the world. Why wouldn't they?

If there are profits then the US should generate the bulk of them. But there aren't going to be big profits. The big profits will be derived from the indirect benefit of showing the world that terrorism does not work.

If the US was waging war to 'solely' fight terrorism, we'd be stomping on NK first and threating to use force with Iraq... enabling the weapons inspections to, first be started again, and then to continue..

I don't know about this. I don't think we want to go stomping the shit out of North Korea yet. We have China up on their border that will not look kindly to that. We also have a tremendous amount of leverage over Japan with a viable NK regime. We need to get the nukes away from those imbeciles but I think there are better places to start. Wiping out fundamentalist Islamic terrorrism is the bigger threat to us in the long run. I don't see NK sending bombers to the US. Let them be so long as they don't have the capacity to hurt us. Eventually we will get him but unfortunately we have bigger fish to fry in areas where we will have a lot of free rein. Next stop Iran.

PS: if I am in Japan I will be delighted to show up at the party.