FYI: Corporatism is a Subset of Fascism
And the following is a result of the current Administration's use of Corporatism.
WASHINGTON - March 28 - Today Rep. Waxman released the first analysis of Halliburton's RIO 2 contract to restore Iraq's southern oil fields. The examination of previously undisclosed correspondence, evaluations, and audits reveals that government officials and investigators have harshly criticized Halliburton's performance under RIO 2. The documents disclose an "overwhelmingly negative" performance, including:
- Intentional Overcharging: Halliburton repeatedly overcharged the taxpayer, apparently intentionally. In one case, "[c]ost estimates had hidden rate factors to increase cost of project without informing the Government." In another instance, Halliburton "tried to inflate cost estimate by $26M." In a third example, Halliburton claimed costs for laying concrete pads and footings that the Iraqi Oil Ministry had "already put in place."
- Exorbitant Costs: Halliburton was "accruing exorbitant indirect costs at a rapid rate." Government officials concluded that Halliburton's "lack of cost containment and funds management is the single biggest detriment to this program." They found a "lack of cost control ... in Houston, Kuwait, and Iraq." In a partial review of the RIO 2 contract, DCAA auditors challenged $45 million in costs as unreasonable or unsupported.
- Inadequate Cost Reporting: Halliburton "universally failed to provide adequate cost information," had "profound systemic problems," provided "substandard" cost reports that did "not meet minimum standards," and submitted reports that had been "vetted of any information that would allow tracking of details." Halliburton produced "unacceptable unchecked cost reports."
- Schedule Delays: Halliburton's work under RIO 2 was continually plagued by delays. Halliburton had a "50% late completion" rate for RIO 2 projects. Evaluations noted "untimely work" and "schedule slippage."
- Refusal to Cooperate: Evaluations described Halliburton as "obstructive" with oversight officials. Despite the billions in taxpayer funds Halliburton has been paid, the company's "leadership demonstrated minimal cooperative attitude resolving problems."
The report is available online at www.democrats.reform.house.gov or emailed upon request.
Actually, if you look a Mussolini's definition, Corporatism IS Fascism. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he's the guy that invented the word.
ReplyDeleteScotty, AKA Pickled_Punk
I wonder what the statute of limitations is when it comes to prosicuting them. They'll ne safe til 2008. I kind of think charges shouldn't be brought against them til then, because otherwise we know they'll get a Presidential pardon...
ReplyDeleteHhmmm.. Good point Kat. It really would take some time to get such charges going anyhow. And with this Admin frontin' them as well ... well... The facts of the situation will still be there in a couple of years.
ReplyDeleteBtw, that's a beautiful new avatar (funny, that's the 2nd time I've commented on someone's 'tar today. hhhmm..) I'm pretty sure I've seen the work before. What is the painting called?
I would be surprised if charges ever were brought against them. I'm losing faith that the mess made of our country will be fixed. The ones in charge don't want any change.
ReplyDeleteExorbitant Costs: ...
ReplyDeleteI do feel the need to point out that this is the Cost of doing business. It is not, in it's self, an illegal act. Not unless Jesus was making the Laws, of course. Money Lenders need beware of their own base, eh...
Government is many things. Like it or not, one of them is a business operation. How that violates the Constitution is the only issue that concerns me. Where it doesn't, I enjoy playing by the rules of political economies; even though I need to get better if'n I'm gonna play the Market halfway seriously. I just couldn't stomach having to play it full tilt. Too sickeningly silly a use of lives.
This should be the new Democratic Slogan:
Oral for everyone!
Graft for none!
Repeat that 150,000 thousand times every 5 seconds on the Supreme Court stairway, and you've got Censure. Half a million, impeachment. Next weekend? This?
If it's called for within 1 month I'll be there for Vacation. A nice atheist theist march of peace, justice, a Constitutional Amendment stipulating Campaign Party reform. It ain't personal when it's to control and benefit the Public.
A Legislative action against the Executive is amongst the Balances.
Good night, yo'l.
Add this to the administration's unwillingness to re-bid Katrina contracts despite serious overcharges, write-off of billions in oil/gas royalties from Gulf production, and 1,000 other acts of corruption, and it's pretty obvious this admin's GOAL is to bankrupt the federal gov't. They don't want anyone with the fiscal stability to challenge corporate dominance.
ReplyDelete