Halliburton
“knowingly exposes troops and civilians to contaminated water from Iraq’s Euphrates River,” according to two former employees.
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So do the republicans here. They refuse to sign mercury in our water environmental protections, despite the fact that an eagle was recently found with mercury poison. If the eagle has mercury poison, then our food supply is tainted enough with mercury to affect fetus and childhood development. All of those anti-abortion bigots get a fussy about aborting a fetus, but they seem to not give a rats a$$ if the fuhrer poisons it!
September 20th, 2005 at 5:10 pmWell, It all seems to fit with Halliburton
September 20th, 2005 at 5:14 pmprofits being the number driver of all
decisions doesn’t it?
Sort of interesting that all the GOP
screamers have nothing to say about that
conflict of interest.
What can you expect when the Democrats held back the money for the water purifiers? Ain’t no way we are gonna give up any of our $80B in fees and retainers and profit to do some thing that is not on the contract. Just wait til you see what Uncle Dick has told us to do in the water in NOLA.
September 20th, 2005 at 5:20 pmRyan, as long as a fetus becomes a child, then you can do what you want with it. It just has to be born, then who gives a shit. All they want is the birth. Now THAT is strange. Knowing most of them support the death penalty. Again - just birth the damn thing. Really warm folks them repubs.
September 20th, 2005 at 5:29 pm#3 ‘profit’
nuff said. perfect example of why consevatism comes under so much criticism. this group thinks only about themselves rather than the country as a whole and don’t care who dies off in the process.
September 20th, 2005 at 5:58 pmHalliburton’s bottom line: priority one …
September 20th, 2005 at 6:01 pmAll other priorities recended …
Crew .. expendable.
And just what do you think Bushes fast track war’s are.? This guy has been a talk out of both sides of his mouth since the beginning. He push Texas into the number one slot for capital punishment and has killed thousands of our own and Iraq’s since day one. I read all about him before he stole the presidency. His business and moral sence stinks, always has. His popularity is slipping though and getting this bunch out can’t happen quick enough for me. Maybe in the end their arrogance and greed will do it and we will just watch…..Blessings
September 20th, 2005 at 6:05 pm#4
The reason they want the birth is that their rich fat cat doctor buddies make money off of that. Can you say HMOs rape people. I know I can.
September 20th, 2005 at 6:49 pmDo we all realize how long it is going to take to repair the damage the ‘bushies’ have done. The thought scares me. The faster we IMPEACH him, the better everyones future will be. Please America,no more of the same.
September 20th, 2005 at 7:02 pmi love the fact that i spelled conservatism incorrectly. joy. anyway…how can we impeach him when his party controls everything? the best we can do is to vote for anything BUT a republican. no bushes, no rices, no guillianis (keep your eye on this last one..he’s real slick.)
September 20th, 2005 at 7:14 pmWe should not be surprised. Halliburton is a grotesque example of Republicanism. Profits over humanity every time. People are expendable, money is theirs to keep. Bad water, spoiled food, ho-hum, they’re only soldiers, and maybe Iraqis. These greedy degenerates are stinking up the place.
September 20th, 2005 at 7:27 pmRyan, I agree with you when you say they love the fetus and despise the baby. They only purport to love the fetus because it pleases their Jesus freakin’ television evangelical nut jobs, because when it comes to day care, health care, schools and other necessities for children, they are stingy, selfish and smug. Spudgeboy, you’re right too when you when you say they keep the HMOs happy while the sick person is screwed, shoved from pillar to post, until he finally surrenders; later he turns up at an emergency room.
I know several people who have worked for KBR (Kellogg Brown & Root) on construction sites around the country. They reportedly could care less about the tradesmen that work for them. They generally don’t provide drinking water at all and have the on site “port-o-johns” cleaned least as possible- they figure the tradesmen will spend too much time in the crapper if it’s clean. I’ll bet the folks on their dole cleaning up after Katrina are not provided with the proper safety equipment for the hazards they face.
If they treat their labor like pigs…no surprise they treat the troops the same way. Makes me sick that they are given no-bid contracts along with the elimination of Davis-Bacon. As I’ve said before, they are not going to charge the government any less for paying their help poverty wages.
September 20th, 2005 at 7:31 pm“how can we impeach him when his party controls everything?”
Indicting the election officials who helped him steal the election is a good start. If enough of this happens then democrats will police the 2006 election to ensure fraud isn’t the only thing holding republicans in office.
http://www.bradblog.com/archives/00001780.htm
September 20th, 2005 at 7:32 pmNow we all know why Brown REALLY got the job. Apparently he defrauded florida taxpayers and used the money to buy votes for bush in the 2004 election.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/092005S.shtml
Well the kickbacks just keep coming…
September 20th, 2005 at 7:42 pmdidnt democrats and other parties (along w/ people like Michael Moore) police the 2004 election? i’m not trying to promote hopelessness..i just want to know what they didn’t do then that they could do know..and why its taking so long for these indictments.
September 20th, 2005 at 8:22 pmRyan,
They did, and in fact there was widespread complaints of fraud that were filed. The mainstream media however refused to cover this. There were I kid you not 10s of thousands of complaints filed!
As for why it has taken so long, the wheels of justice run slowly when the power of the federal government obstructs you.
September 20th, 2005 at 8:30 pmIf Halliburtoon is such a bad employer then why do people work for the scumbags?
There are alternatives to working for criminals.
September 20th, 2005 at 9:13 pmWhy do people work for Wal-Mart, or for that matter any company? Mostly because it is a job that fits their qualifications and attainable goals. Why do people buy lottery tickets? Why do people vote one way or the other or not at all? All “why” questions have no answer and a myriad of answers. Why are we stuck with Bush now? Infinite answers and one answer–the people who oppose him screwed up. I didn’t work hard enough; my Brother-in-law didn’t contribute enough; my cousin didn’t take her neighbor to the polls. We all had small excuses while the crooks had a lot to gain. We all must do all we can and try for more. If we beat the Repugs then we can put KBR out of business and replace it with a legitimate company and nobody will have to ask why. We just have to want honesty and legitimate government more than the Roves, Bushes, Cheney’s and all the other sub-humans want their ill-gotten gains. AMEN
September 20th, 2005 at 9:29 pmSusan, Most people have a price, unfortunately.
September 20th, 2005 at 9:34 pmClyde, 100,000 Walmart employees are suing Walmart for 66 million bucks. They claim they were denied lunch breaks.
Heard it on WGN Morning News this a.m.
Where are Halliburtoons employees? Gotta hit em where it hurts!
Why isn’t Bush being charged with criminal negligence for the deaths in the Gulf Coast? Why isn’t anyone filing civil suits, wrongful death.
Where are the lawyers that Bushie bashed throughout his campaign?
September 20th, 2005 at 9:36 pm“Most people have a price”. Good reason to hire attorneys to file their cases.
September 20th, 2005 at 9:38 pmBut we have to do it!!! Not just ask why. The answer is because. Because we don’t try hard enough to stop them. When we get on top they will be asking “WHY?” And the answer is still because. Because we wanted it more thay they, because we tried a little harder, because I put one more stupid picture or cartoon on my web page, because just one more person went to the Impeach Bush Rally on Saturday. The question is not why, the question is “Why Not?’ and you have to answer that one. Don’t tell me it can’t be done, just help me do it!
September 20th, 2005 at 9:59 pmModerator,
Will you please respond tomorrow with handling MrWrong and his murder threats against Brian? I’m very worried that he’s disturbed enough to hurt someone who works for you. He made a death threat against brian and the rest of us liberals on this site, and followed it up with posting racist literature from a KKK site. He’s clearly a deranged psychopath and not just the average crazy republican…
September 20th, 2005 at 10:26 pm#17
Susan,
Money.
Although KBR pays a barely livable wage they pay a wage none the less. In some places, $12 an hour is very good money. With hopes of making $18, it’s even more attractive. BIG money overseas if ya want to…may be $60g…if ya live through it.
They pay a higher wage than the local 7-11 as a starting pay and promise their “inductees” the world…apprenticeships, future benefits, increasing pay scale ,etc. The trouble is, construction jobs are very temporary with even some larger projects lasting only a year or so. When a job is done it’s over. When KBR pulls up stakes, there is no more job, apprenticeship, better pay, etc.
In the mean time, and this comes from folks that have been there, they have little regard for the welfare of their workers. KBR gets involved heavily in the chemi and oil industries. When a plant needs major maintenance or upgrades KBR is often called in. This is very dangerous work often involving highly toxic materials. KBR workers are often exposed to all kinds of nasty stuff without the proper training in identifying hazards and have very little if any training in dealing with them. You’d be surprised what some folks do for $12 an hour. I could go on here but in short…temporary = expendable. They are also very good at keeping their disgruntled employees quiet…they got the legal team.
The alternative is? It used to be unions.
September 20th, 2005 at 10:38 pmWiscoDuk,
They call them burn and loot in texas for a good reason. Those guys are the most criminal mafia outfit in the country.
September 20th, 2005 at 10:47 pm#25
September 20th, 2005 at 10:59 pmRyan…They need a Michael Moore type expose’
Reminds me of an old joke that used to be popular in Texas but isn’t any more…
Kennedy and Johnson were in the oval office, their first day on the job when the phone rings. It’s the Pope of Rome, wondering what they can do about the Vatican’s leaky roof. “Don’t worry there, Holy Father,” Kennedy replied, “We’ll, er, do whatever it takes to fix it.” Johnson quickly added, “Just make sure Brown & Root get the contract!”
September 20th, 2005 at 11:11 pmWhy am I not surprized Wisco.
September 20th, 2005 at 11:13 pmBack to robber barons.
To paraphrase Santayana:
I guess history must repeat itself for people
to re-learn the lessons.
WiscoDuk, Halliburtoon employees can file lawsuits for dangerous working conditions. They have legal teams too. All they have to do is look up “lawyers” in the phonebook. If they choose not to then they are a part of the problem, not the solution.
Believe me I know for a fact that employers hate lawsuits, just ask my last employer.
Check out what’s left of his business and his marriage. Not much.
September 20th, 2005 at 11:16 pm#27
Good point! Bushco certainly did’nt invent KBR. KBR’s Santa Claus is just pulling the strings now (again).
September 20th, 2005 at 11:22 pmSusan,
The problem is that companies like halliburton also have judges in their pockets and they use the scorched earth legal philosophy. To make an example out of employees, anyone who sues is basically blitzkrieged by a superior economic force. Employees have very little possibility of economically resisting a company of that side without a sponsor. It’s part of why unions were created…
September 20th, 2005 at 11:24 pm#29
I kinda hear ya…but its not that easy. Remember…these guys are the pros of pros and very connected. Not a company small enough to be brought down by a lawsuit (or even hundreds of them). They also have a hell of a legal team. Good luck finding a lawyer willing to take them on. Besides, employees sign lots of paperwork with fine print which when it all boils down…is basically a hold harmless agreement.
September 20th, 2005 at 11:33 pmDoesn’t matter if you win the case or not Ryan Neat. Lawsuits cost money and cause stress. Getting the media to report the lawsuit helps too. Look at Walmarts lawsuit. The media is reporting that one.
Regardless, being a chickenshit is not the answer, standing up for your rights is.
Personally, I’d rather be jobless and poor than slave for an abusive employer.
In my original post I was suggesting taking charge of your own life and working for yourself.
Thats what I do. You can learn more by listening to my radio show at my website. (I talk about thinkprogress there because I believe in what thinkprogress does)
I’ve created my own job.
September 20th, 2005 at 11:37 pmI am with Wisco here: It is very dangerous
September 20th, 2005 at 11:42 pmto file suit against an employer like Halliburton.
Most large companies smash employee lawsuits.
People like Judge Roberts will help Halliburton
as much as they can.
It really is pretty hopeless.
I give anyone immense credit who is willing
to try.
Career suicide is the correct term, both at
current employer and any future as well.
More power to you Susan. I am glad
September 20th, 2005 at 11:44 pmyou are out there.
Some people can’t take the hit.
Call them chicken if you want,
but they have mouths to feed and mortgages
to keep.
“And I’d rather be a free man in my grave, than to be a puppet or a slave”
Anyone know who Joe Hill was? (The above quote is not connected)
September 20th, 2005 at 11:45 pmStill, If things get bad enough, more
September 20th, 2005 at 11:46 pmpeople will fight one way or the other.
Revolution is ugly, so I hope it does
not come to that.
Susan,
Many people who would want to use the lawyers to fight can’t afford them. Those that can would prefer to use that money to get on with their lives. Lawsuits are difficult to be a part of - I know because I’ve been on both sides of them personally. They’re distracting, destructive and generally determined by what lawyer is chosen and what judge you get more than the validity of your case. There are good and bad lawyers and judges and you toss a coin as to your fortune.
So while I appreciate your spunk, and I share it, frankly unions are better protection than individuals filing lawsuits… The second choice is costly and fraught with dangers I fear. The legal system has become stacked for those who have money. The whole premise of the frivolous lawsuits recently used to limit awards is just another way to tighten that noose on poor people unfortunately.
September 20th, 2005 at 11:57 pmOne last post on fighting for your rights.
In 1990 me, little ol me sued the Social Security Administration. Did I get the results I expected? Absolutely. Did I have a lawyer? No.
My nephews father died and was entitled to Social Security Survivors benefits. (You know those benefits your tax dollars are supposed to pay for).
My nephews mother and stepmother chose not to fight for what the child was entitled to.
I contacted each and every representative and Senator in my state. I got two responses: 1. Peter Fitzgerald (R Senator) 2. Dick Durbin (D Senator).
Since Fitzgerald responded first Senator Durbin’s office stepped back and let Fitzgerald’s office handle my nephews case.
After months and months of Fitzgeralds office telling me that the Social Security office was not responding I decided to take further action without the help of my Senator.
Knowing that a citizen cannot sue (successfully) the Social Security Administration, I took my $175 filing fee to the Small Claims Clerk and filed a lawsuit against the Social Security Administration and the caseworker who refused (or was not competent)to do his job.
The Clerk laughed and said “your suing the Social Security Admin.?”. I replied, “yes, this should get their attention”. You are allowed to file a case, you just cant win it.
I didn’t go to the assigned court appearance and left the matter to the Justice Dept. After the Justice Dept. filed about 8 motions to dispose of the case, the case was dismissed.
I have in my possession 4 inches of legal paperwork from the justice dept and it only cost me $175.
The Social Security Administration decided to review my nephews case and proceeded to pay all monies due to him.
If taking on the Social Security administration isn’t huge then I don’t know what is. Justice was served. It’s not about fortune.
Know the rules before you play the game.
September 21st, 2005 at 12:30 amSusan,
I’d be more likely to sue the justice department than halliburton. Corporations tend to have more resourced allocated for lawsuits, and they tend to hire vengeful corporate lawyers.
I’m not denying lawsuits can work, but I’ve had very different experiences than yours…
September 21st, 2005 at 1:14 amGreat article on the stealing of the last 3 elections. They trash the new carter/baker report for its utter failure to recognize the systemic failures in the system.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/092005G.shtml
September 21st, 2005 at 2:58 amGovernment is supposed to be there for the people…that is its job. Corporations are there to make themselves money..most of them at any cost. We are seeing when the two merge into one….the people are secondary, cannon fodder, guinea pigs for EPA testing and all at the worship of the all mighty dollar to make a few rich beyond imagination for most of us. It reeks and it must fell like it did prior to the storming of the Bastille. Our nation is dieing from within. Crazy to watch it happen.
September 21st, 2005 at 9:41 amCan anyone from your side of the pond make head or tail of the riveting “Basra drama” that’s topping headlines here in the U.K…? Keen to know your perspective …
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4263648.stm
September 21st, 2005 at 9:54 am#43
Strange things happen in a civil war. I’ve stated this before. The people of Iraq hate Westerners (especially the US and UK.) Period. In many cases…for good reason. Who do you think were the victims of repressive sanctions? Saddam? Hardly.
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend” scenario never lasts long. The Westerners are infidels occupying a Muslim country in EVERY Iraqis eyes.
September 21st, 2005 at 10:53 amI would add that both Iraq and Afghanistan have asked the “occupying forces” to leave. They both used the term occupying forces. That is important as the Bush administration has stated a number of times that we are not occupying those countries.
It doesn’t matter how many times Bushco states that we are not occupying a country, if the governments (that we put in place) feel they are being occupied.
Have you ever had one of those “friends that wouldn’t leave” (al la Saturday Night Live)?
The US is the friend that wouldn’t leave.
#43 you can replace US with Coalition Forces and this post means the same thing.
September 21st, 2005 at 12:37 pm#43 Our press is too preoccupied with the approaching storm. One would think that with 24/7 news channels, we would be among the best-informed public in the world, but you would be wrong. Our press panders to the least of us who would watch American Idol and Survivor 24/7 if given a chance.
September 21st, 2005 at 6:08 pmI did see a teensy article about this in the paper, but it was incoherent and didn’t enlighten me as to what happened or why.
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