Iraq fraud whistleblowers ‘vilified.’
Iraq fraud whistleblowers ‘vilified.’
A new AP investigation finds that despite the “staggering mess” plaguing Iraq reconstruction, people who have attempted to blow the whistle and clean up the fraud have been shunned by the federal government:
One way to blow the whistle is to file a “qui tam” lawsuit (taken from the Latin phrase “he who sues for the king, as well as for himself”) under the federal False Claims Act.
Signed by Abraham Lincoln in response to military contractors selling defective products to the Union Army, the act allows private citizens to sue on the government’s behalf.
The government has the option to sign on, with all plaintiffs receiving a percentage of monetary damages, which are tripled in these suits. [...]
But the government has not joined a single quit tam suit alleging Iraq reconstruction abuse, estimated in the tens of millions. At least a dozen have been filed since 2004.
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And why would BushCo want to sue itself? It is making far too much money to want to stop this gravy train at the station now.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:15 pmTrickledown economics has never worked. It goes against the inherent greed found in chimps but is slightly supported by our more egalitarian bonobo kin. There is no incentive for the empowered to jeopardize their condition
August 25th, 2007 at 5:15 pmLiars should be shunned and shot in the shin. ^_^
August 25th, 2007 at 5:17 pma “qui tam†lawsuit – - Bush read about this and got confused when he thought it said a quit Nam lawsuit.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:18 pmThe real context and interpretation of this questionable posting is that the US government–and by extension, those heroes called US contractors–aren’t getting the overdue credit they’ve earned in rebuilding Iraq. The problem with Iraq coverage by the leftarded media is seen in posting such as this: it criticizes the government for not joining up with frivolous lawsuits concerning only a HANDFUL of alleged cases of fraudulent contracting among the large numbers of contracts doled out. If anything, the fact that only a dozen suits have been filed alleging fraudulent contracting shows that the US government is well on top of oversight. Furthermore, the US has allocated upwards of 20 billion, or something, on Iraq reconstruction, and about 75% of this money has successfully gone into rebuilding Iraq, yet the anti-American libs/progs only focus on the minority of cases where money’s been squandered or wasted. US contractors go to Iraq not to pillage, but to risk their lives for rebuilding Iraqi infrastructure.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:20 pmLiars should be shunned and shot in the shin. ^_^
Comment by TripMaster Makarios — August 25, 2007 @ 5:17 pm
Do truth tellers get shot in the head?
August 25th, 2007 at 5:21 pmLiars should be shunned and shot in the shin. ^_^
Comment by TripMaster Makarios — August 25, 2007 @ 5:17 pm
You don’t really want that. We’d be calling you “Limpy” in no time flat.
;-D!!!
August 25th, 2007 at 5:23 pmTens of millions??
I suspect they’re lowballing that figure.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:24 pmdbadass sez
No. As you can see, truth tellers like “Iraqisdeathsdoubleduetofilthyarabviolence,” are American heroes. They get to live, long, healthy, safe lives in
August 25th, 2007 at 5:24 pmThe UNITED STATES of AMERICA!
US contractors go to Iraq not to pillage, but to risk their lives for rebuilding Iraqi infrastructure.
Comment by Iraqisdeathsdoubleduetoarabviolence — August 25, 2007 @ 5:20 pm
For God’s sake, man. Get HELP!!!
August 25th, 2007 at 5:25 pmThey get to live, long, healthy, safe lives in
The UNITED STATES of AMERICA!
Comment by TripMaster Makarios — August 25, 2007 @ 5:24 pm
But poor Makarios just gets laughed at… so sad.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:25 pmExactly #1. Why sue for the money when it’s already lining your pocket?
August 25th, 2007 at 5:30 pmThey’ll pay for the lawyers who defend those being sued, no doubt. Their interests must be protected at all costs.
No. As you can see, truth tellers like “Iraqisdeathsdoubleduetofilthyarabviolence,†are American heroes. They get to live, long, healthy, safe lives in
The UNITED STATES of AMERICA!
Comment by TripMaster Makarios — August 25, 2007 @ 5:24 pm
A blog post makes someone an American Hero? Conservatives have such low expectations.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:35 pmWhere have the missing $9 billion in Iraq gone to? Maybe my dear friend and comrade in arms the Tripe Master knows.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:36 pmSo Vance says he blew the whistle, supplying photos and documents and other intelligence to an FBI agent in his hometown of Chicago because he didn’t know whom to trust in Iraq.
For his trouble, he says, he got 97 days in Camp Cropper, an American military prison outside Baghdad that once held Saddam Hussein, and he was classified a security detainee.
Also held was colleague Nathan Ertel, who helped Vance gather evidence documenting the sales, according to a federal lawsuit both have filed in Chicago, alleging they were illegally imprisoned and subjected to physical and mental interrogation tactics ”reserved for terrorists and so-called enemy combatants.”
Corruption has long plagued Iraq reconstruction. Hundreds of projects may never be finished, including repairs to the country’s oil pipelines and electricity system. Congress gave more than $30 billion to rebuild Iraq, and at least $8.8 billion of it has disappeared, according to a government reconstruction audit.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:36 pmhttp://www.newspress.com/Top/Article/article.jsp?Section=NATIONAL&ID=565074540867487317
August 25th, 2007 at 5:36 pmConservatives have such low expectations.
Comment by Nat — August 25, 2007 @ 5:35 pm
When you’re determined to live in your mother’s basement as long as you can get away w/ it, YOU have to have low expectations.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:36 pmOne after another, the men and women who have stepped forward to report corruption in the massive effort to rebuild Iraq have been vilified, fired and demoted.
Or worse.
For daring to report illegal arms sales, Navy veteran Donald Vance says he was imprisoned by the American military in a security compound outside Baghdad and subjected to harsh interrogation methods.
There were times, huddled on the floor in solitary confinement with that head-banging music blaring dawn to dusk and interrogators yelling the same questions over and over, that Vance began to wish he had just kept his mouth shut.
He had thought he was doing a good and noble thing when he started telling the FBI about the guns and the land mines and the rocket-launchers – all of them being sold for cash, no receipts necessary, he said. He told a federal agent the buyers were Iraqi insurgents, American soldiers, State Department workers, and Iraqi embassy and ministry employees.
The seller, he claimed, was the Iraqi-owned company he worked for, Shield Group Security Co.
”It was a Wal-Mart for guns,” he says. ”It was all illegal and everyone knew it.”
August 25th, 2007 at 5:37 pmNo. As you can see, truth tellers like “Iraqisdeathsdoubleduetofilthyarabviolence,†are American heroes. They get to live, long, healthy, safe lives in
The UNITED STATES of AMERICA!
Comment by TripMaster Makarios — August 25, 2007 @ 5:24 pm
Okay so if liars get shot in the shin was it and this is what happens to truth tellers, what the hell happened to Pat Tillman?
August 25th, 2007 at 5:38 pmhttp://www.newspress.com/Top/Article/article.jsp?Section=NATIONAL&ID=565074540867487317
heavy shit man
August 25th, 2007 at 5:38 pmUS contractors go to Iraq not to pillage, but to risk their lives for rebuilding Iraqi infrastructure.
So how is that Laura Bush hospital going that Bechtel bailed out on some time ago that was WAY overcost, Liar?
But U.S. officials dropped contractor Bechtel Corp. from the project after it missed deadlines and ran up big cost overruns, Dr. Chasib Latif Ali, executive director of the Health Ministry
August 25th, 2007 at 5:41 pmWhat happened to Gonzales/Skeletor post?
August 25th, 2007 at 5:41 pmBush has stole so much money , he must have a lock up with about 100 Billion dollars in it somewher
August 25th, 2007 at 5:41 pmdbadass sez
I said “should,” but, as we all know, things don’t always happen as they should. ^_^
August 25th, 2007 at 5:43 pmhe must have a lock up with about 100 Billion dollars in it somewher
Comment by Tobey Tall — August 25, 2007 @ 5:41 pm
Waddaya t’ink is in Dick Cheney’s “man-sized” safe?
August 25th, 2007 at 5:44 pmI said “should,†but, as we all know, things don’t always happen as they should. ^_^
Comment by TripMaster Makarios — August 25, 2007 @ 5:43 pm
Tell me about it. You “should” be gittin’ pummeled w/ a sack full of door knobs right about now. :-D!!!
August 25th, 2007 at 5:45 pmbut to risk their lives for rebuilding Iraqi infrastructure.
Comment by TripMaster Makarios — August 25, 2007 @ 5:24 pm
“The Americans have made a lot of promises to us, but not even 10 percent of them have materialized,” Ali said.
He said that, of nearly 180 medical facilities promised by the U.S., contracts were awarded for 142. Only six have been completed and turned over to the Iraqis and those “are not even fully complete.”
Markarios loves GOP liars that steal his tax dollars
August 25th, 2007 at 5:45 pmMarkarios loves GOP liars that steal his tax dollars
Comment by Mutt Wrongknee — August 25, 2007 @ 5:45 pm
Mutt, why must you resort to “facts” to make your “point”???
Indeed, why do “facts” and “points” hate America so?
August 25th, 2007 at 5:47 pmProof that the Conpervatives love Iraqi/terrorist free healthcare by promising them 180 healthcare facilities.
Walter Reed? Not so much.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:47 pmI said “should,†but, as we all know, things don’t always happen as they should. ^_^
Comment by TripMaster Makarios — August 25, 2007 @ 5:43 pm
True enough. Sorry I missed the “should”. So what do you think happened and why do you think the CIC would call executive privilege? Seems a single soldiers life wouldn’t warrant such a claim so high on the food chain. Your thoughts?
August 25th, 2007 at 5:47 pmBush gave the order to kill Tillman, therefore it’s executive privilege.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:50 pmAhh, corruption, white people’s affirmative action….
August 25th, 2007 at 5:50 pmI said “should,†but, as we all know, things don’t always happen as they should. ^_^
Yeh Rummy said that about Armor for the troops.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:50 pmPunish the honest, reward the criminals and lie, lie, lie and cover-up and play the blame game.
Welcome to BushWorld in Iraq.
-GSD
August 25th, 2007 at 5:51 pmdbadass sez
Considering that the investigation already uncovered documents regarding alkaida hunting in Pakistan (which were not made public before), it is safe to say that the government is protecting other secrets regarding the fight against terror. ^_^
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-08-23-pakistan-engagement_N.htm
August 25th, 2007 at 5:52 pmMutt, why must you resort to “facts†to make your “point�??
Cause I want to live a long and happy life, truthfully.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:52 pmComment by the fly-man — August 25, 2007 @ 5:50 pm
Best post I’ve seen all day. Concise yet saying so much. Kudos!
August 25th, 2007 at 5:52 pmBush should support the whistleblowers. Instead of vilifying them the administration should join these lawsuits. Unfortunately there has been no accountability with this president.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:53 pmBush should support the whistleblowers.
You’d think so. But that would mean he was trying to restore integrity & dignity to the WH.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:55 pmComment by TripMaster Makarios — August 25, 2007 @ 5:52 pm
Okay, I’ll give you a maybe but you dodged the what do you think happened piece. Oh and don’t you also think the endless resistence to openness hurts any free society?
August 25th, 2007 at 5:56 pmHow does someone get elected to the rank of Tripe Master? Is that kind of a demented conservative version of a Jedi Master, who has to learn to master the art of selling tripe (i.e. worthless rubbish) as a Paduan for years before they finally earn the Master’s title? Instead of developing a method to control a beam of light in the form of light sabers, what do they have? Have they learned to control a stream of feces coming out of their butthole into a solid saber-like object?
Tripe Master: Patience my young Paduan apprentice. You will learn to control your butt muscles in time.
Paduan: Yes, Tripe Master.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:56 pmConsidering that the investigation already uncovered documents regarding alkaida hunting in Pakistan -Markarionut
Two years ago Pakistan’s leading nuclear scientist, A.Q. Khan, was exposed as the chief of a lucrative black market in weapons technology that supplied Iran, Libya and North Korea.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:57 pmComment by Dave C — August 25, 2007 @ 5:55 pm
Bush in his 6 years in office has demeaned the office he has occupied. Clinton showed more integrity when he occupied the White House because he never lied us into a war.
August 25th, 2007 at 5:58 pmdbadass sez
Friendly-fire.
Endless resistence?
August 25th, 2007 at 5:59 pmYou Demlibs are compromising Homeland security everyday by making our Homeland’s secrets public. If anything there is too much openness! ^_^
If anything there is too much openness! ^_^
Comment by TripMaster Makarios — August 25, 2007 @ 5:59 pm
What is the right amount of openness for you? What is too little?
August 25th, 2007 at 6:01 pmOf course the Bushits need to cover this shit up.
August 25th, 2007 at 6:03 pmPointing out their failings really pisses them off.
Our tax dollars are just play money to them.
The only trip The Archbishop of Urine is master of is a bad acid trip.
August 25th, 2007 at 6:03 pmYou Demlibs are compromising Homeland security everyday by making our Homeland’s secrets public -Markarios
First you say we dont know anything now your saying the opposite.
Boy you GOP types are quite the wafflers.
August 25th, 2007 at 6:05 pmdbadass sez
That which is required to keep the Homeland safe. That which is too little to keep the Homeland safe. ^_^
August 25th, 2007 at 6:06 pmDon’t try to frighten us with your stupid ass ways, Archbishop of Urine.
August 25th, 2007 at 6:07 pmYour sad devotion to that ancient neocon religion has not helped you conjure up a victory in Iraq, or given you clairvoyance enough to find your ass with both hands behind you…
That which is required to keep the Homeland safe. -Markarios
If they can smuggle hundreds of people and hundred of tons of drugs a day…think about that…..Ya big silly Pakiderm Putz
August 25th, 2007 at 6:09 pmThat which is required to keep the Homeland safe. That which is too little to keep the Homeland safe. ^_^
Comment by TripMaster Makarios — August 25, 2007 @ 6:06 pm
Sounds too much like that weird Moody Blues stuff about who decides and all.
August 25th, 2007 at 6:12 pmI’m outside looking in.
August 25th, 2007 at 6:14 pmI’m outside looking in.
Comment by TripMaster Makarios
No, your inside unable to look out.
I suggest the abdominal plexiglass insert operation to remedy that inability to see.
August 25th, 2007 at 6:15 pmFor no man who has his head up his ass should go thru life unable to see where he is going.
Donations for Markarios’ Plexotomy will be taken by ThiPro. Thank you for helping the Rectally Challenged
August 25th, 2007 at 6:17 pmAs Ann says Markarios “Just Joking!!”
I love ya man, but you really make it difficult for me to do so.
August 25th, 2007 at 6:20 pmBoy you GOP types are quite the wafflers.
Comment by Markarionut — August 25, 2007 @ 6:05 pm
Yep, at it proves, he really is a GOOPer.
Happen to see John Stewart’s “Magical Histroy Tour”? They have it up over at C&L. it is both painful and hysterically funny.
Not quite sure how Bush-Cheney can believe themselves anymore.
August 25th, 2007 at 6:32 pmThe continuing efforts by the Bush Gang to block investigations into their various questionable actions indicates a lot to hide. The fact that they are resisting efforts to investigate reconstruction investigations indicates a possible link between such efforts and high-level personnel in the White House. The reconstruction allegations clearly demand an independent investigator.
Will this happen with the current Justice Department? Unlikely. Should they happen? Definitely.
Congress needs to use their power of Inherent Contempt and use it quickly.
August 25th, 2007 at 6:34 pmNot quite sure how Bush-Cheney can believe themselves anymore.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
This reminds me of the Ron Suskind quote about Cons making their own reality. And ya know that is what is biting them in the ass, they actually thought they could.
August 25th, 2007 at 6:38 pm“… they actually thought they could.”
Comment by Zep Tepi — August 25, 2007 @ 6:38 pm
It’s called “delusional”.
Why does “reality” hate America so?
August 25th, 2007 at 6:53 pmTripmastermonkey is yanking your collective chains folks. it is obviously someone mocking the troll mentality for it’s fun and amusment. I hope.
August 25th, 2007 at 7:00 pmComment by The Republic of Stupidity — August 25, 2007 @ 6:53 pm
Don’t worry. I’m every bit as retarded as you are! I’m a lefty!
August 25th, 2007 at 7:15 pmDon’t worry. I’m every bit as retarded as you are! I’m a lefty!
Comment by The Democrat of Insanity — August 25, 2007 @ 7:15 pm
There, there, there. If you feel a need to slander yurself, feel free to. As for me, I have no interest in your projections. Sorry you feel so bad about yourself. perhaps you could join a therapy group w/ Makarios, Mr P, Blame Bush, and the rest.
August 25th, 2007 at 7:19 pmComment by The Republic of Stupidity — August 25, 2007 @ 7:19 pm
Republic, it’s impossible to be a lefty without being retarded. It’s a vital ingredient. The dough couldn’t rise without the yeast!
So, are you a lefty..or are you a TROLL?
Thanks hun,
Lefty (synonymously retarded)
August 25th, 2007 at 7:29 pmSo, are you a lefty..or are you a TROLL?
Thanks hun,
Lefty (synonymously retarded)
Comment by The Democrat of Insanity — August 25, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
MORE utterly meaningless nonsense. You must try harder.
August 25th, 2007 at 7:49 pmthe surge may be a disaster
August 26th, 2007 at 5:47 amWho’s the leader of the frauds
Plaguing you and me?
G-e-o r-g-e B-u-s-h-i-e!
Georgie Bush, Georgie Bush
Forever let us hold our cronies high!
And protect them, because . . .
You can’t have war profiteering
August 26th, 2007 at 9:42 amWithout a war!
Republic, it’s impossible to be a lefty without being retarded. It’s a vital ingredient. The dough couldn’t rise without the yeast!
Comment by The Democrat of Insanity — August 25, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
Which is why, of course, the overwhelming majority of professors at top American universities are Democrats, I suppose! But you are right about dough being unable to rise without yeast, and that explains why the trolls here haven’t risen abouve being guttersnipes.
August 27th, 2007 at 2:02 am