The parts of the interview ABC didn’t show were the parts where I explained that I’ve worked for military contractors for the past 18 years, including for Vinnell/Brown & Root, and was surprised at how KBR mismanaged this contract. They also didn’t show the bits where I told them about the individuals in management in Iraq and Houston who tried very hard to make things right, but were helpless.

I’m certainly not disgruntled about a company that gave me a great job. I stayed there for 2 1/2 years, which should tell you something. But I am terribly disappointed with the lack of proper management of such a huge and important contract.

I found this earlier this year and it confirms what you say:

“A recent study by the Department of Justice found that military veterans are twice as likely to be incarcerated for sexual assault than nonveterans. When asked about the finding, Margaret E. Noonan, one of the authors of the study, told the Associated Press, “We couldn’t come to any definite conclusion as to why.” The intrinsic and systemic connection between militarism and violence against women, however, makes this finding far from surprising.”

“A 2003 study reported that 30 percent of female U.S. veterans reported being the victim of rape or attempted rape during their military service. Last year there were 2,374 reports of sexual assault by service members. Despite this, the military quit providing emergency contraception as part of its medical formulary in 2002 (even while officially recognizing its importance), and a recent congressional attempt to reinstate it was scuttled due to lack of support (ironically, the erectile dysfunction drug Levitra is included in the formulary).”

Guess the Administration believes, “boys will be boys”. You can read the story as reported on ABC’s 20/20 here.

Call your representative and ask for Justice for Jamie!

but don’t forget, if these events were alleged to have happened in Iraq, there is no governing body / no court with jurisdiction. It was outside the USA and KBR has immunity in Iraq.

Quite a cozy arrangement.

Unfortunately, I have no problem giving the charges credence based on 2 items.

First, sexual excesses are an old accompaniment to military actions (for whatever reason: Some imply that the power aspect of military actions. Some mention the adrenaline rush. Today, some may infer the use of steroids. Whatever. The reason isn’t central to my thoughts).

Second, I used to work under the USA government under ATSDR and saw facts perverted to serve the gentleman’s agreements given to the companies. I saw folks sleeping their way to the top.

(sarcasm switch/on)

…and “PR” is all that really matters, right?

thought so – charlatan

JK – representin’ for his gang-rapin homies again….standin’ proud!!

I take it you’re single.

That’s horrendous. I don’t care if you’re joking or not.

Heck, if Bush decides to rape Condi, she won’t have a word to say other than these two: “Yes sir”…

Maybe you don’t realize that by continually calling Frank M “Francine,” you are perpetuating a sexist attitude, and have become a part of the problem.

For the life of me I don’t understand why the Democrats in Congress don’t just say, “no more funding for contractors”. That way Bush would have to bring our soldiers home because without the contractors he would not be able to keep our soldiers there.

Wow, just when you think Francine has hit the bottom s/he has to go and prove us wrong. Halliburton should be “changed” because it is bad PR, not because what they are doing is wrong. Francine is a shining example of the Republiscum “values” voter. They have none.

And, Francine, apparently you don’t listen. Nothing that has anything to do with Halliburton is going to see a court room because their employees sign an agreement to have their “disputes” go to arbitration. And Halliburton apparently considers rape to be a “dispute”. Following that line of reasoning, they would also consider murder to be a “dispute”. Bush made it so that his private armies and contractors can rape, pillage and steal from the us taxpayers with impunity. This is so wrong on so many levels I don’t know where to start.

Comment by overlap — December 16, 2007 @ 11:16 am

well, tehy just need to show up and sign it…

bigfoot has the RNC’s latest lies for everyone. It’s christmas every day with bigfoot distributing lies and talking points, and frank m following up the rear with…well, bigfoot knows.

Unfortunately it is not for a court of law to consider. KBR makes their employees sign an agreement that all “disputes” (and they somehow consider rape to be a dispute) must be settled through arbitration. And this arbitration is held in front of people hand picked by KBR. KBR has won 80% of it’s arbitration disputes. What do you think the chances are that they are innocent 80% of the time? I’d bet next to nothing.

Since no one here said anything like that JK we can only look at as projection on your part. But, I’m sure that you think sexually harassing women is perfectly OK.

Great minds think alike! I posted my comment before I read yours.

How about charged rather than changed Francine. Why should these people get a free pass and be allowed to violate the law.

We need Congress to pass a law that says that any contractor hired by our government must obey all laws of the US and if they violate those laws can and will be prosecuted in US court for violating said laws.