Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

austrins@sbcglobal.net — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:10:38 GMT

Has anything changed as a result of all these investigations?? Seems like a placating news item for the people on the commitee. Haven't they had an investigation every time the gas prices jumped?? Excess profits. I know of no change in way of doing business as a result of these "investigations".
Andy Austrins
Plainwell, MI

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Rebecca Ewing Upland, California — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:38:59 GMT

No wonder John McCain is in favor of extending the war in Iraq. His buddy is making millions. John McCain should hold out for a bigger donation.
Why is this not the top story on every newscast. This war is benefitting the suppliers but not our service people or the people of Iraq. The sooner we bring our troops home the better.

When will Congress hold the Pentagon responsible for its bidding process.?

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Warren, Katy, Texas — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 01:32:50 GMT

Mc Cain will be more of the Bush/Cheney secrative energy policy that includes milking the American public for every last nickel it can get. To think that this presidency has not been about making second class citizens out of most of the country for the benifit of large corporations is to be in the same kind of denial that said OJ was innocent. It requires a suspension of facts that the American people just can't afford anymore.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

kennethlantier@hotmail.com — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:05:01 GMT

When will the American people see that our goverment has and will continue too use its
power to gain footholds and create situations for personal profit and gain.
And why are we so disliked as a nation because of these closed door deals that set in to motion $4 plus gas prices.
Iraq is just a cash cow for any one in goverment from top to bottom. kenneth lantier ocean gate nj

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

chasve1 — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:21:59 GMT

So what else is new? This is everyday business for our goverment and military. WE THE PEOPLE are the ones who suffer. I can not even afford to pay for the gas I use to go to work. This is nothing new.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Mrs Panstreppon, Babylon, NY — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:04:33 GMT

The original contract was awarded to the Shaheen Brothers Investment Group in 2004 and then quickly withdrawn. The DoD's answer was that SBIG was technically unable to fulfill the contract. But the DoD might have been told about the Shaheen Brother smuggling seven million barrels of oil out of Iraq in 2003.

Anthony J. DeLuca, CEO, of SBIG USA, was formerly with the Carlyle Group-controlled IT Group. Under DeLuca's guidance, the IT Group acquired, among many many other contracts, a $3 billion contract to build military housing. When IT declared bankruptcy, it had already arranged to sell its assets to the Shaw Group.

Harry Sargeant's partner in the first oil deal was Triagent Petroleum, formed in 2001 by Texas refinery owner, A. J. Brass.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

michael tracy, harrisburg, OR — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:20:01 GMT

Good morning, thank you for allowing a response to the article.
To me, the content reeks. There is capitalism and then the type of capitalism just written about.
I just feel an overwhelming constant sadness at the choices people make--the decisions that would not stand the light of day test if given to the multitude of peoples to vote on--
I feel sadness, anger and fear. No happiness at all in this article and others of similar vein.
Thank you to the ones who truly report.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

John, Omaha, Nebraska — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:23:05 GMT

With all the belly-aching the Liberals are doing about how "badly" the war in Iraq and Afghanistan is going, (The most successfull major military engagement of its size in the history of this country), they appear to now want to take issue with how right things are going. Personally, one thing a journalist could try to do, is to look back in history do a case study and see how much the pentagon has been charged in the past for the same service. Accounting for the cost of inflation and the cost of oil.
Of course, that would require something we really have yet to see from msnbc, Journalistic Integrity. I guess you all will never get around to reporting the fact that we have found over 400 WMD munitions in Iraq since the start of the war. But you will run a story like this as if it is front page news.

Oh stop the presses, a contracting company in the U.S. is getting sued. Oh, my lord how could this possibly happen? Suck it up folks. Now its the little things that are ticking you off.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Mauricio, Antioch, California — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:56:37 GMT

where does the lying and deception of Americans stop? The Republican Party never ceases to amaze me!
If this war is not about oil, thne it is about profits for the friends of oil and the politicians who support them.

They make me sick for their greed, their lies and their un American activities.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

David Bradley, Atlanta, Georgia — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:02:16 GMT

For some, the decision to waste American lives is as easy as the decision to retire richer. Who doesn't want to retire richer? More war, more dead, more suffering, more destruction, more profit. More war! More war! Er, what I mean is that if we have to invade Iraq as payback for 9/11 and to keep Saddam from handing his huge stockpile of WMDs to all the world's terrorists, what's wrong with making a little good, honest, American profit? What are you people, communists? Since when do we conduct non-profit wars?

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Greg Wolf, New York, NY 10001 — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:54:50 GMT

as lincoln stated at the end of the Civil War, "with certain people profiting from war in the way I have seen, I now see the beginning of the end of the united states."

This could not be truer today.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Amber, DeKalb, IL — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:58:55 GMT

Another company has a no-bid contract, or something very like one, with the government? *gasp* they kept it secret? oh no! one thing i will be happy to see in washington is more transparency. our government, elected by us, should be wholly accountable to us for every penny they waste. and we, as citizens, need to be educated enough to understand what it all means.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

The Patriot, All I survey — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:03:00 GMT

This is a prime example of why politicians and their cohorts should not be allowed to own or operate in any capacity a business outside any owned and operated in their hometowns local economy, and that should be banned if they are involved in local govt, and so on down the ladder.

War Hawks in the repub regime are not warriors. Only those who participate should have the final say, and they should have to rise through the ranks, from the rank of Pvt. in the enlisted Infantry ranks, and promoted by their peers to the Officer Corps. Wearing the uniform and being a general does not make you a capable warrior. The officer designation is to keep control of the warriors and is necessary, but don't get it twisted about who ultimately is in charge.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

John Gualt, Phoenix, AZ. — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:06:07 GMT

No wonder he wants to stay in Iraq, he has to keep that gravy train rollin rollin rollin.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Mr. Fractal — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:21:01 GMT

The entire system is corrupt; from the bottom, to the very top. America; clean house.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Gregg , Greenville tx — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:34:41 GMT

This is just part of what the whole Iraq conflict is about. It should surprise no one now when we find out about yet another Republican ally making millions from our brave men and women having to fight a war that was unesesary but was for only making the rich more rich, at the cost of the lives of our heroes. If the country would just stand together we could end all of this, and that is exactly why this administration seeks to divide us while they conquer anything and everything that makes them a quick buck, that they only need to satify thier Greed, if for only a fleeting moment.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Will Lindsey, Tacoma, WA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:41:53 GMT

Instead of the federal government, or president(s), whomever it will be in November continuing the practise of raising taxes as a first option to shore up some pitfall; instead, they should seek out waste and use the funds retrieve or saved as a first option. I'm sure they'd find enough to have an impact.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Richard O'Brien, Lowell, MA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:18:31 GMT

"it was the only firm that met the necessary conditions"..........if a contract was awarded to a firm that did NOT meet the terms and conditions of the contract, then they would not only have been negligent in awarding the bid to an inferior vendor, they could have been placing American lives in jepopardy. That is the reason that there are specifications and Service Level Agreements that become part of a contract.

Aside from insinuation - you mention Sarfeant's influence several times, but there is no mention of: A.) What were the other bids and who were they from and B.) What were the terms of the contract that the other bisdders could not meet. Try presenting facts & TRUTH rather then allegations to generate partisanship.!

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

terry ,fortworth ,tx — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:38:48 GMT

when are we going to take serious the crimes of the bush/channey administation ? Just what does constitute treason anyway ? the theft of the american people during wartime,money that could have been used to support our country and our troops has instead been pocketed by white house and their supporters.both being oil men who would have thoght it ?

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

gilladett#stny.rr.com — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:11:40 GMT

To John of Omaha, Neb
You should really get out of your dream world and face the facts not the facts as you see them. There werer no WMDs contrary to what you think.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

janedoe,plymouth,michigan — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:40:26 GMT

Of course, that would require something we really have yet to see from msnbc, Journalistic Integrity. I guess you all will never get around to reporting the fact that we have found over 400 WMD munitions in Iraq since the start of the war. But you will run a story like this as if it is front page news.
.................................................
What kind of wmd's, Mr John ? Chemicals the us sold to Sadaam back when Rumsfeld was shaking hands with good ol' SH ? Nuclear bombs? Or cluster bombs the USA makes and sells to anyone who wants to buy them ? Please name your source.
thank you.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

joel t @ baton Rouge, LA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:42:44 GMT

like i,ve said all along...georgy bush, cheney boy and others including some of your neighbors are making money off of this so called war...the could care less who dies..as long as it's not people that they know...it happened during vietnam and it's happening today...love McCain..love bush and see alot of your friends DIE...greed has it's moments...here's to the rich, who could care less about your sons and daughters...

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Thomas Weaver, Pensacola, Florida — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:45:10 GMT

Well, here's one thing to benefit Obama. He's not experienced enought to be as corrupt as the rest of them. 'Course that will change once he takes the oath.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

NPJ — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:53:25 GMT

I fully agree with Richard O'Brien. this reporting is lacking much needed substance.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

steve, indianapolis — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:01:43 GMT

When will the American public understand that the war in Iraq is based solely on oil and $$$. Bush and others in his administration were determined not to allow Saddam Hussein to sit on the second largest known oil reserves on the planet. Period. Bush can tell the public this war is about freedom and democracy and wrap the whole thing up in the flag, but the reality is worse dictators existed before Saddam and worse dictators exist now, yet Bush does nothing. Why? Because they knew no wmd's would be found. Bush will never put troops on the ground in a country where there are wmd's (North Korea) because the first U.S. troops that cross the border will be nuked or a nuke will be launched to downtown Seoul or Tokyo. Stop thinking this war is about terror and realize what it is.....a moneymaker. Also, John in Omaha-
If you're going to say 400 wmd munitions have been found in Iraq, use that journalistic integrity you speak of and inform everyone that those munitions pre-dated the first gulf war(pre-1991) and were useless. 4,000 U.S dead and over a trillion dollars spent so the factions in Iraq can still be arguing about who gets what and how to divide their oil revenue (remember the surge?) Yeah, sounds like success to me.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Jimmy Crackhorns, Texas — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:02:26 GMT

More shanigans, more red herrings and rouses, the den of snakes is not in Bagdhad, it's in DC. America will blow itself up before it could ever elect competant men with integrity.

The GAO is grossly corrupt, this government cannot even follow it's own IRS code much less GAAP accounting. The IRS is corrupt and the tax codes makes criminals out of everyone. It makes you lie, it makes you cheat, it makes you turn a blind eye to currpution in government because they have made you corrupt. Truly, the IRS is an EVIL entity by its very nature and WHY DO YOU DO NOTHING ABOUT IT, AFRAID OF AN AUDIT???!!! So not only does the IRS make you morally corrupt but it emasculates you as well. Americans, unics of the world...running around telling everyone else how to build a country, how to act, how to live? How narcissistic can a country be?

WHY ARE AMERICANS SO AFRAID OF THEIR OWN GOVERNMENT!!!???

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Kristina Rose — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:48:41 GMT

And everyone thinks thier vote is wasted it they dont vote for a Republican or a Democrat. I wonder why people sacrifice our troops for greed.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Don Doe, Seatle, Wash — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:03:23 GMT

I did not see anything in this update that says McCain indorses the actions of IOTC. In other words...should all Presidential canidates be held responsible for those actions of others who indorse a canidate for not only President, but other offices as well?

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

nobody for president - because nobody knows what's best for you — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:04:02 GMT

If you read the original article on this you can see that the contract was rigged to start with:

"The way the American military structured the deal, only a company with the blessing of the Jordanian government could win the contract. A bidder was required to have a Jordanian government "Letter of Authorization," and only IOTC received such a letter."

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

S. Garcia, Dinuba, CA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:11:41 GMT

I work for a US agency, doing aquisition, which one doesn't matter, but i would like to put my two cents here about contractors failing to meet certain specifications. First and foremost you can write your specifications to meet a particulars company's specifications. Secondly, if you are looking to help out your friend, some how you will find a way to only make his expertise fit your requirements. For christ sakes they are delivering fuel to our fighting troops. I dont recall any contractors in my convoy when i was escorting fuel in and around Baghdad.

Lets see what the specifications were for delivering fuel to our troops and i bet any one that the specs will match up to IOTC's operational procedures!

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Wayne Macaulay — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:20:35 GMT

I remember seeing WMD's on the TV coverage of the Iraq War. Namely, the missle bodies and tail assemblies found in one warehouse. Technically, missle parts of medium and long range missles are listed as WMD's by the UN, the USA and many other countries. Indeed, Mr. Blix was looking for such items that he never found. So, the bottom line is there were WMD's just not like the kind most people think it of when they hear or read "WMD". Ranting about it resolves nothing. They were there and so what? If you hate Bush, no fact will be acceptable if it collides we preconceived notions based on self promoting "facts". It also has nothing to do with John McCain. Why waste our time?

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

runnenbare sheridan ar stinkyknight@yahoo.com — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:47:16 GMT

all of the higer ups in washington are making money on secrative deals. billy bob clinten is still making millions in secrative deals.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Loy Archer Quincy, IL — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:00:28 GMT

Where are those great leaders this country was guided by years ago. We have no leaders left to guide this country thru the worst times in recent history. I live in Quincy, IL and you might as well stand the American flag on a log floating down the river with the rest of the trash. Do you think for 1 second the federal goverment is going to lead the charge to higher ground when it comes to helping this country get out of this economic disaster. The goverment of our country has destroyed our name and our position as the richest country on earth. We have a goverment that can't function because they can't agree on anything. The only reason politions show up here during the flood is to be seen on the nightly news, not because they have a plan to get anything fixed. If I were in charge of this country I would throw every polition out of office, bring all the troops home, and focus on the problems we face here at home. The rest of the world has its problems I agree, but its time to stop trying to fix the worlds problems by throwing billions of dollars out the window at every country on earth. The american people nead a leader, not a bunch of thieves in our goverment that lie and steal out tax money to line their pockets or their friends pockets. Who needs McCain to continue sending this country down the river.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

rube ruiz, Tucson, AZ. — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:05:43 GMT

Is this new news? No! The administration has privatized the war so their buds in Texas and other states come out real big! Now its McCains turn- its up to the media to expose this man on a grander scale, you know educate those conservatives a bit. Oh but I forgot many of them never really read!
So the GOP uses our nations blood and equity to support the profiteering of the same buds that coat their pockets! Its called facism!

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

rube ruiz, Tucson, AZ. — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:23:32 GMT

The terrorists have succeeded...
Our country and its military are stuck in a never ending quagmire. Our economy is on the downward brink...
and our nation is divided morally and politically.
and most of our oil/fuel comes from the middle east!
And the conservatves say they are strong on national security? Dream on!

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Don White, Seguin, Tx — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:26:24 GMT

1 dollar a gallon delivery charge to get the fuel to some of the places it has to go, isn't that much of a charge considering the circumstances. Neither candidate knows all of the workings of their contributors, so stop trying to say they do. McCain doesn't, nor Obama.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Geo Chicago il — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:39:39 GMT

Why isnt this more of story in the news. It should get more coverage. Smells fishy.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Dr BJP, NJ — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:40:25 GMT

You know, my kids are going to be really upset - funding this war and all. :-P

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Edward, Pittsburgh, PA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:41:59 GMT

In a country where integrity was never negotiable from its founding, today's experienced politicians prove that if people are in office too long, oblivion occurs. Vote the scoundrels out and for sure, McCain has questions to answer regarding his "experience" and qualifications of moral standing to even be running for president.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Pokey S., Southern, IL — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:49:21 GMT

I just don't understand some americans. How often have you gone to work and not expected to get paid? Let me guess never!!! As a veteran of the Iraq war I never once remember anyone being short on fuel or for that matter anything else. So what a someone is making profit suppling our troops with what they need. This how the world works. This is how we work!! So don't support your canidate because he might agree with something that benefits you. Lets just bring all our troops home and live in a shell. That way terrorist can just do what ever they wish to do. Then when they attack us again we can say well at least all these americans were killed saving our government money. And some company didn't get richer suppling our troops with what they need to defend our great country.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Roy Rush Alamogordo, NM — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:58:11 GMT

Some of these people actually sound like they know what they are talking about until you start looking for some kind of facts too support their statements. If you are going to throw around wild so called facts about Bush and Chaney, please furnish a little proof.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

John, Albuquerque, NM — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:39:25 GMT

What kind of proof do you want? Get your head out of the sand.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Nebraskan — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:53:21 GMT

I agree with you,Loy Archer. 100%

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Johnny, Los Angeles CA. — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:06:50 GMT

Mr. Roston, keep up the good reporting DO NOT let up!!!. I work for the Federal Govt. and I'm tired of these Conservative Republicans preaching about how "McCain is one of us, he was in the Military and the Republicans know how to take care of our troops!"

I wonder how the Republicans will try and dodge this story....let's see "the media is biased against our troops blah, blah, blah.....

Keep diggin boys:-)

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Ljones, Colorado — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:45:07 GMT

To Pokey S.,

First, thank you for your service to this country. You and your brothers and sisters are heroes. I ask you to consider this. War profiteering is wrong, and that is exactly what Halliburton, KBR, Blackwater, etc. have been engaging in since the start. $12B / month is being spent on this war when your brothers and sisters here in U.S. have lost jobs, lost their homes, cannot get health coverage and our veterans are faced with a totally inadequate VA system that has been widely reported (Walter Reed). Meanwhile, our country is learning about the the Pentagon's widespread abuses in Gitmo (e.g. making detainees drink urine), complete disregard for the constitution, cronyism like this story, and the havoc that the republican philosophy of free market economies has produced in the last 8 years. I am from a 4 generation military family (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq)and our brothers and sisters did not die on Guadal Canal, Omaha, Utah, Cambodia and Laos, the 38th parallel OR IRAQ, to allow companies to significantly profit from the blood of our soldiers. Do a quick study of what this country did during WWII (ration stamps, no meat, Rosie the Riviter, etc.) and you'll get my point. Americans are a group of people that will do just about anything to support our troops and our government, but not when the war is illegal and profits undermine the effort. One final point. For every meal that you ate in country, KBR charged over $30. Were you being fed filet mignon? A typical family of five in the states living at or below the poverty line spends $100 or less a week on food. That's about three meals a day for the 135,000 soldiers currently in country. God Bless and again thanks for your service to this country.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Reginald Smith, San Antonio, TX — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:18:00 GMT

All these investigations into improper conduct Never get corrected because Congress does NOT want the American public to know( The old Washington D.C. two step) and this is from both parties.I have retired from the military and former President Carter just about ruined this country. President Nixon and Clinton disgraced this country.Our current President Bush just simply picked the wrong people to listen to and have on his staff and is on the same course as President Carter. We had a a better President and economy with Reagan. Members in Congress are beholding to those who pay for them to be reelected. We spend too much time in raising funds for their campaign or parties. 3-6 months prior to election date is enough.We should allow only money coming from indivduals who are US citizens. No go-betweens from foreign interests/countries including all lobbiest. Also get rid of the electral college. We are now far advanced enough to use the majority vote wins. The news media need to tell the news and not make news which all do now. I still thinks this is the greatest country in the world and change will come but at this rate not in my lifetime or even my granddaughter or grandson.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Tk, Santa Clara, Ca — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:28:25 GMT

OMG... Come on people wake up, no matter what party they represent, whether it be democrat or republican, they are all corrupt.
Obama is no better then any other politician if you truly open your eyes to all politicians, corruption all the way... This war has lost less soldiers then any other war in history.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Jane Doe, Tucson, AZ — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:58:41 GMT

I'll furnish a little proof: When George W. Bush was informed by his secret service people that "America is under attack" he sat befuddled in front of toddlers for seven minutes. There are thinking people that still support this guy? Not to mention his personal conversations with God? I guess we get the leaders we deserve and I had no idea we were this less-deserving. Watch while the Bush administration is correctly graded by history as the worst in modern times. I dare ya to think of another and this is considering Richard Milhouse Nixon. Sheesh. If I could have personal conversations with the Lord like our head of state, I'd say "Have mercy".

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Karl Quick, Diamondhead, MS — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:05:01 GMT

I think every politician should be subject to a "politicians windfall profits" tax based on wealth gained after retirement because of having made deals while a politician. E.g. President Bill Clinton left office owing money. Now he is worth over $109M. You cannot make that kind of money in 7 years honestly... it only happens by exploiting your political connections, before or after leaving office. I'll grant him $1M per year subject to normal taxation, anything over that should be taxed at 100% as a windfall due to his political service. This would go a long way to discouraging sweetheart deals like we have seen for both Republicans and Democrats. Dennis Hastard reportedly made $4M in 6 months as a by-product of some pork he had placed in an appropriations bill. The "politicians windfall profits tax" would have denied him a profit and discouraged much of the pork our legislation is ladened with these days. (Note: it is not illegal to be dishonestly exploit connections when it comes to politicians, but this new tax would at least make it less profitable!)

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

John Nettles,Ridgecrest,Ca. — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:21:47 GMT

This is to complicated for most Americans to understand,they would rather come up with some lie about WMD's being found than to reach a logical conclusion from the information that exist,

If Saddam had WMD's he should have had them to defend his country just like some other countries have them.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Linda M. Southern, Ca. — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:54:24 GMT

Man, some of you need to get over yourselves! I dont care who you are, if someone helps you to get a job, whether as a waitress or as a recipiant of a government contract you are going to want to help them when THEY need YOUR help! You know!! Vote for them if thats all you can do..the waitress...or help them to raise $100,000.00 for their campaigne if you are lucky enough to be the government contract recipiant!! Get OVER it! This is NORMAL, people!! Being republican or democrate has NOTHING to do with it and there is NOTHING wrong with it! Good Grief!

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Larry Lobdell Jr., Phoenix, Arizona — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00:26 GMT

Why get all excited? Don't be trapped by the "now." Politicians of all parties, in all levels of government, have been doing things like this for years. And they will keep doing them as long as we have such an occupation as
"professional politician."
Start term limits for every office (the US President is limited to two terms, and that works). To level the playing field publicly fund all candidates, and limit the allowed expenses of every candidate to whatever public funds are available. Give the same amount of free air time to each candidate (the FCC says radio & TV stations are to serve the public interest). Ban all fundraisers (no longer needed). Ban all 527 groups. Ban all lobby groups. Prohibit lawyers from suing to allow any candidate to spend more than the public limit. Make it a crime to mislead the public by saying or implying a candidate holds a position other than he/she actually does. So called "free speech" requires responsibility, a character trait I haven't seen in many "professional politicians" during my lifetime (59 years).
Doing these things should eliminate much of the political corruption we witness. And it will make it possible for anyone (not just millionaires or those with millionaire friends) to again run for public office.
Eliminate the money factor and campaign on ideas. Restore "public service" to actually serving the public. We the people have the power to make this happen, but will we?

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Lance — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:58:23 GMT

Well said Pokey. Well said.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Stanley Lucas, Macclenny, Florida — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:21:39 GMT

We need to enforce the rules we had in WWII. Companies that did buisness with the Federal Government and especially the War Department (DOD) made little to no profit from their transactions, and were watched very closely to avoid war profitering.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Kris, Detroit, Michigan — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:26:22 GMT

So you think the military should be over charged than the normal American for Oil ? LoL, I mean come'on they already profit from it before the $1.08 over the market price.
So your saying "Sure, It's fine if you jack the price up as much as you want! Your funding our war!"
Yet putting a drain on the American economy even more, as if we don't have enough issue's.

You Need To Wake Up!

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Michael Burke, Cortez, FL. — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:19:25 GMT

For the record, to qualify for this contract the bidder must have a trans-shipment license from the government of Jordan. The government of Jordan issued only one license. Not surprisingly the company that received the license had a partner who is the King of Jordan’s brother-in-law and the other partner has intimate connections with the Republican party. The King of Jordan’s brother-in-law is now suing his partners for breech of contract; (read here, did not receive a big enough cut).
The Jordan connection was one of the ways to guarantee support from Jordan during this illegitimate war. The fallout for Jordan during this war has been enormous, influx of untold numbers of refugees, a huge economic impact and the instability injected into the entire Middle East. This is the product of this Illegitimate Presidency, steal an election and ruin our country, just great.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Scott Doe, Irvine, CA — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:53:39 GMT

The facts about Bush and Chaney (sic) are very well established. Reading books and watching documentaries can be very enlightening, although it is a little scary to have the wool pulled from over your eyes. You might start with the Frontline special "The Dark Side" about Dick Cheney. You can rent it from Netflix. It's a real eye opener. With lots of facts. Draw your own conclusions. There are many, many other similar sources that document our slide away from freedom. Let those who have eyes to see, and all that.

If more Americans really dug into the facts, from a myriad of reliable sources (including a number of former Bush admin players), the level of discourse could be raised to the level some here seem to desire. But be careful what you wish for ... ignorance is bliss, knowledge can be very painful and discouraging.

Last chance for America comes this November, in my opinion. Everyone get out and vote! Let them know that the status quo is no longer the status quo. We are the American people, and we can make the politicians work for us again.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Ron Boonville IN — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:57:04 GMT

4000+ DEAD
$$$ Trillions of Dollars spent
EXXON---2006-2008 Profited more money than any company ever in the WORLD!!!

Those are FACTS!

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Keala Leong, Patriot, Kanaka Maoli, Kingdom of Hawaii — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 07:11:23 GMT

Well, I think the "cat" is out of the bag!Just about all the major oil companies from the US is in Iraq dividing up the oil, including BP from Great Britain. And guess what? There's no mention of shares to the Iraqi government as far as "their" oil is concerned.
I'm sure we already knew that the invasion of Iraq was actually to get their oil. No WMD; "just smoke and mirror"... the capture and execution of Sadam Hussein was the "main show". The lost of american lives is beyond tragic! It's beyond belief!! The invasion of Iraq was actually the start of colonizing the country to get to their oil. The U.S have no intentions of pulling out of Iraq; it's there to stay!
The rapid rise of oil prices and gasoline, along with the economy failing is like pieces of a puzzle that are finally falling into place. I gotta say this though;what a terrifi plan! Do you feel like a fish that just got "hooked"?
You want to blame Bush/Cheney & Associates? Right,on....while you're at it, blame our congressional "do nothin's",too. They allowed this administration to hog tie them and left the congress to wallow in "stuff that pigs make when they wallow around"!
I wonder what's next?

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Guy Rich, Milwaukee, WI — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 07:37:09 GMT

WOW! Are these responces about politics as usual? The Iraq war? Corperate Greed? High gasoline prices? The impassioned emotions run the gammit. Personally, I give up when I hear stuff like this. Here's why: If you have clean drinking water, a toilet that flushes, heat in the winter, and an electric light to turn on at night--YOU'VE GOT IT PRETTY GOOD. Here's the thing; most American's peviously scoffed at government regulations/intervention, they sold their homes, built McMansions in the suburbs, overstated their incomes to do so, convinced FEMA to certify their levies so they could drop their flood insurance, cut taxes and the government progams that were supported by them so they could afford their SUVs and live like the Jones. Now, all of a sudden their interests rate spike, the value of their homes declines, the levy breaks flooding their homes, and the price of gas is breaking them. So what! Are not these the same people that demanded reduced government spending? I find it ironic how all of a sudden these are the same peeps with their hands out to the government BEGGING for money, the same people who are now asking how stuff like this can happen in America... WOW! Hey, Republicans--YOUR GETTING YOUR MONEYS WORTH!! Choke on yer dang stimulus checks!

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Elham el hini NY,NY — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:07:10 GMT

America should practice what it preaches. We should not have double standard as to some countries. Think of America as parents who want to bring up their kids in a righteous way. How could we be respected and honored if we deal with countries according to our whims. Our number one priority should be our country's interest ( the USA not an elite greedy corrupt group of people) but that does not mean that we should invade, screw, or meddle with other people's business. Myybe, you would categorize me as naive and do not know what politics is about. But history has proven that a lot of the deals conducted behind closed doors and which we are unaware of are corrupt and do not serve our country. Washington, stop hiding behind "doing the best for the American people". I have hope that Obama will change all that. Hopefully, Washington and power does not change him. If Obama Leaves everything status quo, I will never ever vote again.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

J. Matt Cut Bank, Montana — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:44:54 GMT

You are all whinning like children. Do you have any idea what it takes to get fuel thru a war zone? I do I have drove these trucks from base to base with fuel ect. 1.08 a gallon is cheap probally 1 truck and its cargo is lost out of every 100 loads at a min that could cost upwards of 100k and the average military tanker holds 7500 gallons which would translate to 8100 profit so 1 lost truck would take atleast 15 trucks to just break even if you also consider operating cost so stop whinning and start a company and do it cheaper if you can.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Gary Witt, Tulsa, Ok. — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:36:34 GMT

This story merely opens the door. Don't ask the media to know the contract details or information about other bidders until the committee can get it out of the Pentagon. The fact that a major fundraiser got a no bid deal from a program the candidate supported wants to continue should raise questions from everyone. The Pentagon should immediately make all details public. Why wait for the committee to ask unless it is trying to work out plausible half truths.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Lola., Ft. Hood, TX — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:31:35 GMT

I remember a time in history when the people weren't content to sit at home on their computers and complain about what was going on. We protested and marched and shouted to make ourselves heard. Everyone wants things to change, yet nobody has the testicular fortitude to get the ball rolling. Is it because we are so divided politically and spiritually that we no longer feel any kind of brotherhood amongst eachother? Or is it fear of our own government? I thought I lived in the United States of America. Not communist Russia. Let's take back our country, people!

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Jerry Drake Amarillo Texas — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 15:41:28 GMT

All polititions are lieing thiefs . Why are we worried about some third world country causing problems . If they threaten us then go over there take care of the problem and come home . Let them rebuild there own screwed up place . We have our own problems right here . Our great nation was built by great men who fought and died to build this country . Im tired of our brave soilders dieing just so a lieing polition can get rich . We have enough poverty here we cant fix . So if the people of these other countrys want what America has let them get it for therselves . All it takes is a little of thier own blood . The billions of dollars being waisted on those places can go to better use right here . American blood has been spilled on ground that has no purpose to us . We had a threat at one time we took care of it now come home and fix America . If the threat is still there then turn our military loose and let them do their job . We learned enough from Veitnam to know the U.S. military is not a police force . Dont you see what is actualy happening . Its a political war . The rich gets richer the poor gets dead .

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

diego, incline village, nevada — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:15:39 GMT

i was just reading the comments and have to wonder what they are growing in omaha that john is smoking. most successfull war in history? how do you measure that john, omaha,nebraska. 400 wmds found to date. are you kidding? how about sending me a picture of one of them. you should see the size of the shredder set up in kuwait to destroy everything from barely used tents,cots, new desert tan boots to generators, trucks, transports etc. yes, i have pictures! shredding and destroying millions of dollars of supplies and they just keep ordering more.... wake up america!! it is no longer a conservative/liberal debate. both sides are wasting and giving away your money every second of every day. the republicans are definitely more prolific at stealing our money and when anyone tries to call them on it they attack the source with claims of lack of patriotism. thank god we only have to suffer through a few more months of the worst presidency i have had the misfortune to witness in my lifetime.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

superdaveusmc — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:03:51 GMT

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

tag, Pittsburgh ,Pa. — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:23:34 GMT

Bush trying to finish his dads work, another failure. Another Viet Nam our men and women dying for the power and money hungry men and women that run this country. A revolution might be in order.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

RCB, Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:19 GMT

It should be note the IOTC was spun off from Sargeant Marine, one the largest asphalt and bitumen shipper in the world, and that owns a fleet of tankers – ten at last count. The company was founded by Harry Sargeant Sr. in 1983 following his distinguished career as a Naval Officer. Harry Sargeant III soon joined his father at the company after his own active duty service as a Marine Corps fighter pilot. Harry Sargeant III continued to serve his country in the Marine Corps Reserves as the father and son grew Sargeant Marine into what it is today.

International Oil Trading Company was spun off from Sargeant Marine, and is far from being a company that transformed “itself from an unknown business in 2004 to a major Pentagon contractor in only a few years" as the NBC News article states. IOTC’s founder and President has been in the oil transport business for years and a defense contract for years as well. What Mr. Roston has attempted to insinuate is that somehow the IOTC contract and fundraising for Senator McCain are linked. The first IOTC contract was awarded to Mr. Sargeant in 2004 and that was after the initial winner of the contract failed to perform, having not delivered even a single drop of fuel to the troops. Future contracts have been awarded to IOTC based on the company’s ability to perform over everyone else.

Congress probes McCain fundraiser's Iraq contract

Stephen Prosper Justice — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:59:27 GMT

A Clear Indication of a Left Wing Smear Campaign - Trashing Military Contractors

I was recently at a dinner party in Palm Beach and an interesting question was posed to a recently retired Army General who had spent a fair share of his last remaining years at Central Command, or CENTCOM as it’s commonly referred to. The question was “Are civilian contractors a good idea in Iraq?”

“Without question,” was the reply from the retired two-star. And he went on to explain the essential role that civilian contractors have played in this war and in many past wars going back to World War Two.

CENTCOM, currently commander-less with the recent retirement of Admiral Fallon, is comprised of the U.S. Army Forces Central Command (ARCENT), U.S. Air Forces Central (CENTAF), U.S. Marine Forces Central Command (USMARCENT), U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (USNAVCENT), and the United States Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT). In addition to the above there are some major subordinate multi-service commands that also report to CENTCOM that are participating on the ground in Iraq or Afghanistan and include Multi-National Force – Iraq and Combined Forces Command Afghanistan.

CENTCOM’s geographic scope of responsibility is vast and covers east Africa from Kenya to Egypt, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti, all of the Arabian Peninsula, across the Persian Gulf covering Iraq, Iran, Syria, Jordan, Israel, and north covering all of the “stans,” Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgystan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. That’s quite a bit of territory and a weighted responsibility. Getting the most attention is the Iraq effort, both in terms of boots on the ground and expenditure. The Iraq War order of battle is under the command of General David Petraeus, who will report to CENTCOM once that post is again filled. Now for General Petraeus.

As the Commander of Multi-National Force Iraq, General Petraeus commands essentially everything in Iraq, which amounts to 15 combat brigades and in excess of 140,000 troops. Fueling this extraordinary effort is the fuel itself, which in Iraq amounts to 50 million gallons of fuel each month. That works out to be about 12 gallons per soldier each and every day. That more than six times the amount of fuel per soldier that was used per day in World War Two, but we are a much more mechanized military today. Where does the military get all this fuel? The answer is multiple sources.

The military purchases the majority of its fuel from its oil-producing friends such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, and then ships the fuel to where it’s needed in Iraq. Under a current agreement with Kuwait, the troops operating in Iraq receives approximately 860,000 gallons of jet fuel from Kuwait each day at less than half the market price. The Defense Energy Support Center – Middle East (DESC-ME) is responsible for the procurement of the fuel being used in Iraq, as well as the contracting of the suppliers. One such supplier is International Oil Trading Company USA (IOTC USA).

Under the current DESC contract IOTC USA supplies aviation turbine fuel, diesel fuel, and motor gasoline to locations in Iraq that include Al Asad, Al Taqqadem, Trebil, and Korean Village. The Defense Energy Support had specified that the fuel needed to transit Jordan prior to entering Iraq, which required cooperation of that Kingdom. IOTC was successful in securing the necessary authorizations, the only company bidding to do so, and was awarded the contract and has successfully performed for the DESC since 2004. Now why use contractor to perform this mission? Because it’s cheaper in the long run and for the very same reason that the Department of Defense contracts out for most everything that supports the Warfighter other than the actual conduct of the war. Imagine for a minute a military that drilled for its own oil, refined it themselves, and then shipped it in tankers and fuel trucks that would have been built by the military. That’s just preposterous and doesn’t warrant further discussion. The military is elated with the performance of IOTC and so was the General that I spoke with. So why are there those who are critical of IOTC’s performance, such as Aram Roston of NBC?

That’s a real good question and I wondered myself and asked the General that very same question. He was equally perplexed and surmised that politics and special interests may have had something to do with it. Again though, why would a reporter, Emmy winning no less, allow him self to be swayed by politics and special interests? Using a double-barreled Latin phrase, I began an earnest search for a bona fide answer to that question. Making his report all the more least interesting is Mr. Roston’s concerted effort to turn a non-story into a story by use of innuendo and misstatements.

In the report Mr. Roston referred to a legal dispute between a former business associate of IOTC and wrote the following: “According to minutes of a company meeting in Amman attached to the lawsuit, (Mr.) Sargeant …pushed for “maximizing profits by getting all the contracts and not leaving hope for the competitors.” Am I missing something here? I would hope that Mr. Sargeant, who heads up IOTC, would not push for the just the opposite and insist on maximizing losses and leaving the door open for all competitors. Maybe Mr. Roston would hope for the most inefficient and least competitive bidders get all the government contracts – that would really save the taxpayer – not. Moving fuel across a desert requires the utmost in efficiency and I would pray that be the primary directive of any contractor the United States Military gives a job to.

The classic twist from Mr. Roston came in the form of the following “The 2007 contract is potentially extremely profitable. For each gallon of jet fuel that is delivered to the U.S. military in Iraq, IOTC charges the Pentagon $1.08 over the market price.” The Department of Defense pays market price for its fuel for the most part, and IOTC is being contracted to get that fuel to the military based upon the contract. IOTC must take that fuel across Jordan from Al ‘Aqaba to Trebil, and then through the Anbar province of Iraq to the various bases. That is a job that can’t be accomplished at market price of fuel. It actually costs money to drive fuel, believe it or not, and sometimes those trucks breakdown, or get attacked, or even blown up. I’m certain that upon more careful examination of the mission, Mr. Roston would discover that. I would hope that the sharp elected officials on Mr. Waxman’s committee investigating the $1.08 should figure that one out. “The $1.08 ‘differential” includes costs, such as transportation and security and profit.’”

My next question is who would gain by Mr. Roston’s slanted reporting? He did imply that the contracts IOTC had might have something to do with the fact that the owner is politically active and supports McCain. Who does Mr. Roston support? Who does NBC or MSNBC support? Now this is the same network that employs Keith Olberman. Does Mr. Roston have something against oil transport companies, or people of Islam, perhaps he dislikes Republicans, or perhaps it may be all the above?

The general and I continued on with our conversation and I asked him just how difficult it was to get the fuel to the troops. He responded that unequivocally it was a difficult task. There is significant advance planning that goes into the bulk transport of fuel anywhere, let alone through a war zone. Convoys are subject to sneak attacks by insurgents; therefore if a truck breaks down and a delay is expected, the Army escorts have no other choice but to destroy the vehicle. IOTC earns every bit of their $1.08. The general could not have stressed the hazards of the job more. Mr. Roston and Congressman Waxman should be applauding rather than assailing IOTC.