How many conflict of interest charges will it take?

[mandyky]

The newest one is reported in the NY Times -

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/30/politics/30LOBB.html?hp
Washington Insiders' New Firm Consults on Contracts in Iraq

<snip>
A group of businessmen linked by their close ties to President Bush, his family and his administration have set up a consulting firm to advise companies that want to do business in Iraq, including those seeking pieces of taxpayer-financed reconstruction projects.
</snip>

The current administration isn't happy borrowing from Social Security to give tax cuts to his rich buddies, now he wants to give special treatment to his big business buddies to take taxpayer money meant to rebuild Iraq. What's next?

[Brucey]

1. There's no end to this stuff.

The Chimp admin is all about helping themselves and friends with money from anyone anywhere anytime. Nothing will end it, except throwing them out of office.

[Solomon]

2. Exactly

There is no such thing as conflict of interest when it comes to republicans.

They continue to commit crimes right under our noses.

[AndyTiedye]

4. They Are Above the Law

Hell, they *are* the law.

[bigtree]

3. Same old political hacks cleaning up on bush's occupation of Iraq

The company's existence was first reported in The Hill.
http://news.findlaw.com/ap_stories/i/1107/9-29-2003/20030929203006_05.html

Web Site:

http://www.newbridgestrategies.com

"The opportunities evolving in Iraq today are of such an unprecedented nature and scope that no other existing firm has the necessary skills and experience to be effective both in Washington, D.C. and on the ground in Iraq."

"Although New Bridge Strategies is a new company, the principals of our company are seasoned veterans in dealing with foreign countries and commerce. A listing of people who make New Bridge Strategies your bridge to success in Iraq is below."

Joe M. Allbaugh, Chairman and Director
Joe M. Allbaugh is the CEO of The Allbaugh Company, LLC, a Washington, D.C.-based corporate strategy and counsel firm. A native of Oklahoma, Joe served as the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under President George Bush until March 2003. Prior to moving to Washington, D.C., he was Chief of Staff to then-Governor Bush of Texas and was the National Campaign Manager for the Bush-Cheney 2000 presidential campaign.

Ed Rogers, Vice Chairman and Director
Ed Rogers is Vice Chairman of Barbour Griffith & Rogers, Inc., the firm he founded with Haley Barbour in 1991. From January of 1989 until August of 1991, Ed served as the Deputy Assistant to the President of the United States and Executive Assistant to the White House Chief of Staff. Additionally, Ed was the Senior Deputy to Bush-Quayle Campaign Manager Lee Atwater, from February of 1987, through the general election in 1988. Ed also worked in the White House Office of Political Affairs during the Reagan Administration.


Ambassador Richard Burt, Director
Richard Burt currently serves as the Chairman of Diligence, LLC and previously was a partner with McKinsey & Company from 1991-1994. Additionally, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany from 1985 to 1989. His appointment to Bonn followed service in several key positions at the State Department, including Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs from 1983 to 1985 and Director of Politico-Military Affairs from 1981 to 1983. Ambassador Burt also serves as the International Director for Barbour Griffith & Rogers, Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based government relations firm.


Lanny Griffith, Director
Lanny Griffith is Chief Operating Officer at Barbour Griffith & Rogers, Inc. and joined the firm as partner in 1993. Previously, Lanny served former President George Bush as Assistant Secretary of Education for Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs from November 1991 until January 1993. Lanny also served in the White House as Special Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and was the Southern Political Director for the 1988 Bush-Quayle presidential campaign.

I may be naive, but this looks dirty as hell.

Recognize any of these names? Check out the bios.

Three are from Haley Barbour's gang.

What is 'Crest Investment Ventures'?

[qanda]

5. kick

I heard about this on C-SPAN this morning and was very disturbed by it. I intend to write my congressman about this.