KBR is rewarded for electrocuting soldiers in Iraq (Congress, deaths, crimes)

[tigerlily]

Why has KBR been given another contract in Iraq?
Inspections of some of the thousands of Iraq facilities that KBR maintains have turned up major electrical problems at more than a third of the sites. An evaluation by the military determined that flawed wiring (put in place by KBR) caused the electrocution and death of three U.S. soldiers and that further deaths could occur from the faulty wiring. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter is challenging the Pentagon for awarding KBR a new contract. Input from the Army Corps of Engineers supported the decision because KBR had performed well on other jobs. Why is KBR the only contractor to submit a proposal. Have others just given up because the awards are "fixed". KBR should be on the list of debarred companies for all the money wasted and deaths they caused in Iraq. Clip:
The team said the use of a required device, commonly found in American houses to prevent electrical shocks, was "patchy at best" near showers and latrines in U.S. military facilities. There also was widespread use of uncertified electrical devices and "incomplete application" of U.S. electrical codes in buildings throughout the war-torn country, the team found.
Print Story: Safety team warns of 'catastrophic' wiring in Iraq - Yahoo! News

Print Story: Congresswoman wants answers on KBR contract - Yahoo! News

[HappyTexan]

Because KBR has friends in the government and deep pockets, that's why.

[tigerlily]

Sorry, meant than as a rhetorical question? LOL

[odanny]

Its all about monoplization. Be the only one that can provide a service (or at least convince others of this)

Dick Cheney made sure his former company, Halliburton, was perfectly situated to make incredible amounts of money from the blood of dead Americans and Iraqi's. Their no bid contracts were approved because "no one else could do what they did" and apparently, KBR is in the same position in some regards.

When Blackwater changed its name to "Xe", it "rebranded". It's former feeder companies are now getting their former contracts in Iraq, while it takes its operation to other parts of the world, killing others under the employ of their American overseers while Triple Canopy scoops up the Iraq security contracts. If KBR were booted out of Iraq, they would make money in some other "war against terrorism" somewhere else

[teach1234]

I agree with your premise; I disagree with your headline. I see this so often; words and labels that only apply to the already committed.

The objective is to change minds, not preach to the choir. Information must be presented incrementally and with sufficient proof, sometimes resulting in changing our own mind.

As an example, KBR was not actually financially rewarded based on the number of soldiers they electrocuted. KBR is guilty of many crimes--our soldiers have paid the price. If we, as citizens, want to change this, we need to write and vote appropriately. I have.