Thursday, July 13, 2006

Let’s Hope Army’s Lessons Learned are Better than the White House’s

What does the Army’s lessons learned have in common with the White House’s report post Hurricane Katrina? Both show the current government’s propensity to look out for its corporate buddies.

The beneficiary of the Army’s largesse to date has been Halliburton, the no bid contractor for services previously provided within the military umbrella, including meals, laundry and fuel. The recipient of a free pass from the White House post Katrina happened to The Carlyle Group’s affiliate, LifeCare Hospitals.

Despite 24 patient deaths in the storm’s aftermath, not once did LifeCare’s unit inside Memorial Hospital warrant a mention in the White House Lessons Learned report. Carlyle’s defense lawyers are likely most appreciative of this oversight. It doesn’t do to go into court with the federal government’s position clearly stated.

It appears a measure of justice approaches. An Army spokesman indicated they would re-bid the contract. Unfortunately the White House remains mum on its omission of LifeCare. Maybe it will weigh in after the Carlyle Group spins the company back off. Either way, please continue watching as the government industrial monstrosity works to send business to its insider friends.

From PPO’s to kidney dialysis to infrastructure, an investment house has a division happy to meet the government’s needs for a handsome profit. Curious? Just follow the trail of ex-government officials and their donations. They lead to the current bunch fighting like cats and dogs over what? The right to send government contracts to their friends! And you thought it was all about governing of the people, by the people and for the people. May some leaders be elected who can lead us back in this direction.

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