Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers

[GreatGazoo]

A deeply disturbing documentary that uses eye witnesses and survivors to explain how and why the privatization of war led to the very costly and dangerous destruction of America's reputation. Contractors who had less background checking and less pre-job testing than your average office temp were put in charge of interrogations, potable water for the troops and interpreting. No bid contracts undercut the quality of services and the safety of the troops deployed. Civilian truck drivers with no combat training were used to honey pot insurgents. The truck driver who survived the ambush lived to tell the story of those who didn't.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/407931

Synopsis:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_for_Sale:_The_War_Profiteers#Synopsis

This doc is 8 years old but really got me thinking about how the same dynamics could and will affect our response to Ebola, hurricane relief and other critical events. The doc shows the reality of 'running government as a business' as it gives example after example of how profits are made by cutting costs and avoiding accountability.

[on point]

1. Not cutting costs, but cutting corners to pocket profit

That is not the same quality delivered for less, that is cutting costs. When deliver lesser quality and service, that is cutting corners. Ie we got ripped off which is almost always the case when we privatize.....

[GreatGazoo]

2. good distinction to draw

I was thinking "corners" but wrote "costs" -- I'm not used to being awake at this hour.

My grandfather was fond of military surplus and collectibles. He impressed upon me how we as a society have a moral obligation to supply soldiers in harm's way with the best possible quality of gear and services. To do otherwise is shameful and in some cases, treasonous.