Today's quote

"Demanding money under threat of extinction -- money that will then be given to the very people who created the threat of extinction in the first place -- is only called “extortion” if you use a gun and ask for less than seven figures.

And is only called “Socialism” if you use tanks and ask for a few billion.

But if you use a television camera and ask for a trillion, it's wise fiscal policy and everyone should just shut up, jump on board the Free Market Unity Pony and stop pointing fingers at people."

-- Driftglass

Read the whole thing

War profiteering

BBC reporters looking into where an estimated $23 billion in US taxpayer's money intended for the War in Iraq went are prevented from detailing their findings by gag order. BBC article

A BBC investigation estimates that around $23bn (£11.75bn) may have been lost, stolen or just not properly accounted for in Iraq.

The BBC's Panorama programme has used US and Iraqi government sources to research how much some private contractors have profited from the conflict and rebuilding.

A US gagging order is preventing discussion of the allegations.

The order applies to 70 court cases against some of the top US companies.

The Halliburton-Iraq War is part of BushCo's program of massive forced redistribution of wealth.