Monday, March 12, 2007

Cut-and-run for Halliburton

Halliburton, the Houston-based company that received all those no-bid contracts for Iraq reconstruction, is taking its loot and moving to Dubai.

“This is an insult to the U.S. soldiers and taxpayers who paid the tab for their no-bid contracts and endured their overcharges for all these years,” said judiciary committee chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat.

Another Democratic senator, Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, wants to ensure that Halliburton won't play fast-and-loose with Middle East governments.

According to a RAW STORY: Sen. Lautenberg says in the [press] release, "Halliburton has gone to extraordinary lengths in the past to do business with the terrorist government in Iran," citing recent Treasury investigations of the multinational's business dealings with Tehran. "The company's odd announcement this week certainly sets off alarm bells about its intention to do business with state sponsors of terrorism. When it comes to Halliburton we can't trust, and we need to verify."

Halliburton was led by Wyoming Favorite Son and Veep Dick Cheney from 1995-2000. In a Reuters story, the company did not specify what, if any, tax implications the move might entail. They will be listed on the city's booming stock exchange.

Wyoming has a close personal relationship with Halliburton. Or should I say that the "oilfield services company" has a close personal relationship with Wyoming's energy industry and its legislative boosters.

I'm sure that Halliburton's profits will continue to roll in unabated. And the weather in Dubai should be an improvement over Houston.

No comments: