By: John Cassidy
Is it possible that Lockheed Martin has a government contract larger than the GDP of 40 of the world’s poorest countries. Long has been the fear that the government was outsourcing inherently governmental jobs, as big names like Halliburton, Bechtel, Lockheed, and dozens of others have come under scrutingy for no bid contracts. Who is really to blame? Is it the company’s responsibility to be fair or is it the government’s responsibility to manage contracts effectively. It is hard to underestimate the increasing role that contractors play in governing our nation, but the Washington Post is going to take a stab at exposing the contracting world to us.
Instead of writing my normal post this week, I wanted to draw your attention to a new and interesting blog through the Washington Post. The blog is called Government Inc. and was recently launched to shine the bright light on the often dark world of federal contracting. Check it out here: Government Inc.
By: John Cassidy
President Bush said today that he had used his power of clemency to commute the 30-month sentence for I. Lewis Libby Jr., who was convicted of perjury in the C.I.A. leak case.
Read more here:
NYTimes
WAPO
President Bush’s Statement
By: John Cassidy
“Bigger, Tougher, Stronger, Faster, Meaner.” Those were the words of a boastful Russian President Vladimir Putin in a previous meeting with US President George Bush. Fortunately for the future of diplomatic relations, Putin’s comments were drawing a distinction between Bush’s small lapdog Barney and Putin’s physically superior Labrador. His comments, however, seem fitting to a rapidly changing US-Russia relationship. As the Bush administration prepares for Putin’s visit to Kennebunkport starting today, I’d recommend that President Bush bring a dog and position a bit more worthy of a fight, or at least one that can do more than just bark. Continue Reading »
By: John Cassidy
There is no other way to say it: we, as Americans, simply ignore the threat of nuclear terrorism. Yes, some of you may remember duck and cover under the desk drills, building fallout shelters, or listening to one of many presidents warn us about the catastrophic results that would occur in the event of a nuclear attack. But, those are just memories in a decade long ago, when proliferation was the problem of two superpowers, in a system that worked because of balance and the promise of mutual destruction. You may even disagree that we have forgotten, but I challenge you to show me otherwise. The threat is real, the threat is growing, and we are doing very little to either prevent it or to prepare for its coming.
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Posted 14 June 2007
† John Cassidy §
By: John Cassidy
First Colin Powell defects (see today’s Morning Brief); now today’s 4th Circuit Court decision, the Bush administration takes ANOTHER major blow in its ongoing Global War on Terror. Not only has it suffered from waning public support, but the court decision signals the loss of a potential legal tool in the administration’s fight to maintain control over suspected combatants and possible sources of intelligence.
For more information, check out the articles below.
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By: John Cassidy
A roundup of the day’s national and international security news: Libby sentenced 30 months for CIA leak, Democrats debate safety of the US since 9/11, Bush continues criticism of Russia’s failed reforms, Pakistan cracks down on opposition workers, Iraqi Parliament votes on US troop involvement, and Bush says Russia won’t attack Europe Continue Reading »
By: John Cassidy
A gas station; a freshly mowed baseball diamond; the old post office; a dollar store; a regional airport. This stretch of highway running through Pellston, Michigan, believe it or not, is on the verge of becoming a major hub for a private national emergency response center. While the national security debate often focuses on the New York’s and DC’s of our nation, the post 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina world has led to unbelievable changes, in unimaginable places, even in my hometown of Pellston (pop. 500).
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By: John Cassidy
This administration serves as a reminder of why being a middle-school bully never pays when it comes time to get a date for junior prom. People, just like countries, remember how others are treated. So it is for America, four years into an unending war, faced with growing anti-American sentiment, and the remnants of a coalition that could fit into a Fiat. Continue Reading »
By: John Cassidy
The Formalities
Fortunately for President Bush, Monday’s white-tie dinner with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip comes with an etiquette guide. General rules include waiting for the Queen to extend her hand, the proper curtsy for women, and the unpalatable custom that once the Queen is finished eating, the meal is complete for all. While President Bush’s aversion for formalities is widely known, it appears that the Bush Administration is beginning to understand an important lesson: diplomacy often requires being uncomfortable. Continue Reading »