Keep this Washington Post story in mind next time you pay taxes, any taxes.
On the heels of a report that came out Friday confirming the staggering reality that the entire cost for the Iraq war is approaching the $686 billion mark we hit in Vietnam -- we get a small glimpse into the black hole of our Iraqi reconstruction efforts, which accounts for more than $50 billion.
Yes, we know, Bush said we'd never nation build in 2000. Get over it!
In just one instance the feds paid a California contractor $142 million to build prisons, fire stations and police facilities in Iraq that it never built or finished.
This seems par-for-the-course with such Iraqi contracts. Iraqi officials received the money, part of a much larger amount, but only finished a third of the work. There are widespread reports of poor work, dangerous construction practices, and rampant overspending. (Sounds like government contracts at home so far)
In addition reconstruction is being hindered by "violent and unstable security conditions" in Iraq. Guess they haven't heard of THE SURGE!
In conclusion an Iraq Reconstruction inspector general said:
"at this point the entire amount disbursed for this project may ultimately be wasted because the Government of Iraq currently has no plan for completing or using this facility."
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