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  • FRIDAY AUGUST 31 2007 9:38 AM

Which Side Does the Government Really Want to Win?



My Dad once told me that making a deal with the devil is like owning a Rolex clock radio -- sure, it sounds like a great idea... but its something that you can never really show off to your friends or family, and the few people who see the damn thing will never appreciate it.

So when I read about how the U.S. was giving money to insurgents in order to "protect" shipments, it raised an eyebrow.

The payments, in return for the insurgents' allowing supplies to move and construction work to begin, have taken place since the earliest projects in 2003, Iraqi contractors, politicians and interpreters involved with reconstruction efforts said


Okay. Sometimes you have to pay the devil his due. But unfortunately, we (the American taxpayers) are the ones who are going to be paying.

Providing that security is the source of the extortion, Iraqi contractors say. A U.S. company with a reconstruction contract hires an Iraqi sub-contractor to haul supplies along insurgent-ridden roads. The Iraqi contractor sets his price at up to four times the going rate because he'll be forced to give 50 percent or more to gun-toting insurgents who demand cash payments in exchange for the supply convoys' safe passage.


With events like this taking place, it seems a moot point to urge others to end terrorist financing. Between the payoff of insurgents, the loss of weapons in Iraq, and inevitable reduction of U.S. troops in Iraq I am lead to believe that someone is definitely fucked.

 

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FunkyPhantom

FunkyPhantom

Chapel Hill, NC
June 2007

AUG 31, 2007 09:50 AM

Wow

just wow

mellon

mellon

USA
October 2004

AUG 31, 2007 10:20 AM

So essentially, by invading Iraq, we have substantially improved the fortunes of terrorists, whilst utterly destroying what well-being ordinary non-terrorist Iraqis were able to enjoy.

Neocons FTW!

JekyllAndHyde

JekyllAndHyde

Austin, TX
April 2005

AUG 31, 2007 10:33 AM

Just when I think we've finally gotten to the point where Bush's policies couldn't possibly be proved to be any more of a failure, something like this happens. Where's Doc Brown when you need him?

BDeyeD

BDeyeD

Toronto, ON
January 2007

AUG 31, 2007 10:39 AM

*audible smack as the palm of my hands meets my forehead* whatever

Gringo

Gringo

Spokane, WA
May 2006

AUG 31, 2007 10:44 AM

I honestly cannot say I'm surprised.

It's a good thing the U.S. has such a strict policy against negotiating with terrorists.

Trahern

Trahern

United Kingdom
March 2003

AUG 31, 2007 10:57 AM

Let's kill the terrorists, then kill the politicians, then kill the lawyers. Sure, the lawyers aren't involved; but since they're supposed to be the first against the wall when the revolution comes, I think coming in third is more luck than they deserve.

Er, present company excluded of course? confused

FattyFatty2x4

FattyFatty2x4

Salt Lake City, UT
May 2006

AUG 31, 2007 11:26 AM

Ya know its nonsense like this that just makes me sick. Do you believe every bit of internet filth you read or do you pick and chose? I'm sorry that you only get a small perspective of what goes on over here. I dont blame you. How could you possibly know? Perhaps you should get some input from people with boots on the ground rather than some fuckstick that wants you to be angry and vent. Thats how he gets your attention.

First off, yes the "American taxpayer" is paying for the Iraqi war. You started it, therefore you have a responsiblity. I say you only because I get all my taxes back since Iraq is a tax-free combat zone. If you didnt want to pay for this war, then you shouldnt have voted for the tards that are fucking this place up as it is. If you didn't vote or you're candidate lost, sorry. Thats democracy. Majority rules.

Secondly, the people we pay are called CLC's (concerned local citizens), formally known as IPV's (Iraqi Provisional Volunteers). Whatever doubletalk we use to call these guys, they do a job that saves YOU the taxpaying american money.

There is a specialty in the military called EOD. Explosive ordinance disposal goes out and blows up whatever IED's we find on patrol. They also sweep major supply lines for said device. Its possible that they are one of the most overworked and desprately needed jobs in Iraq and I have much respect for them.

Any EOD tech will tell you that the time, money, and focus spent on blowing a single IED (real, fake, or false call) is fucking expensive. its a long process from 1-72 hours depending on alot of factors. If you wanna know just msg me.

Now what these CLC's do is man the roads safeguarding them from IED's and ambushs. Its true that some of them were the same cunts we fought a few months ago, but most of the people that emplaced IEDs did so for money. Its a social faux paux (like being a card carrying member of the KKK) to be associated with insurgent groups, but alot of them have a family to feed. 100 bucks to plant a bomb in the road and possibly get a .50 CAL round to the chest.

We are offering them another path. One that would put them at risk, if they werent guarding their own tribe's roads. Since the whole fucking area is involved, it brings a sense of ownership and security. Its the first time in two deployments that I've seen these people stand up for themselves. these guys even go so far as to walk the roads and dig up IEDs to bring to us for a bonus.

We dont let just anyone have a weapon. When they are on duty, the CLC's must wear roadguard vests, they are subject to search by any american or iraqi army personnel, they must be registered (name, fingerprints, retinal imaging, and picture) to the serial number on that weapon. should they chose to say fuck this I quit, they are fairly easy to track down. But they dont because they dont fight for us. they fight for themselves.

Whats that you say? Maybe they just make the bombs and bring them in for money. Who gives a fuck? Would you rather it kill another soldier or some civilians? WAY more cost effective. A humvee is somewhere areound 150k fully combat ready and the soldiers inside are worth more than you'll ever know, Mr. taxpayer. CLC's make 200 a month for standing in the sun for twelve hours and 100 for bringing in an IED. Maybe a couple grand for a blacklisted insurgent. Do the math.

My brigade lives among the people. We balance the sector and involve sheiks in the government. the CLC's have the balls to dig up that which could disintegrate them and bring it to us. it goes into a hole on the fob and then EOD comes out to blow the lot of them in one fell swoop. Saving you money. In return we allow them to carry weapons and use the roads THEY defend.

Want proof that its working? Knock on wood, my battalion hasnt lost a man since we started organizing the peple to fight the insurgents. Believe whatever you want. I'm here, in Iraq, seeing change for the better and you are saving money here.

DucksAreCrazy

DucksAreCrazy

Lexington, KY
December 2006

AUG 31, 2007 11:31 AM

So here's the logic: if taxpayers are funding terrorists, and the government is now allowed to seize an individual's property on suspicion of funding terrorists, doesn't that make every taxpayer susceptible to having their shit taken?
Am I allowed to contest paying taxes on the basis that taxes are funding the insurgents? Thanks, government.

polverso

polverso

Kansas City, MO
December 2005

AUG 31, 2007 11:41 AM

Wait does this mean the government now has to seize all of the militarys assets? I'm so confused.

Newlt

Newlt

Manhattan, KS
February 2006

AUG 31, 2007 11:49 AM

FattyFatty2x4 said:
Ya know its nonsense like this that just makes me sick. Do you believe every bit of internet filth you read or do you pick and chose? I'm sorry that you only get a small perspective of what goes on over here. I dont blame you. How could you possibly know? Perhaps you should get some input from people with boots on the ground rather than some fuckstick that wants you to be angry and vent. Thats how he gets your attention.

First off, yes the "American taxpayer" is paying for the Iraqi war. You started it, therefore you have a responsiblity. I say you only because I get all my taxes back since Iraq is a tax-free combat zone. If you didnt want to pay for this war, then you shouldnt have voted for the tards that are fucking this place up as it is. If you didn't vote or you're candidate lost, sorry. Thats democracy. Majority rules.

Secondly, the people we pay are called CLC's (concerned local citizens), formally known as IPV's (Iraqi Provisional Volunteers). Whatever doubletalk we use to call these guys, they do a job that saves YOU the taxpaying american money.

There is a specialty in the military called EOD. Explosive ordinance disposal goes out and blows up whatever IED's we find on patrol. They also sweep major supply lines for said device. Its possible that they are one of the most overworked and desprately needed jobs in Iraq and I have much respect for them.

Any EOD tech will tell you that the time, money, and focus spent on blowing a single IED (real, fake, or false call) is fucking expensive. its a long process from 1-72 hours depending on alot of factors. If you wanna know just msg me.

Now what these CLC's do is man the roads safeguarding them from IED's and ambushs. Its true that some of them were the same cunts we fought a few months ago, but most of the people that emplaced IEDs did so for money. Its a social faux paux (like being a card carrying member of the KKK) to be associated with insurgent groups, but alot of them have a family to feed. 100 bucks to plant a bomb in the road and possibly get a .50 CAL round to the chest.

We are offering them another path. One that would put them at risk, if they werent guarding their own tribe's roads. Since the whole fucking area is involved, it brings a sense of ownership and security. Its the first time in two deployments that I've seen these people stand up for themselves. these guys even go so far as to walk the roads and dig up IEDs to bring to us for a bonus.

We dont let just anyone have a weapon. When they are on duty, the CLC's must wear roadguard vests, they are subject to search by any american or iraqi army personnel, they must be registered (name, fingerprints, retinal imaging, and picture) to the serial number on that weapon. should they chose to say fuck this I quit, they are fairly easy to track down. But they dont because they dont fight for us. they fight for themselves.

Whats that you say? Maybe they just make the bombs and bring them in for money. Who gives a fuck? Would you rather it kill another soldier or some civilians? WAY more cost effective. A humvee is somewhere areound 150k fully combat ready and the soldiers inside are worth more than you'll ever know, Mr. taxpayer. CLC's make 200 a month for standing in the sun for twelve hours and 100 for bringing in an IED. Maybe a couple grand for a blacklisted insurgent. Do the math.

My brigade lives among the people. We balance the sector and involve sheiks in the government. the CLC's have the balls to dig up that which could disintegrate them and bring it to us. it goes into a hole on the fob and then EOD comes out to blow the lot of them in one fell swoop. Saving you money. In return we allow them to carry weapons and use the roads THEY defend.

Want proof that its working? Knock on wood, my battalion hasnt lost a man since we started organizing the peple to fight the insurgents. Believe whatever you want. I'm here, in Iraq, seeing change for the better and you are saving money here.



Fuckin a bro! The normal American, however well intentioned they are, has zero idea what it is like over here. I have been in country for a good bit, driving all over this place, and only recently have I seen evidence of the local populace doing anything proactive against the insurgency. More power to them. Keep your head down.

scorp17yh

scorp17yh

Brookings, OR
November 2004

AUG 31, 2007 12:01 PM

FattyFatty2x4 said:
Ya know its nonsense like this that just makes me sick. Do you believe every bit of internet filth you read or do you pick and chose? I'm sorry that you only get a small perspective of what goes on over here. I dont blame you. How could you possibly know? Perhaps you should get some input from people with boots on the ground rather than some fuckstick that wants you to be angry and vent. Thats how he gets your attention.

First off, yes the "American taxpayer" is paying for the Iraqi war. You started it, therefore you have a responsiblity. I say you only because I get all my taxes back since Iraq is a tax-free combat zone. If you didnt want to pay for this war, then you shouldnt have voted for the tards that are fucking this place up as it is. If you didn't vote or you're candidate lost, sorry. Thats democracy. Majority rules.

Secondly, the people we pay are called CLC's (concerned local citizens), formally known as IPV's (Iraqi Provisional Volunteers). Whatever doubletalk we use to call these guys, they do a job that saves YOU the taxpaying american money.

There is a specialty in the military called EOD. Explosive ordinance disposal goes out and blows up whatever IED's we find on patrol. They also sweep major supply lines for said device. Its possible that they are one of the most overworked and desprately needed jobs in Iraq and I have much respect for them.

Any EOD tech will tell you that the time, money, and focus spent on blowing a single IED (real, fake, or false call) is fucking expensive. its a long process from 1-72 hours depending on alot of factors. If you wanna know just msg me.

Now what these CLC's do is man the roads safeguarding them from IED's and ambushs. Its true that some of them were the same cunts we fought a few months ago, but most of the people that emplaced IEDs did so for money. Its a social faux paux (like being a card carrying member of the KKK) to be associated with insurgent groups, but alot of them have a family to feed. 100 bucks to plant a bomb in the road and possibly get a .50 CAL round to the chest.

We are offering them another path. One that would put them at risk, if they werent guarding their own tribe's roads. Since the whole fucking area is involved, it brings a sense of ownership and security. Its the first time in two deployments that I've seen these people stand up for themselves. these guys even go so far as to walk the roads and dig up IEDs to bring to us for a bonus.

We dont let just anyone have a weapon. When they are on duty, the CLC's must wear roadguard vests, they are subject to search by any american or iraqi army personnel, they must be registered (name, fingerprints, retinal imaging, and picture) to the serial number on that weapon. should they chose to say fuck this I quit, they are fairly easy to track down. But they dont because they dont fight for us. they fight for themselves.

Whats that you say? Maybe they just make the bombs and bring them in for money. Who gives a fuck? Would you rather it kill another soldier or some civilians? WAY more cost effective. A humvee is somewhere areound 150k fully combat ready and the soldiers inside are worth more than you'll ever know, Mr. taxpayer. CLC's make 200 a month for standing in the sun for twelve hours and 100 for bringing in an IED. Maybe a couple grand for a blacklisted insurgent. Do the math.

My brigade lives among the people. We balance the sector and involve sheiks in the government. the CLC's have the balls to dig up that which could disintegrate them and bring it to us. it goes into a hole on the fob and then EOD comes out to blow the lot of them in one fell swoop. Saving you money. In return we allow them to carry weapons and use the roads THEY defend.

Want proof that its working? Knock on wood, my battalion hasnt lost a man since we started organizing the peple to fight the insurgents. Believe whatever you want. I'm here, in Iraq, seeing change for the better and you are saving money here.



utter bullshit
what about the tons of lost cash
the tons of lost weapons
the list goes on forever

Gerry_D

Gerry_D

Los Angeles, CA
May 2003

AUG 31, 2007 12:02 PM

FattyFatty2x4 said:
Ya know its nonsense like this that just makes me sick. Do you believe every bit of internet filth you read or do you pick and chose? I'm sorry that you only get a small perspective of what goes on over here. I dont blame you. How could you possibly know? Perhaps you should get some input from people with boots on the ground




We are.

A bunch.

FattyFatty2x4

FattyFatty2x4

Salt Lake City, UT
May 2006

AUG 31, 2007 12:18 PM


Fuckin a bro! The normal American, however well intentioned they are, has zero idea what it is like over here. I have been in country for a good bit, driving all over this place, and only recently have I seen evidence of the local populace doing anything proactive against the insurgency. More power to them. Keep your head down.



For sure man. when the journalist twists the story to get an outcry he only fucks the people out of the truth. OBJECTIVE REPORTING, NOT SUBJECTIVE! I thought that would be #1 on the "junior reporter's to-do list".

You rock, NewIt. I will if you will. Keep on truckin. If I see you stateside, I'll buy you a beer. A really big beer.

FattyFatty2x4

FattyFatty2x4

Salt Lake City, UT
May 2006

AUG 31, 2007 12:25 PM

Did code_red bother to confer with either of your reporter's in Iraq? Or did he just post this at face value after googling some keywords?

[edit: what about asking SG military? Lots of boots on the ground there.]

_kungfoo_

_kungfoo_

Los Angeles, CA
April 2005

AUG 31, 2007 12:26 PM

Gerry_D said:

FattyFatty2x4 said:
Ya know its nonsense like this that just makes me sick. Do you believe every bit of internet filth you read or do you pick and chose? I'm sorry that you only get a small perspective of what goes on over here. I dont blame you. How could you possibly know? Perhaps you should get some input from people with boots on the ground




We are.

A bunch.



He's right though, opposing opinions IS pure internet filth. Hell, check out code_red's quote-unquote sources: The New York Times. The Seattle Times. The Guardian. The US State Department?!! These people are clearly out to make our troops feel bad. I can't wait until we change the First Amendment to make baby Jesus happy.

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