Iraqi Museum Plundered, Oil Ministry Protected

Is Halliburton now giving orders to US troops in Iraq?

I listened on Friday as Donald Rumsfeld scolded the media for showing the "same guy looting a vase over and over again." Donald reminded us that there can't possibly be that many vases in Iraq. How dare he make light of the looting that the American forces have done nothing to halt? Allowing the looting of ancient Sumerian artifacts is akin to the Taliban's destruction of the Bamiyan Buddahs. Who are the war criminals here?

From the Washington Post:

"On Baghdad’s chaotic streets, it appeared American troops were doing nothing to curb the feverish looting. Troops could be seen waving looters through checkpoints and standing idly in front of buildings while they were being pillaged…

"U.S. Army troops and armor blocked access to the main palace grounds. The Oil Ministry also seemed intact with a heavy U.S. military presence inside."

Halliburton, Dick Cheney’s old company, has already been given an $8 billion contract to restore Iraq’s oil industry -- a contract that was signed without public bidding, congressional oversight or the best interests of the Iraqi people in mind. It was awarded as part of the plan to plunder the natural resources of Iraq, and so "Americans can reap a benefit far greater than any tax break."

I am embarrassed and appalled by my government's actions, and am at a loss as to what we can do about it. If only a single Democrat showed the spine to stand up to the cowboy and file articles of impeachment.