Friends In High Places

Friends in High Places

By Stan G. Kain

30 September 2003

When your country has been visited by invading U.S. military forces, there's going to be a lot of cleanup to be done, once they leave. War just isn't a very orderly activity. Iraq is no exception. In fact, President Junior is calling for $20.3 billion to help rebuild the country, following the U.S.-led war against Saddam Hussein. As most of us expect, that figure will grow significantly, before Iraq is returned to a productive state.

Likewise, our government is spending about $3.9 billion a month on military operations in Iraq. Up to one-third of that money ends up in the hands of contractors, providing food, housing and other services to U.S. and coalition forces. Worldwide, contractors are gearing up to earn their share of the lucrative contracts in the battle-torn nation.

Earning a contract with the U.S. government is not a simple procedure. It's not a simple matter of presenting a bid. Contractors face mountains of forms, bureaucratic red tape and competition. The lowest bidder does not always earn the contract. The government considers many factors in awarding the highly desired jobs. In fact, employing the services of a consulting firm, familiar with such contracts, is standard procedure.

Just as the President announced estimated figures for the reconstruction effort, a new consulting firm has arrived on the scene. New Bridge Strategies, LLC, has created a website, offering consulting services for the rebuilding of Iraq. So far, that sounds like good business strategy. There is nothing sinister about starting a new business.

Let's see what New Bridge Strategies has to say about their objectives. According to their website, New Bridge Strategies says, “New Bridge Strategies, LLC, is a unique company that was created specifically with the air of assisting clients to evaluate and take advantage of business opportunities in the Middle East following the conclusion of the U.S.-led war in Iraq. It's activities will seek to expedite the creation of free and fair markets and new economic growth in Iraq, consistent with the policies of the Bush Administration. The opportunities evolving in Iraq today are of such unprecedented nature and scope that no other existing firm has the necessary skills and experience to be effective both in Washington D.C. and on the ground in Iraq.” (I have added the italics for further reference.)

According to the website information, New Bridge Strategies indicates they have some top-notch people in their employ. They have staff that understands government contracts and the in's and out's of Washington, D.C. What else does New Bridge Strategies say about their staff? The website adds that it's, “principals have years of public policy experience, have held positions in the Reagan Administration and both Bush Administrations and are particularly well suited for working with International agencies in the Executive Branch, Department of Defense and the U.S. Agency for International Development, the American rebuilding apparatus and establishing early links to Congress.”

Wait a minute! Can you spell, “nepotism?” Something sounds a little strange, here. Are we about to see another Halliburton/Cheney connection in the rebuilding of Iraq? Let's look at the top officials in New Bridge Strategies. Research here may add some details to the story. I offer you the following bios from the New Bridge Strategies website.

Joe M. Allbaugh, Chairman and Director

Joe M. Allbaugh is the CEO of the Allbaugh Company, LLC, a Washington, D.C.-based corporate strategy and counsel firm. A native of Oklahoma, Joe served as the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under President George Bush until March 2003. Prior to moving to Washington D.C., he was Chief of Staff to then-Governor Bush of Texas and was the campaign Manager for the Bush-Cheney 2000 presidential campaign.

Ed Rogers, Vice Chairman and Director

Ed Rogers is Vice Chairman of Barbour Griffith & Rogers, Inc., the firm founded with Haley Barbour in 1991. From January of 1989 until August of 1991, Ed served as the Deputy Assistant to the President of the United States and Executive Assistant to the White House Chief of Staff. Additionally, Ed was the Senior Deputy to Bush-Quayle Campaign Manager, Lee Atwater, from February of 1987, through the general election in 1988. Ed also worked in the White House Office of Political Affairs during the Reagan Administration.

John Howland, President, CEO and Director

Prior to becoming President of New Bridge Strategies, John Howland was Executive Vice President of Crest Investment Company, of which he is a Principal. He has worked with Middle Eastern governments and companies, including Iraq (prior to 1989), for over twenty-five years in many areas including food distribution, transportation and oil and gas. John knows the politics of the Middle East and is very knowledgeable about Iraq and its future potential. During the years encompassing the Iran-Iraq war, he worked closely with the U.S. Government, providing food aid and logistical support to the Iraqi government.

Lanny Griffith

Lanny Griffith is Chief Operating Officer at Barbour Griffith & Rogers, Inc. and joined the firm as a partner in 1993. Previously, Lanny served former President George Bush as Assistant Secretary of Education for Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs from November 1991 until January 1993. Lanny also served in the White House as Special Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and was the Southern Political Director for the 1988 Bush-Quayle presidential campaign.

Joe Allbaugh was part of President Junior's so called “Iron Triangle.” The other two members being Karl Rove and Karen Hughes. Now, Allbaugh is running an outfit that helps your company get the sweetest contracts in Iraq. Does that sound right? Do you think he'd have any special pull with the Executive Office?

I'd suggest you look at the New Bridge Strategies, LLC website at: www.newbridgestrategies.com for your own information. We've already seen the massive contracts in Iraq, awarded to Halliburton Industries. Of course, we've also been told that Vice President Cheney has divested himself from Halliburton. I'm sure we'll also be told the former Bush/Reagan staff of New Bridge Strategies has divested themselves from the White House, as well. Sure, I buy that. I also buy the story that Bill Clinton never inhaled. I buy the story that olld Bill never had sex with that woman, either. Right.

This is not a Republican issue. This is not a Democrat issue. This is just another case of how American politicians put power, influence and money ahead of the interests of the American people, who elected them to office. What will the American voter do about it? It's time to clean house, starting with the White House. American voters need to wake up and put our country ahead of political party lines. Maybe it's time to replace the professional politicians and demand real safeguards agains nepotism.

If you have questions or comments, please email Stan.

©2003 Stan G. Kain