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Harry Waxman And The 22-Year Old Arms Contractor: There Will Be Hearings

Harry Waxman And The 22-Year Old Arms Contractor: There Will Be Hearings

March 27, 2008 05:55 PM


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Earlier today, the New York Times reported on AEY, a Miami-based military contractor run by 22-year old Efraim Diveroli and his personal masseur/VP David Packouz who apparently won a $300 million contract to be "the main supplier of munitions to Afghanistan's army and police forces." What did Afghanistan get from AEY? Degraded, forty-year old munitions in "decomposing packaging" that came from "the aging stockpiles of the old Communist bloc." And here's a key revelation you'll want to keep with you: the Army only just this week "suspended the company from any future federal contracting" because they were told the munitions were from Hungary - country of quality munitions.

Anyway, because House Oversight Committee Chair Henry Waxman did not wake up today bereft of his eyes, cognitive faculties, or subscription to the New York Times, he was on this story with a quickness, and as sure as the swallows coming home to San Capistrano, hearings on the matter have been scheduled.

From Waxman's letter to Diveroli:

At the hearing, please be prepared to discuss your company's financial history, past performance, and compliance with U.S. law and government contracting regulations. The Committee will be sending you under separate cover a request for documents relating to this issue. In addition, I request that you make yourself available for a transcribed interview with Committee staff on or before April 11, 2008.

Waxman has also sent letters to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Each are asked to "be prepared to discuss the scope of AEY's contracts with the Department, efforts by the Department to determine whether AEY is a responsible contractor capable of adequate performance under federal contracts, the Department's efforts to investigate allegations that AEY may have violated U.S. law and government contracting regulations, and any actions the Department has taken against the company as a result of such investigation."

The hearings have been scheduled for for April 17th, at 10:00am sharp, and will help to entertain all of those who are impatiently awaiting the release of Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay.


 
 

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- Desiderata See Profile I'm a Fan of Desiderata permalink

I'll bet illicit sex will prove be be the motive for awarding this 22-year-old a 300 million dollar munitions contract. BTW, what ever happened to the Jeff Gannon guy?

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:04 PM on 03/30/2008
- GrainOSand See Profile I'm a Fan of GrainOSand permalink

What can you say after a lifetime of witnessing this sort of thing emanating from within your government? Can any candidate really address this issue? I have no confidence that this sort of nonsense will not persist regardless of who wins the current election process. Throughout this country's history it seems there have always been the corrupt and there have always been people who really aim to make a positive difference in the lives of the citizens. Can any policy of governmental overhaul ferret out a dark heart and an evil mind manifesting as greed and deceit? I can take no positives away from this story it is quite sad indeed; a real disheartening reflection of the failings of a people.

One over-all personal positive is the great amount of knowledge and mental stimulation one can gain from engaging in the consumption of the news or that reported to be news.

Thanks Huffington Post for your contribution to this. Until fairly recently I saw no point in this sort of expression because I felt what difference would it make to say anything at all. I have found the difference to be it makes me feel better to know that I spoke up rather than remained silent about issues that are important to me. That has been the best part of all of the effort and time for me.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:12 PM on 03/29/2008
- LastDaysCafe See Profile I'm a Fan of LastDaysCafe permalink

$30 Billion in Iraq Oil Revenues "Stolen" by the Bush Regime!

Whats the Big Deal? So these guys sold munitions that were useless and didn't work - whats so bad about that? At least no "innocent people" were killed by way of those munitions! Thats actually a plus regarding Bush's "Illegal" wars in Iraq and Afghanistan!

If Rep.Waxman wants to get his fangs into a Real Story why doesn't he investigate the "THEFT" of more than $30 Billion Dollars in Iraq Oil Revenues by the Bush White House!!!
Not Fucking Likely!!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:37 AM on 03/28/2008
- Beardedfish See Profile I'm a Fan of Beardedfish permalink

This has got to be a joke. I actually do not believe this. Part of me realizes that as this story develops I will have to come to terms with my disbelief and accept the existence of this event. For once in my life I think I understand how the delusional neo-cons feel about how overall their adventure in Iraq is actually a success and is currently going well in the face of strong evidence staring them in the face that says otherwise. Or maybe when you see a fatal car crash happen and you don't believe it at first. I dunno I am just really well. . . wow.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:53 AM on 03/28/2008
- freccia See Profile I'm a Fan of freccia permalink

Not the normal post-college career step, but then again, fueling regional warfare around the globe does seem to be a growth industry these days.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 04:32 PM on 03/27/2008
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