Free trade... Free oil contracts... There it is again, that cute word "free."
Of 46 international oil companies, including firms from China, India and Russia that had their eye on the first major oil deals in post-Saddam Iraq, guess who got the gig? Exxon-Mobil, Shell, Total and BP!
The western giants got the first-of-a-kind no-bid contracts to service Iraq's biggest fields NOT because the US invaded Iraq for oil. Oh NO. According to the Iraqi Oil Ministry, Exxon-Mobil, Shell, Total et al received the first-of-a-kind, no-bid deals because, of the years of “free" consultations those companies have been giving to the ministry. The ministry also cited a certain “comfort level" in their joint operations. That’s the ministry’s word.
So how's <I>your</I> comfort level? The companies have been advising "without charge" thanks to you. They get to give their consults away because we the taxpayers have been picking up the tab. We've paid for the imperial influence peddlers, which is to say -- the US military. We've paid the Pentagon -- and the private mercenaries who keep the Green Zone "comfortable" for Big Oil and the Ministry. We the tax-payers have been shelling out for Shell - to the tune of over $750 million a day.
All that "free consulting" costs blood too: the blood of well over a million men and women and children and the health of a nation's water and soil.
It's not for naught. The companies are blissed out. Iraqi oil production is expected to go to 3 million barrels soon and 6 million barrels later. Imagine the revenues at today's $140 per barrel. It'll be great for profits. And don't forget: profit's just another word for money someone didn't have to pay for.
So take pride in the oil companies whom you helped to offer so much, so comfortably, for "free." But don't expect a piece of the profit. Expecting back would be disturbing the comforts of the cronies of big oil. Besides, the companies are counting on you not to think about it too much. "Free" sounds great. Don't let the facts - or the deaths -- mess with your comfort levels.
The F Word is a daily commentary by Laura Flanders.
Sadly, you are spot on.
By angie on June 19th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
If Sarkozy hadn’t been elected and didn’t need some help right now, would Total still have been included?
By JTMinIA on June 19th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Free!
By neurophius on June 19th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
You can Digg this post HERE
By neurophius on June 19th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Can’t decide which is more disgusting today. FISA capitulation or Big Oil getting rich off the backs of our tax payer funded military and mercinaries.
I am so sick to my stomach this is a sinking feeling. Disgusting.
Anyone call Hillary? She is still a senator?
By MsAnnaNOLA on June 19th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Sen. Clinton is on vacation. Please call back next month. Thanks.
By JTMinIA on June 19th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Big Business + BushCo = Fascist
By AZ Matt on June 19th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Can somebody tell me about the FISA capitulation or whatever happened with FISA today? I have been offline all day and have not read the threads or comments here. If you can give me a link, that would be great.
Oh, but I did call my D comgresswoman and talked to her staff and admonished them strongly to ask her not support any FISA “compromise” that included telecom immunity or expanded the executive’s powers to spy on Americans without warrants. And I called Steny Horror’s office and told them the same thing, plus the fact that I am a Democrat who gives money to Democratic congressional candidates.
Was I too late to do any good?
By neurophius on June 19th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
So, where in the deal does it require these oil companies which owe so much to our participation to repay America for our expenses?
By MarkH on June 19th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
hahahahaha
By neurophius on June 19th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
The House will vote tomorrow, neuro…!
By CTuttle on June 19th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Hey Neuro take over the digging I need to cook diner for the family:>) Oh and I dugg it… What about the rest of you PUPS??
By nahant on June 19th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
War for oil?
Hardly
By Teddy Partridge on June 19th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
What is going on the time is eastern time zone??
And yes Teddy this is exactly what is occurring now. Big oil has been out of Iraq since 72 and Bushco has just invited them back in.. As was said in the run up to this horrible war!!
IMPEACH the freaking bastards they lied to get us in about the evidence and now it has come out it was all about the oil all along.. How many have died so cheney and friends can make more money….
By nahant on June 19th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
dont you get it? peloser said… impeachment is off the table….. bushco aint accountable to WE the sheeple
By juslin on June 19th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
SHIT it sure seems that way… !@#!@#$%^^&*^%$@!!#%**
By nahant on June 19th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
in a word or 3 – we are fucked!!
By juslin on June 19th, 2008 at 11:58 pm