Suzanne Goldenberg in Washington

Friday May 18, 2007

The Guardian

(BIG LETTERS BY GUS)

'I do not regret close relationship with Bush'

"BUSH'S IQ IS ACTUALLY 86, NOT 85... BUT I WAS THAT CLOSE..."

· I would take the same position again I WOULD LIE, TELL PORKIES, BULLY, AND GET MY BELLY SCRATCHED IN THE SAME MANNER AGAIN

· There is still work to do for the common good AS LONG AS THERE IS OIL IN IT.

‘BP executives working for Lord Browne spent millions of pounds on champagne-fuelled sex parties to help secure lucrative international oil contracts.

The company also worked with MI6 to help bring about changes in foreign governments, according to an astonishing account of life inside the oil giant.

The Howard Cabinet's disappearing trick with the WorkChoices name is nothing compared with Halliburton's handling of KBR. After years of accusations of international political interference, bribery and overcharging, Cheney's Crew have finally moved the "iffy stuff" into one basket and gotten rid of it. Now they're talking up how well the scam worked.

Overcharging in the Balkans, political kickbacks in South Australia, ripping off defence forces in Iraq and all suchlike are now regarded as Not Halliburton's Problem. "It wasn't us, it was them!" cry Hal chiefs as they refuse to discuss KBR business.

In Australia, by the way, the name change went from Kinhill Australia to Halliburton Australia to Halliburton/KBR Australia to KBR Australia. See how different they are? Don't forget we're dealing with a wholly US owned subsidiary here... the Australia bit is just more window dressing.

from Crikey …..

Future Summit: a little Downer on the guest list

‘The Future Summit 2007 is hosting a veritable Who's Who of Australian business and politics.

 

from the ABC ….

Green group targets Turnbull over Gunns mill assessment

‘Environmentalists are taking legal action against federal Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull over his assessment of Gunns' proposed northern Tasmanian pulp mill.

The Commonwealth had to begin its own environmental assessment of the $1.5 billion development after the timber company withdrew from the original assessment process.

‘Prince Harry will not be sent to Iraq as previously planned, with Britain's army chief insisting concerns for his safety had forced the decision.

The 22-year-old prince, third-in-line to the throne, was "very disappointed" by the announcement, a royal spokesman said, but he added that he would not quit the army.

General Sir Richard Dannatt acknowledged that Prince Harry would not be pleased with the decision, but said the risk that he and fellow troops would be targeted was too great.

 

from Lateline …..

JOE HOCKEY: No, of course not. Of course I couldn't say that. But you know what, you can't go into a contract, a perfectly valid contract, which two people entered into without duress, by agreement and say we are going to have this new government test apply and if there is anything wrong, we're going to have back pay. Now that is - that is probably unlawful, but obviously the logistics of that are phenomenal. Now, you have to take it at face value.

Loyal to Bush but Big Thorn in G.O.P. Side
By SCOTT SHANE and DAVID JOHNSTON
Published: May 17, 2007

WASHINGTON, May 16 — For a loyal George W. Bush Republican, James B. Comey has made a remarkable amount of trouble for the White House.

As deputy attorney general in 2003, he appointed his old friend Patrick J. Fitzgerald as independent counsel in the C.I.A. leak case, leading to the perjury conviction of Vice President Dick Cheney’s chief of staff, I. Lewis Libby Jr.

In 2004, he backed Justice Department subordinates who withdrew a legal memorandum justifying harsh interrogations of suspected terrorists. This spring, more than a year after leaving the government, he publicly praised several United States attorneys who had been dismissed, undermining the administration’s claim that they were removed for poor performance.

 

As seen on the 7:30 report, ABC TV...

Rattus talking to O'brien .…..

‘It seems to me you cannot claim to fight terrorism or claim to be the beacon of democracy with an organization like the CIA in your ranks.

Americans can no longer claim ignorance of the horrors committed by the CIA. They cannot allow this guise of “The War on Terror" to continue, since it was started by the CIA a terrorist organization which engages in unconstitutional and illegal behavior.

from the ABC …..

Howard reflects on 'very bad' poll result

Prime Minister John Howard says today's Newspoll result is very negative for his Government.

Support for the Government has fallen in the Newspoll, despite last week's Budget, with Labor increasing its lead to 18 per cent on a two-party preferred basis.

The Coalition has polled 41 per cent to Labor's 59 per cent on a two-party preferred basis.

 

from CorpWatch …..

CorpWatch & its partners today released an alternative annual report on Halliburton titled: "Goodbye Houston" The new report was prepared in association with Halliburton Watch & the Oil & Gas Accountability Project.

from the NYT …..

Bank's Report Says Wolfowitz Violated Ethics

By STEVEN R. WEISMAN

Published: May 15, 2007

 

‘Cricket tours have been cancelled due to terrorism, world wars and even the French Revolution, but never before on account of a government's interventionism.

John Howard's directive sets a dangerous precedent for sport in Australia, albeit a popular one in this case. But should the Government look to broaden that ban beyond matches played exclusively in Zimbabwe, as Howard and Alexander Downer foreshadowed, it could well find itself in a heated battle with the very body it is trying to help.

 

Ian Barker, QC, told Downing Centre Local Court that Patrick Power, 54, had suffered from an internet addiction & depressive illness.

Barker tendered 76 references from barristers, friends & family “attesting to his integrity & contribution to society”. They said the highly regarded prosecutor had always behaved with “complete propriety” towards children - “In one sense the community is indebted to him and he’s now entitled to call in that debt,” Mr Barker said after outlining some of Power’s contributions to youth causes.

Power had suffered public humiliation & had already been punished & should be given a good behaviour bond, Mr Barker said.